The southern region of Brazil is among the most affected by the severe cold at this time of year. Therefore, in Curitiba, the country's coldest capital, the Vista Alegre Adventist School mobilized employees, teachers, students, and families to collect clothes to help people at risk due to low temperatures.

The campaign was an initiative of the third-grade teachers who work on the theme ”Social Project” in the classroom. By taking the matter to discussion with the pastoral team and administration, they chose to expand the “Campanha do Agasalho” to the entire school. “It is teaching that has gone beyond the classroom. It went beyond cognitive. In my view, it is also a teaching that will have effects on society,” says Wenderson Barros, pastor of the Vista Alegre Adventist School.

On the first day, the engagement of students and families was already noticed as they donated a large number of items of clothing. The project results surprised everyone in a positive way. “For the dimensions of our school, I found the result to be very significant. In one school week, we have collected more than 1,000 pieces,” says Barros.

Beyond the School Gates

The items collected are being divided among the units of the Adventist Solidarity Action (ASA) of the school district, in the Vista Alegre, Santa Felicidade, and Jardim Itália churches. From ASA, these clothes will reach the most vulnerable families. The school ministry continues to check the entire process to directly monitor the impact on society.

The initiative came out of the classroom and has a positive impact on the community, in addition to the families that will receive these donations. 

“This project helps employees understand that even in the midst of the pandemic, we can do something to minimize the pain of other people, and that there are families 'from home' who have benefited from this material. It was really cool to see the teachers motivating the students, who are actively learning. Our school won as a whole,” emphasizes Barros.

This article was originally published on the South American Division’s Portuguese news site