SOLAR MENINOS DE LUZ

REACHING OUT TO RIO’S FAMILIES IN NEED

The mere mention of Rio de Janeiro evokes vibrant images of Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach and Carnival celebrations. Yet, for many families that call Rio home, daily hardships paint a far less rosy picture.

In 1983, Rio local Lar Paulo de Tarso founded Solar Meninos de Luz to address these challenges. This civil and philanthropic organization assists local families with daycare, healthcare and schooling, affording Rio’s mothers the opportunity to work, study and improve their families’ socio-economic status while their children grow through learning. Recognizing the institution’s transformational impact, AKP partnered with Solar Meninos de Luz in 2023 to further its outreach.

Today, Solar Meninos de Luz serves some 430 vulnerable children ranging in age from 3 months to 18 years old. Open 10 hours a day, the school provides educational instruction; three daily meals; medical, psychiatric and dental care; as well as workshops spanning dance, arts, sports and music.

The results speak for themselves. Of Solar Meninos de Luz’s 8,000-plus students, 85% have been admitted to university, with 70% going on to secure gainful employment.

With continued support from A&K guests, AKP looks to grow its partnership with Solar Meninos de Luz, empowering more of Rio’s families to reach for the bright future they deserve.

“I like Solar because it gives us many opportunities to be someone in life. The teachers, inspectors, officials and coordinators are like parents because they teach us every day."
—Francisco Sliva, fifth-year student