Association Canarinhos da Amazonia, Ambassadors of Peace

The project in brief

Implemented by

International Association Canarinhos da Amazonia

Country

Pacaraima municipality, Brazil, South America

Duration

2015-Ongoing (expected to be renewed in 2020)

Description

Through UNHCR’s funding, the Associação Internacional Canarinhos da Amazonia Embaixadores da Paz (known as Canarinhos) provides a safe space for both Brazilian and Venezuelan children, adolescents and women, by offering self-empowerment opportunities through music learning. Canarinhos’ motto is shaping, with dignity, the seeds of tomorrow.

Project aims 

Objective 1: Promote peaceful co-existence between displaced and host community through musical training and Portuguese classes.

Objective 2: Promote school enrolment and attendance of participants by providing school supplies and a follow-up to ensure all participants are enrolled and attending formal schooling.

Objective 3: Provide livelihoods and self-empowerment opportunities for women end developing their entrepreneurship capacity by providing vocational training courses.

Resources used 

The project is currently supported by the Government of Brazil (Operation Acolhida) and funded by UNHCR.

Main activities of the Good Practice

Its work with women focuses on ways to improve self-reliance through vocational training and livelihood initiatives, such as sewing and cooking workshops. The project is led by Ms. Miriam Blos, graduated in Music, Pedagogy, and Theology and specialist in Amazonian music. All activities are implemented in the House of Music - Casa da Música, which is a rented space where approximately 100 children receive music training and emotional support, as well as foster the creation of bonds between the two communities and promote the peaceful co-existence.

Partners

• Brazilian Government – Support through Federal Government Humanitarian Response Task Force (Operation Acolhida).
• UNHCR – Financial and Technical Support

Challenges and how they were overcome

To keep its activities running, Canarinhos needs an average of USD 6,500 per month. This amount is sufficient to cover staff, nutritious snacks, school supplies, musical instruments, rental of premises, utilities, etc. The main requirement towards self-reliance of Canarinhos is securing a stable location for the projects and activities. It is estimated that some USD 198,000 will be required to purchase a piece of land and initiate the construction of a property.

UNHCR is funding the project, with the support of the Brazilian Government, and supporting the organization in finding alternatives sources of income to keep and expand its activities.

Results of the Good Practice 

• Providing musical training and choir singing: rhythmic body expression activities, vocal technique, and breathing exercises. In 2018, 150 children participated in the program.
• Providing Portuguese classes to support local integration. In 2018, 90 children and 10 women participated in the language course.
• Providing school material and a follow-up to ensure that all participants are enrolled and attending formal schooling.
• Training in cooking, craft, and sewing. In 2018, 52 women benefited from the training.