MilONGa Fest 2026: Celebrating commitment and transforming realities

MilONGa Fest was born as an initiative of the international project MilONGa to connect young people from different regions with civil society organizations, promoting volunteering, fraternity, and direct social impact. Created as a space for meeting and action, the event seeks to decentralize volunteer experiences and enable youth to actively engage in urgent causes, such as migrant reception, community support, and local development.

In 2026, MilONGa Fest extends its reach to four distinct locations and organizations, gathering passionate volunteers ready to leave a positive mark. The first of these experiences has already completed its cycle at the Fraternidade na Unidade network in Curitiba (PR, Brazil), leaving deep experiences, shared learnings, and a transformative impact for both the hosted communities and the volunteers themselves.

Below, we share the testimonies and stories of those who lived this first phase.

Fraternidade na Unidade (Curitiba, PR)

The Fraternidade na Unidade network works in the reception, comprehensive support, and integration of migrant families and vulnerable populations. During an intense week of work, volunteers immersed themselves in the organization's daily routine, combining direct assistance, territorial action, and civic advocacy.

"Overcoming fear to achieve a dream"

Testimony: Evelyn — Volunteer at Fraternidade na Unidade

"... I confess I was very afraid of going alone to the other side of the state and spending a week away from my family. But to fulfill a dream—which was to participate in volunteer work—I knew I had to overcome that fear.

During that week, I learned about the reality of migrants and how complicated it is. While visiting families, one marked me deeply: the owner of a house turned her garage into a 'home' with two bedrooms and a bathroom. In one bedroom slept a family of 4; in the other, a family of 5: a couple, two children, and a baby. Their room had leaks dripping onto the bed, and they were sick due to the smell of mold. Being there was a reality check that moved me deeply, but it also taught me a lot: even in difficult conditions, the children shared their tangerine with everyone present. That taught me so much about humility and gratitude.

"I was welcomed more than I welcomed: a flame that keeps burning"

Testimony: Pedro — Volunteer at Fraternidade na Unidade

"My participation in MilONGa Fest stems from the flame ignited during the 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul. Affected by the climate tragedy, we could not host the first phase of Genfest, but we did not stop living the mission to 'relieve the pain of where we are.' I was invited by Vaudete Bueno and Tiago Rolim and went to Curitiba to get to know the Fraternidade na Unidade network.

Over the 8 days, we worked directly with migrants at the headquarters: mitigating hunger (food baskets), cold (blankets and clothes), housing support, psychological support in their native language, and documentation/professional aid. Outside the headquarters, we visited 'Casa de Francisco e Clara' (PUC/PR) and 'Projeto Sopa e Pão' in Vila Torres, where we prepared and distributed food to waste pickers. We were also at the Curitiba City Council meeting with the Presidency to address public migration policies, connecting the first and third sectors.

I witnessed the stories of grieving people, separated families, and canceled dreams, who nevertheless choose to live and keep hope alive. I was welcomed more than I welcomed; I left happier and with a soul full of life."