MilONGa Fest at the Association for the Support of Children and Adolescents

A new experience took place in Brazil during the month of July. It was Milonga Fest, a new initiative involving short-term volunteer placements in different social organizations around the country.

In upcoming posts, we will delve into the experiences of both the young people and the organizations that took part in this new initiative.

Between July 21 and 26, 2025, AACA – Association for the Support of Children and Adolescents – joyfully welcomed the young Vitor and Ramon from Piauí, in an experience promoted by the Milonga Project. The week was marked by exchanges of affection, art, and service: the children received them with dances from the Northeastern culture, and the young people reciprocated with music workshops, activities, and great enthusiasm.

Besides the activities at AACA, they participated in a visit to Santa Teresinha Island, where they were moved by stories of social transformation, and visited the historic centers of Olinda and Recife. The farewell was lively and full of gratitude, leaving fruits of love and unity.

In Victor's words, the experience was transformative:

“I was warmly welcomed by the Focolarini, some of whom I already knew, and I had the honor of enjoying a bit of the city, which was much more beautiful than I expected. Everyone was kind and enthusiastically introduced us to the culture and stories of the place. The children in the project where I worked were also very receptive and affectionate.The most beautiful moment was being able to teach music and help with activities with the children. I learned a lot about the social reality of the neighborhood and the nobility of the people living there. It was a true life lesson.This experience rekindled in me the desire to give my life to others. I returned transformed, with a heart full of gratitude. It exceeded all my expectations. I carry with me the smiles, friendships, the beauty of the city, and the desire to return one day.”

Ramón describes his experience as follows:

“Since I left the bus station, I was very excited. As soon as I arrived, what impressed me most was the contrast between cultures. It was enough to start talking to the people in the city for me to feel this difference. Adapting to the organization was smooth, although at first I felt a little lost. Living with the companions, staff, children, and people in the city was very good.The entire experience was positive. Getting to know the community, interacting with everyone, and understanding a bit of the local reality was remarkable. The only difficult part was the commute itself. We had the opportunity to visit several points in the community, which made me see up close a social reality I hadn’t known before.

This was my first time participating in a social project outside Teresina, and also my first time visiting a peripheral community. It was a very intense experience that exceeded my expectations. I return home carrying everything I lived with me — both for personal and professional life.”