May Activist Spotlight: Vitor Ferrari

This month, for our Activist Spotlight, we are uplifting Vitor Ferrari (he/him), a Brazilian Youth Activist who is a graduate from our 2023 Weavership cohort!

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Vitor is a 20-year-old youth who seeks to express love genuinely through volunteer work, aiming for a better life for people and the world. Recently, he was accepted into 9 universities in the United States, choosing to attend Wabash College. He founded the project Composition of Action, which offers mental health circles for young students, and In Pursuit of Action, which impacts communities of garbage collectors and homeless people through donations. Additionally, he initiated the SmartSTEM Institute, aiming to provide hands-on experiences in the fields of science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. As a young person, Vito seeks to inspire others of his age to understand the role of youth in our world and to become global citizens capable of impacting other lives.

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We asked Vitor a few questions to hear more about his journey within the education transformation space and his work. Here's what he had to say:

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‍YouthxYouth: "What does education transformation mean to you?"

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Vitor:

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"Education transformation represents POWER. I was raised by my grandparents, neither of whom completed middle school. Despite their efforts to support me, I faced numerous challenges. Throughout my school period, I often heard discouraging remarks like "you won't succeed" or "you'll fall into drugs and alcohol, given your freedom with your grandparents." While I did have freedom, I made the conscious decision to prioritize education. Through opportunities like the Latin American Leadership Academy, Global Citizen Year Academy, Weavership Program, and others, I've empowered my life. Education has the profound ability to transform individuals and families. Those involved in educational initiatives, whether projects, schools, or institutions, are essentially nurturing a community of dreamers. It's crucial to support and uplift them, for as Nelson Mandela famously said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

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‍YouthxYouth: "If you could describe the world of your deepest longing using 3 words, what would it be?"

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Vitor:

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"Altruistic; Connected; Peace. "

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‍YouthxYouth: "What inspires you in your work?"

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Vitor:

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"I find fulfillment in my purpose: guiding and empowering individuals through transformative experiences. Working closely with children, witnessing their growth and development, fills me with an indescribable sense of purpose. Their genuine charisma and gratitude serve as constant reminders of the impact we can have on their lives.

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It's incredibly rewarding to see these children strive for excellence, with some even becoming the first in their families to pursue higher education. This illustrates the profound significance of our work in shaping not only their futures but also the trajectories of their entire families.

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Furthermore, I thrive on the opportunity to connect with a diverse array of individuals, each one a unique story waiting to be explored. I often liken people to books, each brimming with invaluable lessons derived from their achievements, setbacks, and cultural backgrounds. This fascination with human diversity fuels my desire to engage with as many people as possible, continuously broadening my understanding of the world.

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In essence, my passion lies in fostering positive change and creating opportunities for growth, both for those I directly work with and for myself through the rich tapestry of human experiences."

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YouthxYouth: "What are you currently working on?"

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Vitor:

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"Currently, I'm focused on raising funds to attend Wabash College and further amplify my impact through my projects. Additionally, I'm spearheading social initiatives in my city such as Social Coffee and In Pursuit of Action. Through these endeavors, we're addressing basic needs for garbage collectors and homeless individuals, while also providing essential assistance to children by offering basic education and school supplies. Recently, I was invited by a local social project to engage in a discussion with parents about childhood and parenting. Topics included mental health, child development, and support systems for children."

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YouthxYouth: "If you could offer one piece of advice to all youth activists, what would it be?"

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Vitor:

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"The essential message would be: never give up and always strive for your best in life. You are unique in the world, only you are able to pursue your dreams and find your purpose. Therefore, you need to make efforts for your life and dreams."

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Be sure to keep up with Vitor and his incredible work through following him on LinkedIn and Instagram. And if you would like to support him further please do check out his fundraising campaign and consider donating towards his studies in the USA.

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