We believe that lasting social transformation does not happen through isolated initiatives. It is built through continuous presence, continuity, and relationships grounded in trust.
For 25 years, Arca has been deeply rooted in Vila Prudente, in the East Zone of São Paulo, building a continuous pathway for human development through social protection, education, professional training, employability, and income generation.
Our work supports people at different stages of life because we believe that when people have opportunities to develop their potential, new pathways become possible for them, their families, and their community.
Our Purpose
To empower people facing social vulnerability by expanding their access to opportunities and broadening their social and cultural horizons through education, social protection, and productive inclusion.
Education
Opportunity
Autonomy
Dignity
Future
Our Story
Arca’s story began in the 1990s when French missionary Bernadette Marchand arrived in Vila Prudente and began an initiative to create opportunities for connection and income generation for women in the community.
With the support of Brazilian and French communities, the initiative grew and, in 2001, became a formally established nonprofit organization. Over the years, Arca expanded its work and evolved into an integrated ecosystem facilitating of social protection, education, professional development, and income generation.
BRAZIL + FRANCE | 25 YEARS OF COOPERATION AND SOCIAL IMPACT
Today, Brazilians and French supporters continue to work together through a network of professionals, volunteers, partners, and donors committed to the development of Vila Prudente.
Discover Arca
See Our Work Up Close
Every day, Arca comes to life through meaningful connections, learning, meals, activities, professional training, opportunities, and stories that help transform the community.
Watch our institutional video and meet some of the people who are part of this story.
What We Do
Different Stages of Life. A Pathway to Opportunity.
Arca takes an integrated approach, responding to different needs within the community throughout people’s lives.
From social protection and development in childhood to preparation for the world of work and income generation, our programs create pathways for people to develop their potential, expand their opportunities, and strengthen their autonomy.
Social Protection, Education, and Development for Children and Adolescents
Arca do Saber is a safe and welcoming space where children and adolescents can learn, play, express themselves, build relationships, and develop essential life skills.
Every day, around 130 children and adolescents take part in educational, cultural, sports, and socio-emotional development activities, while also receiving nutritious meals and social support.
SOCIAL PROTECTION | EDUCATION | NUTRITION | CULTURE | SPORTS | CONNECTION
Professional Development and Pathways to Employment
Arca do Crescer supports young people and adults in developing the skills, confidence, and connections they need to enter, navigate, and grow in the world of work.
Our programs combine professional training, personal development, employability, entrepreneurship, and preparation for the job market to connect knowledge with real opportunities.
TRAINING | EMPLOYABILITY | ENTREPRENEURSHIP | AUTONOMY
Income Generation and Self-Financing Initiatives
Arca’s ecosystem also includes initiatives that connect work, income generation, entrepreneurship, and institutional sustainability.
An initiative that promotes creativity, income generation, and economic autonomy, especially for women in the community, through the creation of handcrafted products and corporate gifts.
Arca’s food and catering initiative, serving private companies and events while also preparing the daily snacks provided to the students across Arca’s programs.
The Arca Ecosystem
Together, these programs form an ecosystem of care, education, and opportunity that supports the community through different stages of life.
Our Impact
Impact That Goes Beyond Numbers
For 25 years, Arca has shown that sustained investment in people’s development can create tangible change.
5
YEARS
of impact in Vila Prudente
of impact in Vila Prudente
0
children and adolescents supported each day
0
k
meals served each year, including lunches and snacks
100
+
young people and adults supported each semester
6
certificates issued by Arca do Crescer since 2017
But our impact goes beyond numbers.
It can be seen in children who find a safe place to learn and grow. In young people who broaden their professional horizons. In women who turn their skills into income generating activities. And in families who begin to see new possibilities for their future.
STORIES FROM ARCA
Behind Every Number Is a Story
The Sales and Personal Development course I took at Arca was a turning point in my life. Today, I work somewhere I never imagined I would. Arca taught me to believe in myself and showed me the strength of an empowered woman.
Any mother who brings her child to Arca will never regret it. I certainly never have. On the contrary, I have always found support in every way — from educational guidance to activities that help children develop discipline and important life skills. Especially for working parents, it is reassuring to know that your child is in a safe place.
Arca supports our children's development from an early age until they are 15, and they can then continue at Arca do Crescer through professional training programs. I love Arca.
PARTNERSHIPS
Impact Is Built Together
Arca’s journey is made possible by a network of people and organizations that believe in education and opportunity as pathways to social transformation. Companies, foundations, educational institutions, social organizations, volunteers, and supporters in Brazil and abroad contribute resources, expertise, time, and connections to help expand our impact.
Create Impact With Us
Companies and foundations can support our programs, share expertise, engage their employees in volunteering initiatives and build long-term social impact in partnership with Arca.
LOCAL ACTION, GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Transformation happens locally, but its impact contributes to challenges that cross borders. Arca’s work is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to education, inequality reduction, decent work, gender equality, poverty reduction, and partnerships development.
Awards & Recognition
Throughout its history, Arca and the people who are part of its journey have received recognition reflecting the organization’s commitment to social impact, French-Brazilian cooperation, and responsible organizational management.
TRANSPARENCY & GOVERNANCE
Trust Is Built Through Transparency
Arca is committed to the responsible, transparent, and ethical management of the resources entrusted to our organization. Our governance structure brings together Brazilian and French professionals with diverse expertise and experience, contributing to Arca’s strategy, sustainability, and oversight.
The People Behind Arca
Evelyne Debrosse
Chair of the Board
Social and Solidarity Economy consultant with expertise in education and healthcare. She served as President of Arca from 2015 to 2020.
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Brieuc Pont
Diplomat working on international relations, public policy, and development at governmental and multilateral levels.
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Corinne Fontenelle
Management specialist working in strategy, corporate efficiency, and organizational transformation. She has also volunteered as a mentor for young people facing social vulnerability.
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Cristiano Gonçalves Cardoso
Social and cultural entrepreneur and founder of Recifavela, Recircular, and CineFavela — initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusion, and access to culture in underserved urban communities.
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Edgard Barki
PhD in Business Administration specializing in social entrepreneurship. Professor at FGV EAESP and Coordinator of the Center for Entrepreneurship and New Ventures (FGVcenn).
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Frédéric Rio
Graduate in Private Law with experience in nonprofit leadership and community engagement. He currently serves as President of Arca France and was President of Arca in Brazil from 2012 to 2015
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Gustavo Pugliese
PhD in Education specializing in curriculum and teacher development. He works in international cooperation on innovative education projects for social development.
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Jasiel Silva
Business administrator and sales representative engaged in community-based initiatives in Vila Prudente, with experience as a small entrepreneur from the urban periphery.
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Jean de Lataillade
Management specialist with experience in business development, team leadership, and opportunity assessment in multicultural environments, with a focus on biotechnology and innovative applications of microorganisms.
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Sandrine Ferdane
Finance specialist working in institutional relationship management within the financial sector in global contexts.
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Sonia de Demandolx
Business Administration graduate and entrepreneur working in consulting and business development.
Thais Alves Maximo
Presidente
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Lucie Socrate
Vice-presidente
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Serge Pizot
Tesoureiro
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Nicolas Devemy
Vice-tesoureiro
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Benjamin De Groc
Secretário geral
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Gerard Chuzel
Relações institucionais
Arnaud Bleuez
Partner and Director at BPC Partners Brasil
Alberto Mori
Attorney at Gaia Silva Gaede Advogados
Frédéric Dyèvre
Engineer, Treasurer of Alliance Française, and Board Member of CCIFB/SP
Mayara Evangelista
Reports & Documents
We provide information about our work, results, governance, and financial management so that partners, supporters, and the wider public can follow our impact.
Independent Audit Reports
SUPPORT ARCA
Be Part of the Next Chapter
For 25 years, Arca has worked alongside families in Vila Prudente, creating opportunities for children to thrive, young people to prepare for the world of work, adults to expand their possibilities, and families to build new pathways for the future.
There is still much more to do.
Supporting Arca means more than funding a program. It means investing in people and in opportunities that can transform generations.
Why Invest in Arca?
Because lasting transformation requires continuity.
Arca supports people through different stages of life, building relationships built on trust and creating pathways for development.
Because the challenges are interconnected.
Education, nutrition, social protection, socio-emotional development, professional training, and income generation are all part of the same pathway toward greater autonomy.
Because the community matters.
For 25 years, Arca has built a strong presence in Vila Prudente through listening, building trust, and long-term commitment to families who see the organization as a trusted point of reference.
Because the results are tangible.
Every investment translates into daily support, meals, professional training, mentoring, and real opportunities.
INVEST IN
EDUCATION
INVEST IN
OPPORTUNITY
INVEST IN
AUTONOMY
INVEST IN
THE FUTURE
GlobalGiving
Through this international platform, you can contribute directly to our projects
Helloasso
Through this international platform, you can contribute directly to our projects.
For More Information
Contact Us
- Arca do Saber: +55 (11) 2061-7252 | +55 (11) 95781-3698
-
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
- Arca do Crescer: +55 (11) 2060-0233 | +55 (11) 99817-6968
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Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
- contato@arcadosaber.org
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Rua Dianópolis, 4100
Additional entrance: Rua da Igreja, 1558
Zip Code 03126-007 - Parque da Mooca
São Paulo/SP - Brazil