What are the health needs and challenges?

Located in one of the poorest and most violent regions of São Paulo,Se Cuida, Zezinho project offers psychological therapy and alternative activities focused on well-being and relaxation (such as acupuncture, natural sciences, music, sports etc.) to young people in the local community.

Living in houses without urbanization structure and a very violent community, young people from precarious and low- income backgrounds are able to find sanctuary in Se Cuida, Zezinho. With a wide range of activities and support at hand, young people are able to overcome social and economic barriers and lead a better life.

Partnership activities and how they address needs and challenges

The institution Associação Educacional e Assistencial Casa do Zezinho, or, simply, Casa do Zezinho, is a social non- profitable organization, located near Capão Redondo, one of the most violent neighborhoods in São Paulo. Established in 1994 with the purpose of offering an activity center for children and adolescents from low-income families living in the surrounding communities, Casa do Zezinho now benefits over 900 Zezinhos (as 6-29 year-old children and young adults of both genders are called). Those Zezinhos, who attend over 60 public schools in the region, are engaged into educational, arts, culture, and general qualification activities, and professional certification workshops.

With the purpose of expanding services to more children and young adults, Casa do Zezinho entered into a partnership with Pfizer, to launch, in 2013, the project Se Cuida, Zezinho!, to offer to the community alternative activities focused on well-being and relaxation (such as acupuncture, natural sciences, etc.). Everything is targeted to enable a full life experience for children and young adults living in the surrounding communities, who suffer with stress caused by issues like violence and drugs.