Access to quality education from early childhood is essential for the full development of children’s and adolescents’ abilities. Yet, in Brazil, this right is not equally enjoyed by all communities and social groups. When viewed through a racial lens, disparities in access, retention, and academic achievement become even more striking.

Given the importance and urgency of this issue, Instituto Îandé’s initial focus is on tackling educational inequalities, with particular attention to racial disparities.

We support initiatives led by social movements and civil society organizations to:

• Promote quality education for all, with a focus on public education, including:

  • Research to inform public policies and civil society initiatives;

  • Monitoring and advocacy to improve public policies;

  • Strengthening both initial and continuing education processes for teachers and education professionals.

• Foster dignified educational pathways — from basic to higher and postgraduate education;

• Combat racism in schools;

• Support cross-sector programs that strengthen local protection networks and promote dignified living conditions conducive to learning in communities.

We give priority to initiatives capable of driving structural and collective change; that consider gender and racial intersections; that operate through networks; and that involve organizations and movements from the communities most affected by inequality.