An initiative formed by women promotes income generation and productive inclusion for artisans on the coast of Ceará. Learn about the history of the Pecém Eu Te Amo Association.
The title of this text begins with a question prompting reflection on the seemingly small and isolated forces in the field. The term "seemingly" is justified because, upon immersing oneself in a territory, one understands that existing connections are complex, fraught with challenges, but also rich in positive inspiration.
Futuro Bem Maior (FBM) program is in its 5th edition and invests in community-based organizations that transform localities by strengthening their actions and leadership.
A good example is the Pecém Eu Te Amo Association , from São Gonçalo do Amarante (CE) . By participating in the program, the organization expanded the results of its initiatives and its local relevance through a combination of training for institutional strengthening and investment of unrestricted financial resources.
Founded by a group of women in 1998 , the association develops initiatives in the economic, cultural, and sustainability dimensions by reusing fabrics and materials that would otherwise be discarded by companies in the region . The women who participate in the programs and workshops create products that gain recognition beyond the city and strengthen the entire territory, generating income and promoting the social transformation of entire families.
A concrete example of this strength occurred during the FBM support, when the association put the learned management tools into practice. The result exceeded the initial goals: instead of selling 84 craft kits, it reached 5,680 units .
This growth was driven by trips to trade fairs, cultural events, and, above all, by orders from companies in the Pecém port region, following visits by the sales team to present the products.
“Through Futuro Bem Maior, we created the Recriart project (…) and, today, we have a group of 82 women called Elas Empreendedoras, who make handicrafts like professionals, sell to other states and even outside the country,” highlights Fran Cunha, president of the Associação Pecém eu Te Amo.
While growth has brought production challenges, it has also opened up new learning opportunities workshops on crafts , business management communication were offered , further consolidating the association's presence in the region.
Private social investment initiatives that strengthen local organizations without interfering with their mission or purpose, but by supporting and believing in community power, have shown more consistent results. Impact also comes from the grassroots level , and to maximize it, it is essential to cultivate listening , partnership , and connection .
The story of Pecém Eu Te Amo is just one among many inspiring stories that are multiplying throughout Brazil. They drive the work of those who invest in local development and prove that work with community participation, when structured, promotes sustainability, as well as equity and social justice.
This article began with a question that doesn't require a concrete answer, but serves to provoke those who wish to learn about, invest in, and support organizations, collectives, and associations that work daily to make their territory more just.
Transforming local experiences into inspiration means recognizing that Brazil's future is built from within its communities. Those who believe in this potential have the opportunity to connect with the real Brazil: diverse, complex, and rich in creative and active people!
"Directions to the Greater Good" is a series of stories that reveals, in practice, how initiatives supported by the Greater Good Movement are driving real transformations in their territories and causes. Each story brings to light inspiring trajectories of organizations that, with support and networking, strengthen community ties, expand opportunities , and build sustainable paths to development for Brazil.
By telling these stories, we want to show how strategic and collaborative philanthropy can activate the transformative potential of Brazilian civil society — through presence, listening, and intention.
Follow other trends at movimentobemmaior.org.br
Learn more about Pecém Eu Te Amo at this link.
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