Empowering the Future: How Technology in Action is Changing Lives

By Tina Ziliotto

In a rapidly evolving digital world, access to education and career opportunities can be life-changing. That’s exactly what Technology in Action is doing—breaking barriers and opening doors for young adults who aspire to build a future in technology.

A Vision for Change

Launched in January 2024, Technology in Action is a groundbreaking initiative by Life for Life in partnership with Jala University of California. This program is designed to equip young adults with the skills, training, and employment opportunities needed to succeed in the tech industry. By providing a comprehensive software engineering education, this initiative is transforming lives and creating sustainable career paths.

A Commitment to Education

Education is at the heart of Technology in Action. The program offers a 100% free, four-year online software engineering course, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of learning. Participants receive bilingual instruction in both English and Portuguese, preparing them for a global job market.

To support their journey, each student is provided with a laptop, allowing them to access course materials, complete assignments, and engage in real-world projects. This hands-on learning approach ensures that they are well-equipped with the technical expertise required to thrive in the industry.

Beyond Learning: A Path to Employment

Education alone is not enough—real impact comes when learning translates into meaningful employment. Upon completing the program, graduates are guaranteed a four-year job placement, earning an impressive 12,000 BRL per month. This ensures not only financial stability but also a clear career trajectory in the software engineering field.

To date, 25 young professionals have graduated and secured employment, demonstrating the success of this initiative. Each graduate represents a story of resilience, hard work, and opportunity, proving that with the right support, anyone can achieve their dreams.

The Power of Opportunity

Programs like Technology in Action highlight the importance of investment in education, mentorship, and career development. By removing barriers and providing structured support, we are not just training software engineers—we are shaping the future of an entire generation.

As the program continues to grow, its impact will only expand, creating a ripple effect that empowers more young professionals to build thriving careers in technology. The future is bright, and through initiatives like this, we are ensuring that it is accessible to all.

Sertão Vivo 2024 Recap: Transforming Lives, One Step at a Time

For the past nine years, Projeto Sertão Vivo has been dedicated to improving the lives of families in rural Araripina, Pernambuco. Through unwavering commitment and hard work, the project has made a tangible impact in education, sanitation, housing, and community development. 2024 was another year of remarkable achievements, reinforcing our mission to create sustainable change.

Milestones and Achievements

This year, Sertão Vivo continued its work by implementing critical initiatives that directly benefit the local community. Some of the key accomplishments include:

• Education Support: Over 1,600 school supply kits were distributed to students, ensuring that children have the necessary tools to succeed in their studies.
• Improved Sanitation: The construction of three new bathrooms significantly enhanced hygiene and living conditions for families.
• Expanding Educational Access: Two new classrooms were built in Serra da Rancharia to provide school reinforcement programs, strengthening the quality of education.
• Access to Clean Water: Three cisterns were installed, securing a reliable source of clean drinking water for the community.
• Housing Development: A new home was built, providing a safe and stable environment for a family in need.
• Community Growth: We successfully acquired land for the future Sertão Vivo Community Center, a space designed to empower residents with education, job training, and cultural programs.

A Vision for the Future: The Sertão Vivo Community Center

With the acquisition of land, we are one step closer to building the Sertão Vivo Community Center, a hub for growth, learning, and opportunity. This center will serve as a foundation for long-term development by offering:

• Vocational Training: Courses to equip locals with skills that lead to job opportunities.
• Educational Support: Tutoring and school reinforcement programs to help children excel academically.
• Community Bakery: A social enterprise to create income-generating opportunities for families.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Productive backyard gardens to promote local farming and self-sufficiency.
• Cultural Enrichment: Music and cordel literature classes to preserve and celebrate regional traditions.

Committed to Lasting Impact

The ongoing efforts of Projeto Sertão Vivo showcase the power of collective action and the importance of sustainable development. Every initiative completed this year reflects our dedication to improving lives and empowering communities for generations to come.

As we move forward, we remain committed to expanding our reach, fostering resilience, and creating opportunities where they are needed most. Together, we are building a brighter future for the Sertão!