Founded in 2016, EduMais is a nonprofit organization based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We provide free, high-quality education to children and youth in the Pavão-Pavãozinho, Cantagalo, and Tabajaras favelas.

Despite growing up in poverty, our students are full of talent and potential. What they lack is access to opportunity. EduMais gives them the tools to create a brighter future—away from violence, drugs, and inequality—through education that prepares them for today and tomorrow.

Preparing for an Uncertain Future

The jobs of the future are changing fast—research shows that more than 70% of jobs in 2030 don’t even exist yet. That’s why EduMais equips young people with 21st-century skills across three vital areas:

• Learning and innovation skills – creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

• Digital literacy skills – coding, web and game design, and technological fluency.

• Career and life skills – English, entrepreneurship, and personal development.

These skills open doors, unlock opportunities, and prepare our students to thrive in the digital age.

Education that Heals and Empowers

All our programs are built on Positive Discipline and a trauma-informed approach. This means students not only learn academically but also gain the social and emotional skills to grow, connect, and heal. At EduMais, education is an act of love—helping children discover their strengths and believe in themselves.

Powered by Volunteers, Sustained by Donors

EduMais operates on a low-cost model thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and strong partnerships with local NGOs like Solar Meninos de Luz. Every program is offered free of charge to our students, but making this possible relies on the generosity of donors and supporters worldwide.

Contributing to Global Goals

Through our work, EduMais advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Quality Education

• Gender Equality

• Reduced Inequalities

• Partnerships for the Goals

• Partnerships with local schools and organizations: Solar Meninos de Luz, AFL, and more to come
• Access to all facilities at Solar and AFL
• Presence of 5 days a week at Solar
• Our Methodology: Positive Discipline
• 6 different, self-developed educational programs
• Constant curriculum assessment and development to best meet the children’s educational needs
• A dedicated team of 15 to 25 volunteers per day
• Measuring, tracking and recording the development of the kids
• Regular meetings with parents, teachers, and community members to assess current needs
• The generosity of all our fantastic donors and partners!

Short-term

EduMais’s short-term goal is to strengthen its existing programs while deepening its partnerships with schools and NGOs like Solar Meninos de Luz and AFL. We aim to expand our reach into new communities through collaboration with trusted partners.

Long-term

EduMais’s long-term vision is to scale its impact across Rio de Janeiro’s favelas through partnerships, so more underprivileged children can access quality complementary education. Our focus will remain on combining academic learning with social and emotional development, ensuring every child has the tools to succeed in life and work.

Help us to make this dream a reality!

Who founded EduMais? What were her motives? How did it all start?
Read the personal story of Diana Nijboer, the founder and managing director of EduMais.

Read more