Stages of volunteering
It consists of four stages: onboarding, training, training with students and mentoring. My participation began with the first stage, the onboarding, which took place on 30 August 2024 in the Eco Berrini auditorium. From there, I went on to face-to-face and online workshops, in which we received training to act as multipliers of knowledge.
During the workshops, held in September 2024, we delved deeper into topics such as data analysis and interpretation, as well as techniques to make learning more dynamic and engaging. This preparation was essential so that, in October and November, we were ready to carry out training and mentoring with the students. The face-to-face training sessions at the school were moments of great exchange, in which I could perceive the enthusiasm and commitment of the young people to learn and evolve.
Project approaches
One of the main focuses of the project was the development of the ability to read, work with, analyse, interpret and discuss data. We encouraged students to develop analyses that would lead to data-based debates to defend positions, ideas, actions and hypotheses. Specific objectives included:
- Understanding the different forms of data representation, such as graphs, infographics and tables, in order to become fluent in the ‘language of data’.
- Learning about mathematical and computational tools applied to data education.
- Recognising the importance of data reading to promote change in schools, companies, neighbourhoods and cities.
- Experimenting with different ways of working with data.
- Understand how data can support debates and inform decision-making.
- Work with data in the fight against fake news.
- Understand the impact of data on society.
- Develop a social observatory at school to analyse the local reality and generate relevant information.
In the year 2024, the project has benefited 350 young people, aged between 14 and 18, attending institutions/schools in São Paulo. And we had a special novelty: the most outstanding young people were offered career mentoring, learning how to prepare a CV, create a profile on corporate social networks, develop socio-emotional skills and prepare for interviews.
In addition to the gamified workshops, what struck me the most was the human exchange. Volunteering is not just about teaching, but also about listening, motivating and opening up paths. The students not only absorbed the content, but also brought powerful reflections on the future, opportunities and social impact.
We concluded this journey with a final meeting at Vivo, on 6 December/24, where we were able to share our experiences and celebrate the lessons learned throughout the programme.
The Voluntario Multiplicador project reinforces the commitment of the Fundación Telefónica Vivo to contribute to the development of digital skills in students and educators who benefit from the supported institutions.
My personal conclusions
I leave this experience with a heart full of gratitude and the certainty that small actions can generate great transformations. Vivo’s Volunteer Multiplier programme not only empowers young people, but also strengthens in us, the volunteers, the purpose of making a difference.
May more people join this cause and multiply knowledge, dreams and possibilities. Together, we can build a more promising future.
