Prioritizing Digital Inclusion

In the fascinating landscape of Latin America, Brazil is a nation of contrasts. Although technological advances have increased, a significant portion of the population remains excluded from the digital revolution, facing a profound disadvantage. Approximately 20% of Brazilians lack access to the internet, restricting their opportunities for education, employment, and social inclusion.

This digital gap manifests as a barrier to essential services and information, perpetuating inequality in various aspects of life.

In this new episode of Perspective, Tatiana Silva and João Souza, co- founders of Fa.vela tell us what inclusion means to them and how they came to understand through Fa.vela that inclusion is diverse and requires a deeper understanding of reunites to address social, economic, and environmental inequalities.

Fa.vela, together with the Julius Baer Foundation, launched Escola Digital, which carries out an inclusive digital transformation for disadvantaged youth in Belo Horizonte (Brazil).

João and Tatiana shared with us what led them to create Fa.vela and what changed in their life through the initiative that they started in 2015.

As we strive for a more equitable future, it is imperative to recognise and act upon the challenges faced by the disadvantaged without digital access. By prioritizing digital inclusion, we not only empower youth but also contribute to the collective progress of a nation seeking unity in the face of technological evolution.

About

Tati

Silva

Tatiana Silva is the co-founder and president of FA.VELA.

Tatiana was born and raised in the outskirts of Belo Horizonte, in Brazil.

In addition to graduating in Social Communication (UFMG), Tatiana also gained education in Social Sciences (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) and a master's degree in Geography (UNESCO IHE/UFMG).

She built up experience in research and consulting in countries across Africa and Europe as well as in Brazil. Tatiana represented the Americas in the Young Delegation of the Water World Council and has integrated the Administrative Board of the Water Youth Network.

In 2017, Tatiana achieved first place in the Pitch Competition of the Seventh UNESCO NGO FORUM in Saudi Arabia.

About

João

Souza

João is co-founder and Director of New Business and Partnerships at FA.VELA. Social Entrepreneur recognized by the global network Ashoka. He has a degree in Advertising and Quality Management (UNIBH) and a Master's degree in Social Intervention, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (University of Coimbra). He also works as a consultant in the design and evaluation of education, learning and social innovation projects in the public, private and social impact sectors.

He is also one of the founding partners of Futuros Inclusivos, a think tank on futures, work, learning and diversity that helps companies, governments and impact businesses design inclusive products, services and experiences. Medalist of the Inconfidência Mineira since 2017 for his contribution to the social development of Minas Gerais. 3rd place in the Pitch Competition at the 7th UNESCO NGO FORUM (Saudi Arabia, May/2017) presenting FA.VELA's model approach to inclusive learning. A member of the Brazilian delegation to the World Innovation Summit of Education (WISE) in Doha, Qatar (2018), he is also an article writer for Canal Futura, MIT Sloan Review Brasil and HSM Management.

About Fa.vela, Brazil

Are you an entrepreneur based in Brazil and want to offer your skills and time by being a mentor in the Escola Digital? Or are you a student or a researcher whose work focuses on wealth inequality topics and are interested in potential collaboration?

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