There are worlds that, although seemingly far apart, are linked by a common thread. Such is the case of IBSA and Casa dos Curumins, an association based in São Paulo, Brazil, that promotes educational, artistic and training programmes for children and young people. Different in geography and context, but united by a shared idea of the Person and a common vision of responsibility. In 2025, we celebrate two important anniversaries together: forty years of Arturo Licenziati’s leadership at IBSA and twenty years since the founding of Casa dos Curumins.
Sustainability & CSR
IBSA and Casa dos Curumins: two anniversaries, a single commitment to the Person
FROM THE BIRTH OF THE PARTNERSHIP TO THE FIRST PROJECTS
The partnership between IBSA and Casa dos Curumins began in 2006 with a charity exhibition at the Ospedale La Carità in Locarno, Switzerland, featuring drawings by children from the favelas of São Paulo.
Casa dos Curumins had only recently been founded: it was established in 2005 by Adriana and Alberto Eisenhardt, inspired by their experiences in the outskirts of Brazilian cities. Three years earlier, Alberto had filmed a documentary titled Portami nella Memoria (“Take me in your memory”), which portrayed the everyday life of children in Pedreira, one of São Paulo’s most troubled districts. That experience led to the creation of an after-school programme for children aged 6 to 15.
From 2011 onwards, IBSA’s support became continuous: annual funding enabled the association to provide essentials such as food, medicine and school supplies, as well as to continue its educational programmes. In 2015, Casa dos Curumins took over the management of a public nursery school, welcoming 200 children from infancy up to four years of age. This marked a key milestone that reinforced the association’s educational identity and deepened its connection with the local community.
IBSA’s support further increased in 2016, helping Casa dos Curumins overcome the instability of Brazilian public policies. That same year, the organisation was able to purchase a new building to house the music school Quarteirão da Música and launch a new project for the elderly.
PROJECTS THAT GROW WITH PEOPLE
In 2018, the Atelier Pipilu was launched – a project combining artistic training, personal expression and professional opportunities. Through painting and bag-making, young participants develop creative talents that encourage professional growth and generate income. Over the years, their artworks have been exhibited in Brazil and Switzerland.
By 2019, IBSA had become one of the association’s main private supporters – a turning point that proved vital in weathering the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to IBSA’s support, Casa dos Curumins was able to ensure access to basic necessities and continuous services for more than 600 children and 100 elderly people.
In 2022, the Banda dos Curumins – a music initiative launched in 2013 that brings together the talents of young musicians – performed at prestigious venues including the Swiss Embassy in Brasília and the Estival Jazz in Lugano.
In May 2024, the Casa Marisa project was launched to provide after-school care for 50 children aged 4 to 5 – with the goal of supporting up to 150 children by 2025.
A POINT OF REFERENCE FOR THE COMMUNITY OF SÃO PAULO
Twenty years after its founding, Casa dos Curumins is now a pillar of the São Paulo community – a place to grow, learn, connect and dream of a better future.
“Looking back over these twenty years”, said Adriana and Alberto, “we realise how vital it has been to count on a partner like IBSA – one that supports us with respect, trust and consistency. Without this support, many things would not have been possible”.
For IBSA, supporting Casa dos Curumins is a tangible expression of its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, as well as a choice that reflects the company’s values and identity – founded on the belief that access to education, training and culture is essential to the full development of society.
