Financial Education in Practice:
An Afternoon with the Pastoral do Menor de Sorocaba
On Friday, June 19, 2026, we had the privilege of spending a few hours at the CEC (Community Educational Center) Júlio de Mesquita with a group of 40 children and teenagers served by the Pastoral do Menor de Sorocaba — an institution that welcomes, transforms, and believes in the potential of more than 1,400 young people living in social vulnerability.
The group was divided into two — children aged 6 to 11 and teenagers aged 12 to 16 — and the activity began in the most honest way possible: by telling our own story. We talked about our professional journey, the challenges we faced, and the role that education and choices played in getting us to where we are today. Because before talking about money, we needed to show that transformation is real — and that it comes from time dedicated to learning.
Then, the conversation came alive in a fun and hands-on way: we handed out play money and chocolate coins, and introduced 4 jars representing the big decisions we make with money — what we need right now, what we save for our dreams, what we set aside for emergencies, and what we give to help others. Each child chose how to distribute their bills among the jars, learning in practice that every choice must be intentional.
But the chocolate coin had a special rule: whoever managed to hold on to it until the end of the activity would earn an extra one. Simple as that — and powerful. Watching children hold that coin with determination was one of the most beautiful moments of the day. Because right there, without even realizing it, they were experiencing firsthand what it means to save, to wait, and to watch something grow.
And of course — no learning without celebration! We brought a popcorn cart so everyone could share a joyful moment together, because taking care of the future doesn't mean giving up happiness in the present.
What a transformative experience. Seeing in the eyes of these children the spark of someone beginning to believe that the power to change their future is in their own hands… that is priceless.
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