The Impact of Solidaridad en Marcha on Stefane’s Life: A Story of Overcoming Challenges

At 23 years old, Stefane Rayanne embodies the impact of Solidaridad en Marcha – Brazil (SOMAR) on the lives of young people. Her journey, from participating in children’s catechesis to joining the SouMais program, illustrates how SOMAR’s comprehensive approach—centered on values, virtues, and personal development—helped her overcome challenges, enter the job market, and achieve goals that once seemed unattainable.

“The holistic perspective that SOMAR takes toward each young person, toward every individual who comes here, benefits us greatly because many times we feel unseen. However, here we feel very welcomed. It’s a place of acceptance, love, respect, and care,” Stefane shared at the beginning of her story.

SouMais: The Program That Empowered Stefane

Stefane joined SOMAR at the age of 10, beginning her journey in catechesis. She later discovered the academic support program and eventually joined SouMais, a space where she learned about virtues and values while gaining her first exposure to the job market. “SouMais taught me about virtues and values, as well as provided my first contact with the labor market,” she affirmed.

SouMais, a project founded on the motto, “I am more than I believe, I am more than they think I am,” is a SOMAR program dedicated to empowering young people aged 14 to 20. It provides guidance for exploring opportunities in higher and technical education, while fostering socio-emotional skills and competencies that prepare them for a successful integration into the labor market.

During her time in SouMais, Stefane had the opportunity to participate in key activities that shaped her professional development. One of these was a visit to the company Azurik, which helped her prepare for job interviews. “Before, I had no idea how to behave in a workplace, what an interview was like, or what to say during one. I learned all of that here,” she shared with gratitude.

“SOMAR Holds a Very Special Place in My Heart”

Thanks to the tools she gained at SOMAR, Stefane successfully passed her first interview with a multinational company and was hired. This achievement marked the beginning of a professional journey that, according to her, would not have been possible without the support she received. “Every success I’ve had in my life was thanks to the help of the SOMAR team,” she stated.

Stefane also found a safe space at SOMAR, where she could express her emotions and share her life experiences. “Here, I felt comfortable talking about my life and expressing how I felt. At times, I didn’t have the freedom at home to open up to my parents or family the same way I felt safe doing here,” she confessed.

Today, Stefane looks back and recognizes the profound impact SOMAR has had on her life. With pride, she recounts achieving goals that once seemed out of reach: traveling, graduating, and living independently. “I completed a trip in June, graduated in May last year, and now I live on my own. Today, I consider myself a true woman,” she shared.

With deep gratitude, Stefane concluded her testimony: “SOMAR holds a very special place in my heart. It’s an institution I will always carry with me. And whenever I can return, I will do so with a smile on my face.”