ONGs e educação: significados atribuídos por jovens à participação em projetos educativos

Abstract

The research investigated the educational dimensions of NGOs, in an attempt to understand the methods employed in their work, and the significance for youngsters of lower classes in Belo Horizonte for taking part in the projects developed by the Associação Imagem Comunitária. The investigation gave preference to a qualitative approach, deciding on the study of a case, which included data collection through different methods: observing and participating in the daily activities of 8 youngsters at the Association in 2007, individual interviews, and analysis of documents. Among the results of the investigation, it was found that the methods of the Association make it possible for the young participants of their community communication projects to establish new circuits of participation and action in town, expanding sociability spheres amongst them. At the same time, there is also an influence on the professional choices made by the youths and on their elaboration of plans and projects for the future, in spite of the limitations they find when it comes to being included in the working class.