Initiatives tied to food and social inclusion expand opportunities in the largest favela in Minas Gerais
Social transformation in outlying territories is often born from the coordination of local leaders able to mobilize people and create opportunities. In Aglomerado da Serra, in Belo Horizonte, this movement has been driven by the work of Laudilene Fernanda Benevides, who is behind initiatives that combine social inclusion, sustainability, entrepreneurship and food service.
The work, recognized by partners such as Abrasel – the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants, connects ESG (environmental, social and governance) practices to economic development and to valuing the community.
Social project expands its reach
Founded by Itamar José Silva, Laudilene's husband, the Itamar project began with taekwondo classes aimed at the civic education of children and teenagers. As the project grew, new initiatives were added and its network of reach expanded. “Today the project impacts more than 5,000 people a year, with courses, agroecology, workshops. We work here in aglomerado da Serra, and in Alto Vera Cruz we also work with taekwondo”, says Laudilene
Currently at the head of Projeto Itamar as coordinator, Laudilene has been leading the initiatives aimed at children, young people and adults from the favela across different areas of training and development. One of the main ones is the community garden, a space where children take part in growing organic food, learn about healthy eating and environmental care while enjoying the harvest “The children who take part in the workshops have free access to the food from the garden, and the surplus we sell to the neighborhood to help keep the project going”, the coordinator reveals.
Beyond that, other workshops have already been offered, including training aimed at bringing women back into the job market after the impacts of the pandemic. For Abrasel, the work developed in the community is an example of how local actions can generate consistent results. “Projeto Itamar is the portrait of a successful ESG initiative. Fernanda's leadership evokes a real sense of community, like an organism of collaboration and partnership with real impact in a territory that needs opportunities like this”, says Luiza Campos, ESG lead at Abrasel.
Food and entrepreneurship as local engines
Laudilene's work also extends to strengthening small businesses. She regularly organizes a community fair that brings together entrepreneurs from different segments to sell products and services.
Among the highlights is the food sector, which draws crowds through its appreciation of artisanal production and its offering of locally prepared products. The initiative broadens exhibitors' visibility and strengthens customer loyalty, boosting entrepreneurship in the food service sector.
Sustainable development
By integrating social actions, income generation and environmental practices, the work led by Laudilene consolidates a community development network that transforms local realities. This work reinforces the territory's capacity to organize itself and helps break down stigmas historically associated with urban outskirts.
With initiatives that combine education, food, sustainability and entrepreneurship, the work carried out in Aglomerado da Serra shows how community leadership can drive concrete change. By strengthening local networks and creating opportunities, projects like this reaffirm the transformative potential of outlying communities.
