The Institute for Local Integrated Development Casa do Jardim was founded in April 2007 in order to improve quality of life for children and their families in developing communities in Brazil.

We currently serve the community of Jardim Canada in Nova Lima, Minas Gerais, Brazil.  With the objective of contributing to the development of the future leaders of the community, we offer children 6 to 12 years enrichment activities that include:

• academic support classes
• drama and art
• sports and games
• capoeira angola
• projects about local and personal identity
• integration events for families, teachers and partners

We also work with the families and public schools of these children so that, together, we can contribute toward developing the potential of each child. 

The Institute also conducts research about the history, socio-demographic reality and local identity of the community and region, which serves to orient our work.