Eu Acredito | Guilhermina Abreu | TEDxNovaLima

Summary

This inspiring speech reflects on personal growth, the power of belief, and the importance of social change. The speaker recounts their experience with Atlético Mineiro’s 2013 Libertadores journey, drawing parallels between football and overcoming adversity. Through stories of their parents' resilience, their own education in public schools, and involvement in social projects, the speaker emphasizes the need for empathy, action, and collective responsibility. They challenge the audience to take ownership of creating a better society and to believe in the transformative power of community involvement and personal agency.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker's parents were both deaf, but they overcame challenges through education and support, demonstrating that disability does not limit potential.
• 😀 The speaker initially lost faith in the Brazilian education system but later regained hope through a social program that transformed their perspective on education.
• 😀 The success of Atlético Mineiro's unexpected run in the 2013 Libertadores serves as a metaphor for overcoming adversity and believing in the impossible.
• 😀 Education can be a powerful tool for personal and societal transformation, especially when students are given opportunities to lead and create change.
• 😀 The speaker co-founded 'Embaixadores da Escola,' a program that empowers public school students to improve their schools through leadership and innovation.
• 😀 Social entrepreneurship can drive systemic change, as demonstrated by the creation of a program that nurtures students' capacity to address local challenges.
• 😀 The speaker's work with inmates in a progressive prison system illustrates the power of belief and rehabilitation in transforming lives.
• 😀 Belief in others is key to creating social change; by supporting people, they can exceed expectations and contribute positively to society.
• 😀 Despite setbacks, such as Atlético Mineiro losing the FIFA Club World Cup, the speaker maintains faith in both the team and the country, reflecting the importance of belief beyond immediate outcomes.
• 😀 National progress and societal change depend on individuals taking responsibility and actively participating in shaping their communities.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that real change comes from people realizing their own agency, taking action, and working together to create a better future.

Q & A

What personal story does the speaker share about their family?

The speaker shares that both of their parents are deaf, and they were raised in a family where their deafness was not seen as a barrier. Their parents had access to good education, which allowed them to achieve great things despite their disability.

How does the speaker relate their childhood experience with education to their beliefs?

The speaker reflects on their shift from a private to a public school, observing the significant disparity in educational quality. This experience led them to initially lose faith in education but later find hope through a government program that reignited their belief in its transformative power.

What role does Atlético Mineiro's 2013 Libertadores journey play in the speaker's narrative?

The journey of Atlético Mineiro in the 2013 Libertadores serves as a metaphor for persistence and hope. The speaker uses moments of tension and triumph, particularly during penalty shootouts, to illustrate the power of belief, even in difficult circumstances.

How did the government social program affect the speaker’s perspective on education?

The government social program, which focused on entrepreneurial education for public school students, changed the speaker’s outlook on education. It helped them realize that education could still have a transformative impact, even in the public system.

What initiative did the speaker help create to address the challenges in public education?

The speaker, along with others, created the 'Ambassadors of School' program. This initiative empowers students in public schools to identify problems in their schools, create solutions, and implement changes, making them the protagonists of their own educational transformation.

What is the connection between the speaker’s personal belief in social change and their actions?

The speaker’s belief in social change is reflected in their active involvement in creating initiatives such as 'Ambassadors of School' and other social projects. They believe that with the right support and mindset, individuals and communities can transform their circumstances.

What role does belief play in the success of the projects the speaker participates in?

Belief is central to the success of the speaker's projects. They highlight how belief in oneself and others is a key factor in overcoming obstacles and achieving positive change, whether in education or social initiatives like prison reform.

How does the speaker compare the belief in football to the belief in societal change?

The speaker draws a parallel between believing in Atlético Mineiro’s success in football and believing in the potential for societal change. Just as they supported their football team through tough moments, they advocate for believing in the possibility of change despite external difficulties.

What message does the speaker convey about responsibility in shaping society?

The speaker emphasizes that responsibility for shaping society lies not only with leaders but also with every individual. They argue that everyone is a key player in transforming society, and to achieve change, people must take active roles in their communities.

How does the speaker view the role of government and individuals in societal change?

While acknowledging the importance of governance, the speaker believes that individuals have a greater potential to create change. They suggest that societal transformation comes from the collective action of citizens rather than relying solely on government leaders.