Students from Colégio Cônsul Carlos Renaux with the trophy for the SDG SC 2025 Prize in the education category, recognizing their youth-led work for a just, inclusive, and sustainable society. Photo: Colégio Cônsul Carlos Renaux
Regional award honors commitment of Lutheran school
(LWI) - At the Cônsul Carlos Renaux School in southern Brazil, students are proving that small acts of care can spark lasting transformation. Their “Student Volunteers” project has just received the SDG SC 2025 Prize in the education category, a recognition of their youth-led efforts to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society.
The award was presented on 15 August at the SDG Brazil Forum in Joinville, Santa Catarina, and celebrates initiatives with tangible impact aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Cônsul School, affiliated with the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB), a member church of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), was selected from over 90 entries.
Since its launch in 2019, the school’s Student Volunteers program has mobilized more than 70 students in primary and secondary grades to carry out social, environmental, cultural, and educational actions. Activities include visits to hospitals and nursing homes, planting gardens in nurseries, revitalizing school spaces, and campaigns to collect clothing, food, and school supplies. In recent years, the project has reused nearly 8,000 uniforms and distributed thousands of school supplies, toys, clothing, and food. Professor Nathan Krieger, head of Religious Education and Social Projects, explained that the school's main motivation was to offer students real opportunities to live out the values that are part of their Lutheran identity:
“In a society marked by individualism, we wanted to create spaces where young people can discover their role in the community,” said Krieger. “Volunteering becomes a practical expression of the Christian faith—lived out in love for people and creation.”
The program opened my eyes to different realities. It changed how I see life and how I imagine my future.
Maria Clara dos Santos Ramos, student
Changing lives and communities
The program’s impact is seen not only in the community, but also in the students themselves. “We begin to see the world and life differently,” said one participant. “Even a simple gesture like singing a song, picking up litter, or making someone smile, helps us believe a better world is possible.”
In recent years, students have reused nearly 8,000 school uniforms and distributed thousands of school supplies, toys, clothes, and food to those in need. One community partner, the Prefeito Hylário Zen Early Childhood Education Centre, where students collaborate with the school garden shared their gratitude:
Students from Colégio Cônsul Carlos Renaux plant a garden with children at the Prefeito Hiláryo Zen Early Childhood Education Centre, part of their award-winning volunteer program. Photo: Colégio Cônsul Carlos Renaux
As part of their community outreach, students repaint and revitalize the spaces at CEI Prefeito Hiláryo Zen to create a more welcoming learning environment. Photo: Colégio Cônsul Carlos Renaux
“We sincerely thank each one of you who dedicate your time and energy to our centre. Your commitment transforms the lives of our children, professionals and families at our nursery, and together we cultivate affection, learning and bonds that last a lifetime.”
Student Maria Clara dos Santos Ramos added: “The program opened my eyes to different realities. It changed how I see life and how I imagine my future.”
Student volunteers share music and distribute handmade cards to patients at Hospital Imigrantes, bringing joy and connection to those in care. Photo: Colégio Cônsul Carlos Renaux
Students lead games and conversations with residents at the Lions Club Elderly Home in Brusque, building intergenerational bonds through solidarity and compassion. Photo: Colégio Cônsul Carlos Renaux
The recognition reinforces the school's educational and religious mission. For Krieger, this award is an incentive to continue working: ‘Receiving the SDG Award was a source of joy and pride, because it confirms that we are on the right track. It inspires and motivates us to remain committed to initiatives of solidarity, care and social transformation,’ he said.
