VOA-Matteus
Mateus Jacob, 17 years old
"If you embrace the opportunity, you win the world"
At the age of 17, Mateus Jacob is already mature enough to know that you cannot waste the good opportunities that life may bring. For people in socially vulnerable situations, who struggle daily to have a dignified life, this can be a determining factor for the future.
Born in Brasília, Mateus came with his family to Diadema, in the outskirts of São Paulo, when he was three years old. His interest in barbering emerged early. Using a shaver his father had at home, he gave his first haircuts to his cousins.
During the critical period of the Covid pandemic, Matthew divided his time between virtual classes, watched on his cell phone, and selling homemade bread made by his mother, who had three other young children to take care of.
The bread produced by Mateus' mother's hands fed the families of her clients as well as her own since the sales represented almost all the income of the family.
The small sales-stand, set up in a square, barely provided any protection from the sun or cold, but - like magic - ended up being set up in a place that helped change Mateus' story. "The place where I used to stay (selling the bread) was in front of a barber shop," recalls the young man. "The owner of the place, who also cut my hair, always encouraged me," comments Mateus.
With the interest that already existed since childhood and the incentive of a professional, Mateus found out about the hairdresser and barber course offered by Rede Cultural Beija-Flor in partnership with the Hairdresser firm Aliados Cortes. Mateus signed up, started the course, and quickly stood out among his classmates.
Even before finishing the training, Mateus’ efforts were recognized, and the adolescent received an encouraging invitation. "I was invited to do an internship at Aliados Cortes. It was a door that opened for me," he comments excitedly.
Hopeful for a better future, full of possibilities, but with the joy of someone who has already taken the first step, Mateus says that "the advice is not to give up. In the beginning it may seem difficult, there may be obstacles, but you can't give up. It's a unique opportunity. If you embrace the opportunity, you win the world," says Mateus.
Mateus's dedication and talent is reflected in another opportunity that has appeared: the teenager was invited to be one of the mentors of the new classes that will take in 2023 the hairdressing and barbering course at Ordalinos given at Beija Flor Cultural Network, a project sponsored by the Grieg Foundation that helps create a new future for so many young people and adults.
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