DANIELA FERNANDES

“I have been a volunteer for the Startup Varejo Program, a joint initiative by Instituto Center Norte and Ideas do Futuro, a consulting firm.

I served as a mentor during the development of some youth projects supported by the Program and in the final presentations that defined the most structured projects.

Acting as a volunteer goes far beyond spending time on your day, on your routine, to help. I see it as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people who seek their space through their ideas, their ideals, their learning. And the Program does exactly that, it causes this young man to explore his potential, raising the meaning of his ideas and making them develop with the best of himself.

It is a rich and impactful process for everyone involved, because it promotes social action, stimulates learning and opens paths for social development and entrepreneurship.

For me, being part of that is, somehow, to cooperate with the growth of each of those people.”