Expansion Project for the Steve Biko Cultural Institute

The Instituto Cultural Steve Biko (ICSB) was established in 1992, and over the past 20 years has fought against the exclusion of young black men and women in higher educational realms in Brazil. We are the pioneers in creating pre-university courses that focus on transitioning students from public schools to higher educational programs, and have already assisted more than 2000 students to enter into universities. These results have allowed for the Institute to be recognized by leaders, and organizations inside and outside of our country, including recognition from the Ministry of Justice who attributed the Institute with the National Human Rights award in 1999 and the Young Scientist award in 2008 with the theme- education to reduce social inequalities. Biko has been having serious difficulties and challenges to achieve its mission, and the project that we are seeking funds will allow for us to assist many more young black students. The main problem is the absence of a proper building to facilitate classes. Currently, the institute is located in a small space that is only feasible to allow for 250 people including staff and students to work with our 5 major educational projects. The limitations of the space have hindered the progress of our current projects and prohibited us from expanding to assist the needs of the growing number of young students who annually flock to Biko seeking education and opportunities. In 2010, we contacted the government of Bahia and applied for a grant to move to a better location. On July 29, 2011, we were awarded with a 40-year grant to use a destroyed house located in the historical center of Salvador. Now, the challenge is to renovate the remnants that are left of the house and transform it into an accessible educational space that upholds the legacy of Biko.