### The Parque dos Sonhos State School: A Beacon of Hope
The Parque dos Sonhos State School, a public elementary institution located in Cubatão, São Paulo, has gained international recognition as the World’s Best School Prize 2025 winner in the “Adversity Overcoming” category. This accolade highlights the school’s remarkable journey in addressing significant challenges within its community.
### A Challenging Environment
Nestled in a low-income housing development, the school is situated in a historically vulnerable area characterized by high dropout rates largely driven by crime, inadequate infrastructure, and a noticeable disengagement from both teachers and the local community. These factors have long posed serious obstacles to the educational success of its students.
### Innovative Humanist Principles
In response to these challenges, PARQUE adopted an innovative approach grounded in humanist principles and non-violence. By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, the school has successfully strengthened bonds between students, teachers, and their families. This inclusive strategy has not only improved attendance but has also enhanced student engagement and academic performance.
### Celebrating Global Achievements
While the Parque dos Sonhos shines in the “Adversity Overcoming” category, it’s worth noting that other institutions also received prestigious awards this year. Franklin School in Jersey City was honored with the ‘Innovation 2025’ accolade, recognizing its commitment to creative educational solutions. Meanwhile, In favor of Del Niño in Mexico City triumphed in the ‘Community Collaboration 2025’ category, showcasing the power of community engagement in education.
SK Putrajaya Presint 11 (1) in Malaysia earned recognition in the ‘Support for Healthy Lives 2025’ category, underscoring the importance of student well-being in the education process. Lastly, Arbor School in Dubai gathered accolades for its initiatives under the ‘Environmental Action 2025’ award, highlighting the school’s focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
### The Selection Process
The winners of these esteemed awards were chosen by an international panel of judges utilizing strict criteria, ensuring that only the most deserving institutions were recognized for their outstanding contributions to global education.
### Community Involvement
One of the highlights of the awards was the ‘Community Choice’ Award, which went to ZP School Jalindranagar in Maharashtra, India. This school received the highest number of votes during a public voting process that involved the 50 finalists. This initiative reflects the growing importance of community input in educational assessments and honors.
### A Global Platform
The awarded schools will be invited to attend a prestigious event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on November 15 and 16. This gathering will serve as a platform for the winners to share their best practices and experiences with global policy makers and education leaders. It presents a unique opportunity for these schools to inspire others and contribute to the evolution of educational methodologies worldwide.
### The Future of Education
As we celebrate the achievements of these remarkable schools, it’s essential to acknowledge their impact on their students and communities. The efforts of Parque dos Sonhos and its peers highlight the power of innovation, community involvement, and dedicated leadership in transforming educational landscapes, particularly in challenging environments.