On 1 and 2 May, the Annual Sa-Fa Family Leadership Forum for Brazil took place in Passo Fundo, bringing together those responsible for the areas of Communication, Education, Pastoral Care, Finance and Human Resources, along with the management teams from all the units. The meeting was attended by the ABE board of directors and coordinated by the “Titularidade Team” under the responsibility of the general coordinator, Amarildo Bolis, and the advisor, Br. Ernani Welter. This year, the meeting was also attended by the Provincial Animator, Br. José Mamerto Sánchez.
With the aim of strengthening the activities of the Sa-Fa Family through the integrated action of individuals and sectors, 44 members from all units participated.
The growth of the Network was analysed. In 2021, the Sa-Fa Network had 1,753 students and, by 2026, this figure had risen to 2,963, representing an increase of 69.03%. This growth is also linked to the integration of the new Sa-Fa Sobradinho/DF unit in 2025. In addition, data was presented to provide an understanding of the centres’ financial health, with statistical analyses and projections regarding expenditure, income and results for the year 2026.
Other topics of common interest regarding health and safety were also discussed. All activities were preceded by moments of spirituality, led by the Pastoral team, with reflections and activities aimed at fostering a sense of belonging to the institution, highlighting the importance of diversity and the uniqueness of each individual within the Nazarene Spirit, in keeping with the provincial motto for 2026.
The Provincial Animator, Br. José Mamerto Sánchez, led a discussion with the participants, addressing the Provincial Assembly of the Sa-Fa Family.
One of the main objectives of the Forum is working in specific areas. This year, this was based on the 2024–2027 Strategic Plan. Each area presented the progress made since the last meeting and defined new goals for the Strategic Plan for the next cycle, in line with the vision of expansion and consolidation of the six units in Brazil, five of which are dedicated to primary and secondary education and one to higher education.
The meeting also included final preparations for the Sa-Fa Network Educators’ Meeting, which is held every two years. In 2026, the Ibema/PR unit will host the event on 11 and 12 October, bringing together some 110 educators from all units for sessions of training and exchange, under the motto ‘Strong in mission, light on the path’.
Focused on collective institutional development, the Sa-Fa Network recognises these moments of active participation as the foundations for strengthening the mission and charism, underpinned by a shared vision and aligned with the charism of Venerable Brother Gabriel Taborin. In all our centres, we are the Sa-Fa Family.
