Who We Are

The people and purpose behind the work

Panoramic view of Niteroi favela community with Rio de Janeiro in the background

The Mission

Supporting young people to live without fear and positively influence their world

This is what drives everything. In Niteroi's low-income communities, real obstacles exist—but so does real potential. The mission is simple: create space where that potential can unfold.

Values That Shape the Work

Welcoming — Care transforms. Every young person is received as they are.

Relevant — Responses that make sense for real lives.

Enthusiastic — Energy and lightness, even in hard work.

Excellent — Attention and creativity in every detail.

Generous — The power of sharing.

Protagonists — Young people lead their own stories with courage and purpose.

The Team

People dedicated to transformation

Bettina Bossart

Bettina Bossart

Diretora

Liderando a visão e estratégia para a transformação de jovens em Niterói.

Marcus Costa

Marcus Costa

Coordenador de Programas

Supervisionando os quatro pilares e garantindo programação de qualidade.

Matheus Oliveira

Matheus Oliveira

Educador Social

Presente diariamente no terreno, construindo relacionamentos e apoiando o crescimento.

The Story

How It Started

Hangar began with a simple observation: young people in Niteroi's low-income communities had potential that wasn't being recognized or supported. The critical after-school hours—when many young people face the hardest choices—could instead become a launchpad.

Key Milestones

The Beginning — First programs launched with a small group of young people

Growth — Expansion into all four pillars: Education, Expression, Connections, Opportunities

Methodology — Development of "Takeoff Trails" (Trilhas de Decolagem), the distinctive approach that shapes everything

Today — Over a decade of transformation, with hundreds of young people who've found their wings

Be Part of Someone's Takeoff