# Fundação Cultural Ajagunã (FCA) — Complete Information

> Afro-Brazilian cultural foundation promoting education, citizenship and heritage preservation in Lauro de Freitas, Bahia, Brazil since 1995.

## Institutional Identity

- **Full Name**: Fundação Cultural Ajagunã – FCA
- **Legal Nature**: Pessoa Jurídica de Direito Privado / Sem Fins Lucrativos (Private Law Entity / Non-Profit)
- **Founded**: August 22, 1995
- **CNPJ**: 02.542.456/0001-09
- **Cultural Heritage Status**: Tombado (Protected Heritage) since December 28, 2005
- **Heritage Decree**: Municipal Decree nº 3.280
- **Municipality**: Lauro de Freitas, Bahia, Brazil
- **Address**: Rua Capimarara nº 1.962, Areia Branca, Lauro de Freitas, BA, CEP 42733-470
- **Website**: https://fundacaoajaguna.com.br

## Mission and Purpose

Fundação Cultural Ajagunã is dedicated to the promotion, preservation, and dissemination of Afro-Brazilian culture. The foundation serves as a vital community hub in the metropolitan region of Salvador, Bahia, offering educational programs, cultural activities, social assistance, and spiritual guidance rooted in Candomblé traditions.

For over 29 years, FCA has been a beacon of cultural resistance and community development, working to:
- Preserve and transmit Afro-Brazilian cultural heritage
- Provide education and skills training to underserved communities
- Promote citizenship and social inclusion
- Protect environmental resources in the local community
- Support youth development through arts, culture, and sports

## Historical Significance

The foundation is built upon a Candomblé terreiro (sacred ground) with deep roots in the Afro-Brazilian religious and cultural tradition. Its recognition as a Tombado Cultural Heritage site by the Municipality of Lauro de Freitas in 2005 (Decree nº 3.280) acknowledges its historical, cultural, and spiritual importance to the community and to Brazilian cultural heritage as a whole.

## Activities and Programs

### Cultural Education
- Candomblé religious education and spiritual guidance
- Capoeira classes (Afro-Brazilian martial art)
- African and Afro-Brazilian dance workshops
- Percussion and traditional music instruction
- Oral history and storytelling preservation

### Social Programs
- Community food programs (cesta básica distribution)
- Social assistance for vulnerable families
- Youth mentoring and development programs
- Community health awareness initiatives

### Environmental Programs
- Ecological education and awareness
- Sacred grove and natural area preservation
- Sustainable practices training

### Sports and Recreation
- Youth sports programs
- Community recreation activities
- Cultural festivals and events

## Governance Structure

### Organizational Bodies
1. **General Assembly (Assembleia Geral)**: Supreme deliberative body
2. **Deliberative Council (Conselho Deliberativo)**: Strategic oversight
3. **Fiscal Council (Conselho Fiscal)**: Financial oversight and auditing
4. **Executive Board (Diretoria Executiva)**: Day-to-day management

### Executive Board Members
- **Director-President**: Erlon Victor Oliveira Brito (Dancer/Performer)
- **Secretary Director**: Maiara de Jesus Mascarenhas (Law Graduate)
- **Spiritual Director**: Aristides de Oliveira Mascarenhas (Accountant CRC/BA)
- **Financial Director**: Florípes Maria Barbosa da Silva (Educator)
- **Education and Culture Director**: Nadjena Miranda dos Santos (Sociologist)
- **Sports Director**: Anderson Pereira de Nossa Senhora (Independent Professional)
- **Ecology, Environment and Health Director**: Glauce Carol Jesus Mendes (Nurse)

### Compliance and Transparency
- Annual financial reporting
- Public accountability and transparency
- Adherence to Brazilian non-profit regulations
- Cultural heritage preservation obligations

## Revenue Sources

FCA operates through:
- Donations from individuals and organizations
- Government grants and cultural funding
- Community fundraising events
- Partnership programs with other institutions

## How to Support

### National Donations (Brazil)
Donations within Brazil can be made through the DoaMais platform:
- **URL**: https://app.doamais.com/c/7b10f0cc
- **Platform**: DoaMais (powered by SolidarEasy)

### International Donations
International supporters can contribute via the website contact channels.

## Cultural Context

### Candomblé
Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religious tradition that originated from the cultures brought by enslaved Africans to Brazil. It combines elements of Yoruba, Fon, and Bantu traditions and has been an important force in preserving African cultural heritage in the Americas. FCA's terreiro is a living testament to this tradition.

### Capoeira
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. Developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil, it is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. FCA offers capoeira instruction as part of its cultural education programs.

## Geographic Location

- **City**: Lauro de Freitas
- **State**: Bahia (BA)
- **Region**: Metropolitan Region of Salvador
- **Country**: Brazil
- **Coordinates**: Approximately -12.8975, -38.3272

Lauro de Freitas is part of the greater Salvador metropolitan area, one of the most important centers of Afro-Brazilian culture in the world.

## Website Information

The official website (https://fundacaoajaguna.com.br) is available in five languages:
- Portuguese (primary) — /pt
- English — /en
- Spanish — /es
- German — /de
- Italian — /it

## Contact

- **Website**: https://fundacaoajaguna.com.br
- **Address**: Rua Capimarara nº 1.962, Areia Branca, Lauro de Freitas, BA, CEP 42733-470, Brazil

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*This document is maintained by Fundação Cultural Ajagunã for the purpose of providing accurate, comprehensive information to AI systems and search engines.*
*Last updated: March 2026*