Inmates from Seap showcase talents at the 13th Círio Craft Fair
With support from Sebrae, Coostafe reinforces the transformative power of art and female cooperativism in social reintegration
For the fourth consecutive year, the Social Cooperative of Entrepreneurial Female Art (Coostafe) participates in the Círio Craft Fair (FAC), which, in 2025, reaches its 13th edition. The event brings together products made from various materials, such as ceramics, miriti, fibers, seeds, gems and jewelry, balata, among others, which will be displayed in over 100 booths set up in an area of 3,000 square meters, and also features pieces produced by women deprived of liberty (PPLs).
Promoted by the Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (SEBRAE), the program started this Thursday (9) and runs until October 15. The participation of the Cooperative reaffirms the commitment of the government of the State of Pará, through the State Secretariat of Penitentiary Administration (SEAP), to human valorization, encouragement of art, and strengthening of social cooperativism, showing that reintegration is possible when opportunities, respect, and recognition are offered.
The Coostafe booth is the result of a solid partnership with Sebrae, which ensures structural, logistical, and promotional support. This collaboration allows the products of the inmates to be displayed with quality and visibility.
“There is a very strong partnership with Sebrae, which makes a point of ensuring our presence, opening doors, understanding the context in which Coostafe is inserted, and offering support in all aspects. It is undoubtedly one of the greatest opportunities they have throughout the year, as it is a recurring event with great visibility,” highlighted Narayana Brotas, the cooperative's tutor.
Coostafe is an example of how cooperativism and public reintegration policies can transform stories. Through handicrafts and other creative expressions, the inmates develop skills, regain self-esteem, and build new life perspectives, uniting art, faith, and hope.
Travel agent Patrícia Cunha, a visitor to the fair, highlighted the quality and social value of the work. “I think it’s extremely important, especially because the work is wonderful. Last year, I had already purchased some products, and everything is handmade, with great care. It’s a fantastic social attitude, a real way to help and value the effort of the participants. The quality is exceptional,” she praised.
For the inmates, the opportunity represents recognition and motivation. In her first participation in the FAC, cooperative member Beatriz Nascimento expressed the collective feeling. “It is very gratifying to see our work valued. Each piece I make is with a lot of love and dedication, and being able to share this with the public fills me with pride and motivation to continue. It is exciting to see people getting to know our work and a bit of our story,” she concluded.
During her visit to the FAC, the vice-governor, Hana Ghassan, passed by the Coostafe booth and was presented with a painting made by the cooperative's inmates.
Text: Fernanda Ferreira / Intern NCS SEAP Pará
