Social responsibility has always been one of the pillars of MUST University, and it is with pride that the institution supports one of the most inspiring humanitarian projects today: the work developed by Alexandre and Giovana Canhoni in Niger, one of the poorest countries in the world, located in West Africa. For over two decades, they have been dedicated to transforming realities through education, nutrition, and shelter for children and families in extremely vulnerable situations.
Alexandre Canhoni, known nationally in the 1990s as one of TV presenter Xuxa’s dancers, chose to leave the spotlight to pursue a new purpose in life. Since his arrival in Niger in 2002, alongside his wife Giovana, he has embarked on a journey marked by overcoming adversity, faith, and service. The couple faced countless challenges, from religious persecution to the loss of their possessions, but they remained steadfast in their mission to help.
Today, the project led by Alexandre and Giovana directly involves 850 children and 65 families, promoting access to education, food, and training. Among the initiatives are four daycare centers, two workshops for women, 11 nutrition projects, and a schooling program, which together form a support and development network for entire communities.
In addition, the couple has 19 adopted children and 15 grandchildren, many of whom are following in their parents’ footsteps in community and solidarity work. The house where they live still shelters part of the family and also serves as a base for some of the social actions.
MUST University is one of the sponsors of the AGD Project and provides monthly support for activities in Niger. The partnership has been instrumental in keeping essential initiatives running. A recent example was the reopening of one of the project’s daycare centers, which had been closed due to lack of resources.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude for MUST’s continued support of the AGD Project, especially at a time when we are facing significant challenges. Thanks to the university’s sponsorship, we were able to reopen the daycare center and once again offer a safe and welcoming environment for children, with access to education and essential care,” said Alexandre and Giovana.
For the president of MUST University, Giulianna Carbonari Meneghello, supporting a project like this reinforces the values that have guided the institution since its foundation: “Our commitment goes beyond formal education. We believe in the transformative power of solidarity, empathy, and concrete action. Supporting the project led by Alexandre and Giovana in Niger is, for us, a way of practicing what we teach: that each person can be an agent of change in the world, wherever they are.”
Giulianna spoke with Alexandre Canhoni in a moving interview about the project in Niger. The video is available on MUST’s YouTube channel. Watch and be inspired by this transformative story!
MUST’s collaboration with the AGD Project is more than a gesture of solidarity: it is an extension of the institution’s commitment to inclusion, social transformation, and human development. The university believes that investing in education is investing in the future—and this applies both to those who study in its international programs and to those on the other side of the world who need a first step to start dreaming. 🙂
