Building Bridges Through Education
MONA LISA ON THE TITANIC
SMALL BOATS BUILDING BRIDGES
Expanding educational opportunities for young people in underserved communities in Brazil through mentorship, guidance, school outreach, and access to higher education.
Inspired by the true story behind the book
Mona Lisa on the Titanic.
OUR STORY
A Book That Became
A Movement
What began as a personal story of resilience, loss, and opportunity became a broader conversation about education, public policy, and social mobility. Through presentations, schools, and community events, Mona Lisa on the Titanic inspired the creation of Small Boats Building Bridges.
"Sometimes all it takes is one bridge, one opportunity, or one story to change the course of a life." — Kettilen Lopes
Explore the book, attend events, support the mission, or join our growing community.
TAKE PART IN THE STORY
Education Changed My Life
I grew up in a small town of 12,000 people. From public school to university, every opportunity I received helped shape my future. Today, our mission is to help more young people discover the educational pathways, guidance, and support that can transform their lives.
THE BOOK THAT STARTED IT ALL
Mona Lisa on Titanic:
The Land of Memes
The Mona Lisa is both you and me. How many times do we not know whether to laugh or cry? This book tells the story of a young girl whose life was transformed through education, opportunity, and public policy. It reflects on how those same opportunities can shape the future of many others. What began as a personal story became the foundation for a broader mission dedicated to educational access, opportunity, and social impact.
This book became the foundation for a movement dedicated to educational access and opportunity.
From One Story to Many Futures
What began as a personal story of resilience became a mission to help young people access education, opportunity, and support.
Book Distribution
Bringing Mona Lisa on the Titanic to schools, communities, and readers.
University Access
Supporting students in understanding higher education pathways and opportunities.
Scholarships
Building relationships that help expand educational access.
Technology Access
Exploring future initiatives involving technology, digital resources, and student support.
10
Literacy Programs Launched
Our Growth, Their Future
150+
Books Distributed
50+
Volunteers Mobilized
FOUNDER STORY
Meet Kettilen Lopes
Author of Mona Lisa on the Titanic and founder of Small Boats Building Bridges. After experiencing firsthand how education and opportunity can transform a life, Kettilen created this initiative to help young people access the same pathways that changed her future.
"Sometimes all it takes is one bridge, one opportunity, or one story to change the course of a life." — Kettilen Lopes
Book presented internationally
Events held across Brazil, Portugal, Malta and Australia
Upcoming Events
Donate
Supporting educational access programs.
Be a Part of the Story
Every book purchased, event attended, volunteer registered, and donation made helps create new educational opportunities for young people across Brazil. Join us in transforming stories into action.
Volunteer
Help at events and outreach activities.
Partner
Collaborate with us to expand impact.
Become a Member
Join our community of readers, supporters, and advocates helping expand educational opportunities.