About Mona Lisa on the Titanic: Small Boats Building Bridges
A story of resilience, education, and opportunity transformed into a mission to help young people access their educational rights and build brighter futures.
THE STORY BEHIND THE MISSION
The organisation is founded on the belief that educational opportunities should not depend on where a person is born. It works by connecting young people from underserved backgrounds to real pathways of educational transformation.
Through book presentations, school visits, community events, and conversations with readers, a clear need emerged: many young people still face significant barriers to accessing educational opportunities and support systems.
Small Boats Building Bridges was created to help address those barriers by connecting storytelling with action. The project aims to expand educational access, build community partnerships, support students pursuing higher education, and create opportunities for those who may otherwise be left behind.
Educational Access
Supporting students from underserved communities with information, guidance, and opportunities to pursue higher education.
Our Mission & Objectives
Building bridges that help young people access educational rights, opportunities, and pathways to higher education.
Scholarships & Partnerships
Developing partnerships that expand access to preparatory courses, scholarships, and educational resources.
University Support
Assisting students with university applications, enrollment pathways, and student support programs.
Future Initiatives
Expanding impact through technology access, educational resources, financial assistance, and community-led projects.
FOUNDER STORY
Meet Kettilen Lopes
Growing up in rural Brazil, Kettilen's life changed through access to education and public policies that opened opportunities that once seemed impossible. Through sharing her story across Brazil, Portugal, Malta, and Australia, she created Small Boats Building Bridges to help other young people access those same opportunities.
"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
How We Create Impact
Transforming storytelling into educational opportunity through awareness, partnerships, and direct community engagement.
Storytelling & Awareness
Using books, public talks, school visits, and community events to raise awareness about educational inequality and inspire action.
Educational Opportunities
Connecting students with information, guidance, scholarships, university pathways, and educational resources that help expand access to higher education.
Community Partnerships
Building relationships with schools, libraries, educators, volunteers, and organisations to create long-term educational impact.