Projeto Axê has received international recognition for its imaginative educational work with marginalized children in Salvador. Practicing what Axê calls the pedagogy of desire project facilitators stimulate the child to develop interest in school through artistic and recreational activities, as well as other non-formal methods of education. Axê's approach is designed to reach kids on the streets and strengthen their desire to stay in school and learn. Through a strong partnership with the State Secretariat of Education, Project Axê has been able to integrate its pedagogy into the public school system.

Axê's pedagogy of desire works at the following levels:

1. Axê Bus. The Axê Bus is an ingenious way to reach out to children spending time in the streets. Parked in the city-center, this colorful bus is an attractive venue aimed to instill curiosity in the child. A street educator informs children about the fun-filled activities taking place on the bus and invites them aboard. While on board, children can watch a video, draw, and sing or read books. If the children show interest, they also are invited to become students at any of Axê's educational or training centers.

2. Canteiro dos Desejos. "Canteiro dos Desejos" or "Flowerbed of Desires" is Axê's early childhood education project. Utilizing theater, dance and song, the Canteiro engages children from marginal neighborhoods in learning activities that are relevant to their reality and cultural heritage. Currently, the Canteiro is using African Theater to teach children about their rights and responsibilities as Brazilian citizens. Using such artistic techniques allows children to actively participate in their own learning.

3. School Monitoring Program. Through a partnership with the Secretariat of Education and over sixty public schools in the state of Bahia, Axê is able to enroll kids who seek the streets into the public school system and monitor their performance. As a requirement for enrollment, a family member is asked to sponsor the child. Once enrolled, the children spend the morning period in instruction classes, while afternoons are devoted to the arts (i.e. dancing, theater, singing or drawing).

Within the School Monitoring Program, Axê's role is not limited to monitoring student attendance and progress. Public school teachers also receive training at various Axê centers on alternative methods of education for children who seek the streets. In summary, the School Monitoring Program aims to (a) provide opportunities for children to learn and contribute within public schools; (b) train the school community to better educate and evaluate these children; and (c) encourage the participation of family with child and community with school.

Due to its success in Salvador, Projeto Axê has received numerous requests to replicate its programs nationally and regionally. Notwithstanding, the guiding principle at Axê is that replicating projects will not solve the "street kids" dilemma. Instead, the solution must come from cooperative efforts between civil society and the public sector that can translate into relevant and sustainable public policies.