This research investigated the main facilitators and barriers for the implementation of a social project in Curitiba, the Community School Program, and for the participation of children in the program. The research was qualitative and the data was collected through observations and open interviews with 65 Program agents (coordinators, teachers, student teachers, volunteers and children). The main facilitators are: the support of the City Education Department; workers efforts; offer of free activities in a relatively safe environment; and opportunities for socialization. The main barriers are: workers low pay; volunteers and student teachers high turnover rates, and lack of support for their work. Some factors are characterized as facilitators or barriers, depending on the reality of each school: community participation culture; partnerships; conditions of school spaces, materials and equipment; type of activities which are offered. The research offers some subsides for the improvement of similar programs and for the idealization and management of other projects.
Determinants; Implementation; Leisure Activities; Consumer Participation