The article intends to present the results of a larger study on the assistance to deprived children in Grão Pará, highlighting the Instituto Paraense de Educandos Artífices. The basic question addressed: what was the main objective of the provincial government with the foundation of the Institute? The primary sources were the reportsos issued by the presidents of the Province, and the directors the Institute, the local educational legislation, drafts of letters, and newspapers that circulated in the Province at that time. The results show that the service rendered was characterized in one more tool for consolidation of the idealsof the Enlightenment produced in Europe, embodied in the civilizing project designed to turn the indians and mestizos into citizens of distinction and good manners.
