Estrala da Manha Project, Brazil

See the progress you helped make happen in your sponsored community

When the project started, many families were struggling to earn a living because of high unemployment.

Many children were leaving school before completion and were exposed to family violence, neglect and substance abuse.

Thanks to your support, your sponsored child and other children in the Estrala da Manha community have seen positive changes in their education, health and awareness about their rights.

Together we've achieved so much

A child protection forum has been set up

The forum has more than 1,000 participants including children and it is helping to strengthen child rights and enable dialogue with the government on solutions for problems facing children and youth.

  • Youth now have a strong voice in the community through the Youth Monitoring of Public Policy Group, which was formed and supported by the project. The group helps to identify and raise awareness about important issues affecting children in the community.
  • 170 children and adults took part in the “Stop Bullying” campaign conducted in partnership with the Cartoon Network, where they learned how to recognise and respond to bullying in their community.

3,500 children took part in workshops to tackle Zika virus

The workshops were led by the Youth Monitoring of Public Policy Group, supported by the project, and they also covered how to prevent other mosquito-borne diseases including dengue fever.

  • Mothers have learned about the importance of good nutrition for their children’s health and development during workshops conducted in partnership with local daycare centres.
  • Two food gardens were set up at schools in the project area to promote the importance of nutrition and teach children how to grow their own healthy foods. 

250 families received help with water supply

This was essential in helping them survive a harsh drought in 2016. Construction of water storage facilities will also help them cope better with future dry spells.

  • Farmers have learned skills in environmental conservation, such as drip irrigation and use of natural fertilisers and pesticides, so they can improve their crop production and increase their incomes.
  • Youth and women have gained vocational skills in fields including crafts and making sweets so they can earn an income.

"Today we are not ashamed, we are not afraid, because the project taught us to fight for our rights, showed us how much we are special."

- Elizangela, adult community member