Food security for children in the favelas - Brazil

Dear Donors,
Our commitment to supporting children and elderly people in Manaus continues. Together with the parish of Nossa Senhora das Graças, we work every day to support the most vulnerable members of the community, helping to ensure that they have access to nutritional support and helping them face difficult living conditions with greater dignity.

One of the main activities carried out in collaboration with the parish is the provision of daily meals through the community canteen. For many children and families living in conditions of economic hardship, access to a nutritious meal is an essential form of support. The canteen represents not only a place where children can receive a daily meal, but also a safe and welcoming environment where they can feel cared for and supported. Through this work, we aim to contribute to improving their well-being and creating better conditions for their growth and development.

Here is the story of one of the children who attends the canteen:
C.'s family lives in an informal settlement. Due to their limited financial resources, they have not yet been able to build a safer and more suitable home. The family's current living conditions are difficult, but C.'s parents told the social workers that they intend to remain there until they have the financial means to build a new home and provide their children with a more secure living environment.

The family's livelihood depends mainly on informal and unstable sources of income. C.'s mother works on a construction site, earning approximately USD 140 per month without a formal employment contract. Despite the difficult conditions and the lack of employment security, she continues to work to contribute to the family's basic needs. C.'s father collects and sorts recyclable materials, including paper, plastic and glass, but this activity does not provide him with a stable or regular income. The family's economic situation therefore remains fragile, making it difficult for the parents to plan for the future or invest in improving their living conditions.

Despite these challenges, C. is in good health and is progressing well in his personal and educational development. At school, he successfully completed the academic year and, in 2026, will attend the eighth grade. He is described as a calm and respectful teenager who has a positive relationship with his parents. His educational progress represents an important opportunity for his future, particularly in a context where economic hardship can often create additional barriers to accessing education and achieving personal goals.

C.'s story is just one example of the many children and families who benefit from the support provided through our partnership with the parish of Nossa Senhora das Graças. Behind every meal provided is a child who is given the opportunity to grow in a safer and more supportive environment, and a family that can receive valuable support while facing difficult circumstances.

Thanks to your support, children like C. can continue to look towards the future with greater hope. Your generosity is essential in improving the quality of life of these children and their families, offering them greater stability, support and dignity in their daily lives.