KIDS Support Groups in Brazil

Dear supporters,

We are happy to share some news with you from Brazil, an update of the KIDS Support groups. In this report, we focus on the training of the group leaders, as working with children is a special discipline that requires proper understanding of childhood development and the relevant issues involved with substance abuse. 

A social worker from Blue Cross Brazil told us the following about the behaviour of the children: “The behaviour after some meetings changes. They begin to smile more, play more, and speak more freely about their difficulties and families.”

Training is necessary to ensure that all leaders understand what type of behaviour to expect from children of dependents as well as the stages of childhood development and how to motivate the children to participate. Leaders must be able to clearly define issues related to the rights of the child, situations in which this right is violated and how leadership can act in the face of such violations.

Another KIDS Group leader told us “I didn’t use to like children. I started to frequent the Support Group for adults interested in getting to know and help people with real problems. I soon received the invitation to take the training of facilitator of KIDS, and there, even having gone against my will, I fell in love. I noticed that the pain of the co-dependent children was especially remarkable, so I decided not to get neglectful. And God has enlightened me miraculously, making the children get attached to me which motivated me even more to believe in this work.”

Working with children who often have feelings of shame, anger and isolation requires a special kind of person and we are grateful to all the volunteers who dedicate their time to ensuring that these children have a place to turn to in their time of need. We are also grateful to all the supporters of this special project for their contributions!

Thank you

Mischa Rychener

Fundraising and Networking Officer

Links:

• Blue Cross Brazil Facebook Page