Restrictions and lockdown measures in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic varied according to location. Cases peaked in June 2021 with a staggering 115,011 positive cases reported on June 23rd. The nation’s robust agricultural sector, as well as stimulus packages from the government, have helped Brazil’s economy to remain relatively strong despite the pandemic’s significant challenges. Food prices have increased, however, which has been very difficult for families in poverty.
Our church partners in Brazil adapted the way they provided support to children and families by gathering in small groups, conducting home visits or making phone contact. Since the beginning of the pandemic, local church partners have delivered more than 686,000 food packs and 471,000 hygiene kits to benefit families.
Watch the latest video update from Brazil below to learn more.
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The situation
Following several days of heavy rain, the river in Colinas overflowed. Colinas is located in the State of Maranhão, in the northeast of Brazil. Many local families experienced significant flood damage to their homes and are now living in temporary shelters.
If your sponsored child has been affected by the floods, we will contact you directly to share more information.
Global Compassion impact
Number of local church partners affected: 1 Number of Compassion assisted children affected: 28
New information
Compassion's local church partner in the affected area is working to support families physically and spiritually. Basic supplies, food kits and hygiene packs have been distributed by Compassion.
Prayer
Please pray for those affected by the recent flooding as they assess the damage and make plans for repairs.
Thank you for praying for children and families in Brazil who have been impacted by COVID-19—and the local staff and churches who continue to serve them in difficult circumstances.
With Brazil in the peak of the pandemic in mid-May, hospitals prioritised treating patients with suspected COVID-19 or those with extreme emergencies. So when 13-year-old José was complaining of pain in his lower abdomen, he visited a neighbourhood health centre only to be given pain medication and sent home. His condition grew worse from there. Read more open_in_new
Please note: Due to the current pandemic, many child development centres are operating differently in order to keep their communities safe and abide by local restrictions. Our local church partners continue to meet the urgent needs of the children through home-based or small-group care.
Compassion’s program is contextualised across countries and communities, as well as age groups.
Compassion assisted children in Brazil typically attend program activities at their local child development centre before or after school. Here is an example of what a typical program day looks like for children in Brazil.
Devotional time - Children are taught to pray.
Spiritual lessons - Children sing songs and learn Bible stories. Compassion Brazil gives age appropriate Bibles to children when they are six, 10 and when they graduate from the Child Sponsorship Program.
Break and snack time - Children can play in a safe environment and develop friendships. A snack often consists of an egg sandwich with tea, fruit shake and crackers, fruit salad, or bread.
Social-emotional lessons - Children learn conflict resolution skills and how to develop healthy self-esteem and a godly character. Children often come from challenging home environments and are taught social and personal skills.
Lunch and social time - Children generally receive a meal such as pasta, rice, vegetables and/or meat.
Health lessons - Children are taught practical health and hygiene tips.
Letter writing and career planning - Older children work with local staff to identify their strengths and interests, setting realistic goals for their future.
In addition to Compassion’s curriculum, children have opportunities to participate in activities such as sports tournaments, camps, dance performances and job fairs, as well as excursions to parks, museums, zoos and local companies. Older students are typically involved in skills workshops such as hairdressing, information technology and office skills.
of people live below the poverty line
of people lack access to improved sanitation
babies under the age of one die per 1000 births
One of the world’s biggest economies and a rising global power, Brazil has struggled for decades with a growing gap between rich and poor—a gap that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officially in recession and struggling to rebound from the terrible health toll of 2020, Brazil faces an uncertain future—and the nation’s poor remain marginalised.
Home to more than 210 million people, Brazil has the largest population in Latin America, with the majority of citizens living in industrial cities, like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Rapid growth in the urban population has created serious social, environmental and political problems, with millions of people living in slums and on the streets.
Children living on the streets are subject to drug and solvent abuse, as well as prostitution and violence. As a result of extreme poverty, child prostitution is on the rise, particularly in areas frequented by foreign tourists such as Rio de Janeiro, Recife and Fortaleza.
Many indigenous groups, particularly in the Amazon region, lack access to healthcare and other services. They have been hit hard by the twin threats of the COVID-19 pandemic and rampant deforestation, which is often driven by cattle ranchers, illegal mining and drug cartels encroaching on their traditional lands.
In rural regions of the country, literacy, infant survival rates and access to water facilities are well below the national average. Only 51 per cent of people in rural areas have access to improved sanitation facilities, compared to 88 per cent in the cities.
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“My heart still cries every time I look at my children. But today I know that, despite all my worries, God is taking care of me.” Maria, 24, a local of Santa Inês in Brazil’s northeast, found out she was pregnant just days after her partner abandoned her. But the local church rallied to her aid and instilled in her a powerful hope. This is her story... Read more
It’s one of those human experiences that words cannot describe: meeting someone you’ve loved after years of ongoing friendship. We hope these precious captured moments of Compassion supporters meeting their sponsored children brings you joy, and an insight into these meaningful moments. Warning: tissues may be required! .. Read more
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has left millions struggling with unemployment and uncertainty. But what will it mean for our world's most vulnerable citizens—children living in poverty?.. Read more