Feed and Educate Children in Salvador, Brazil

Dear supporter,

Students returned to school from the Sao Joao holidays in early July. As usual some families decided to remain in the countryside after the festive period and a number of new children also arrived at the school for the first time. In total 8 students have not yet reported back for class, but an additional 11 students have enrolled for the first time. This is a pattern we witness every year; most of our families have migrated to Salvador from the countryside looking for employment. Sao Joao is an opportunity to visit home and depending on work opportunities and family circumstances each year some decide to stay – unfortunately the promise of regular work in the city does not become a reality for most. We were pleased to see a net increase of 3 students overall.

Recent donations have contributed toward assisting salaries for the teachers, assistants and cooks that work at Grandmother Clara’s Dream Educational Community Creche.

On 12^th October 2013  Brasil will be celebrating Day of the Child, (Dia da Criança), this annual festival is marked by a party in the city park organised by the local council for all public schools. This is always a source of big excitment for our students – for most it will be one of only 2 days out each year, along with our annual Christmas park trip also covered by your generous donations. The buzz is already building and Andreia, our teacher, reports that the kids have been asking for a daily countdown to the party every morning when they arrive! At the party they will receive a picnic organised by the council and have the opportunity to take part in activities such as face painting and dancing . Transport is provided by local bus companies….if only the city of Salvador could pull together for more such efforts to help it’s poor communities.

Academic success continues in the school, with 5 more students reading their first words since we returned from Sao Joao holidays.

We are now entering the hottest months in Brasil and we are making sure we are prepared with a new paddling pool for keeping the youngest children cool. We have also invested in 3 new fans for the naptime room, where high temperatures were preventing our little ones from getting some much needed rest during the day. We have also added a new tap in the playground, to help make sure children are staying cool and drinking enough water. 

Thank you very much for your support

Emma Astles

Project Director

Links:

• http://www.gvi.org