Feed and Educate Children in Salvador, Brazil

Dear Supporters, 

Mother's Day

We invited parents and guardians to an afternoon coffee and a performance from our kids. All ages got together to form a student choir and performed renditions of popular Brazilian songs. They had practised for weeks before and the result was fabulous, as were there coordinating tunics that they had all helped make. The mothers and caregivers were delighted with the choir and most stayed the entire afternoon to take part in activities with the kids and take a look at the work they had been doing – the event became a de facto, informal parents evening – and it was great for Andrea, our school teacher, to have the opportunity to give some great feedback to our student’s parents – especially nice to see both kids and parents leaving so full of pride. We believe that bonding sessions between parents/guardians and the creche staff are essential to the success of our work.

Sao Joao Festivities

São João (St. John) is a festival that takes place every year in Brazil. The dates are marked with parties, traditional clothing and dances and traditional foods. The idea of São João is to celebrate the harvest and the country way of life. Every year we use it as a perfect opportunity to teach our students about Brazil’s rich history and geography and talk about the differences between life in the country and the city – many of students started life in the countryside and moved with their families to the city of Salvador in search of work. Once the party had kicked off the students began dancing to the traditional forro music and looked wonderfully cute in the country style outfits they had put together. The highlight of the day was definitely the feast of traditional foods that our school cook Sonia had put together – the children were so happy to be able to go back for 2^nd portions!

All in all, it’s been a very fun month in the school – much needed when you remember it is set against a climate of increasing gang violence in the favela of Mata Escura. Our school continues to provide a welcoming and safe space for our students to learn, play and just enjoy being kids – something that can be very difficult for them in their day to day life.

Thank you for your continued support!

With Gratitude, 
Emma