Brasil

since 1992
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, covering almost half of the South American continent, with a population of over 215 million. Despite a high HDI of 0.754, the country is characterised by very high inequalities. In 1990, following an exploratory mission and a meeting with Father Willemsen, MAP financed the operation for several years of a night shelter for homeless youth in the Niteroi neighbourhood, the “Santa Devota Centre”. In 1995, Father Renato Chiera, founder of Casa do Menor, in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, who is very involved in the reintegration of street youth and drug addicts, presented his projects to MAP. A farm school was built to launch a training and rehabilitation programme. Since then, MAP has helped build and operate the Casas Lares, “family homes” run by “social parents” who help a dozen children escape the hell of the street and drugs. Renovation of reception houses, refurbishment of sports fields and works to refurbish the Cultural Centre among others. In 2019, MAP funded the construction of a sports complex in Rosa dos Ventos, with rooms dedicated to professional workshops and training. These were launched in 2002, with the construction of a bakery workshop, and then in 2007 with the support of the Monegasque Cooperation for professional training in locksmithing and aluminium for 80 disadvantaged adolescents and young people. Until today, professional workshops in mechanics, electricity, hairdressing, IT or administration are financed annually by MAP. Each year, more than 2,000 young people receive the tools they need to reintegrate into society. In 35 years, more than 100,000 young people have received vocational training. In 2020 and 2021, emergency aid has been granted to Casa do Menor to deal with the spread of COVID-19 and thus help the most vulnerable families.

Mission

In 2012, a MAP delegation participated in the 25th anniversary celebrations of Casa do Menor. In 2015, the administrator responsible for Brazil went on a mission to monitor the projects. In October 2016, Mrs. Donatella Campioni and Mrs. Pilar Klemm, in charge of Brazil, participated in Casa do Menor's 30th anniversary celebrations. The most recent mission took place in October 2023, and was led by Mrs Donatella Campioni, Mrs Pilar Klemm, Mr Ryter and two members of MAP. On this occasion, the new Miguel Couto refectory was inaugurated.

ongoing projects
Vocational training workshops for 400 young people

MAP has been supporting vocational training workshops since 2002. These training courses enable the most vulnerable young people, often in street situations and drug addicts, to envisage a future and a social reintegration. The courses thus serve as a drug prevention device.

Courses in metalwork, mechanics, cooking, hairdressing, computers, baking and administration last for 6 months and are completely free. Before the health crisis, enrolment was around 1,200 students per term. As a result of the restrictions and measures put in place, approximately 800 young people are now being trained each quarter, giving each of them the opportunity to write a new chapter in their history.

In July 2023, work began on refurbishing the Miguel Couto refectory, to create a key exchange point between trainers, Casa do Menor staff and beneficiaries, where the latter will also receive a daily meal.

Objectives

Ensure the socio-professional integration of 400 young people.

Beneficiaries

Activities carried out

Recent funding

Complete renovation of the Irma Celina Community Center

Continuing MAP’s support for the vocational training and social reintegration of disadvantaged young people in the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, this project to completely renovate the Irma Celina Community Center will provide better care for these young people.

The project is part of Casa do Menor’s community development and professionalization program. Thanks to this new structure, more than 120 children and young people a day, aged from 6 to 24, will be welcomed and supervised by specialized educators.

The center will offer educational, cultural, sporting and recreational opportunities on a daily basis. Thanks to this support, beneficiaries are encouraged to follow the path of schooling, training and the construction of long-term life projects.

Objectives

Complete renovation of a community living center to promote social reintegration.

Beneficiaries

Activities carried out

Recent funding

Promotion of social and solidarity-based entrepreneurship and the creation of microenterprises

MAP has been supporting vocational training workshops since 2002. These training courses enable the most vulnerable young people, often in street situations or drug addicts, to envisage a future and a social reintegration. The courses thus serve as a drug prevention device. Courses in metalwork, mechanics, cooking, hairdressing, computers, baking and administration last for 6 months and are completely free. Before the health crisis, enrolment was around 1,200 students per term. As a result of the restrictions and measures put in place, approximately 800 young people are now being trained each quarter, giving each of them the opportunity to write a new chapter in their history.

The project is part of Casa do Menor’s community development and professionalisation programme, and aims to create work opportunities for young people from socially vulnerable communities and the promotion of an entrepreneurial culture in contrast to the violent culture of the Brazilian suburbs. Young people trained in vocational courses often try their hand at independent entrepreneurial initiatives, but without success due to lack of follow-up and funding.

The project therefore comes as a second phase in the process of integrating young people by training them to manage their own individual micro-enterprises, with little investment. This technical training, which supports young people who have already received vocational training, will enable them to start their own business.

Objectives

Supporting and accompanying the entrepreneurial initiatives of young people being monitored.

Beneficiaries

Activities carried out

Recent funding

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