Brazil

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 of a night shelter for homeless young people in the Niteroi district, the ‘Santa Devota Centre’, for several years. In 1995, Father Renato Chiera, founder of Casa do Menor in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, who was deeply involved in the rehabilitation 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.