Goioerê

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Brazil).

Goioerê is a municipality in the Southern Region of Brazil in the state of Paraná. The state of Paraná is one of Brazil’s richer states. This is partly because it is one of Brazil’s major coffee producing regions. However, the state’s poverty levels are the highest within the southern states. Children, young people and families living in poverty need extra support.

Since 1977, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Goioerê.

Over 5M
Children do not have access to education

Lack of education

Access to education is a basic right for all children, so that they can access knowledge, and develop social skills and values. And yet, according to data from 2020, over 5 million Brazilian children aged 6 – 17 didn’t have access to education. Those living in rural areas are the most excluded. School attendance is closely linked to family income and poverty. UNICEF research found that out-of-school rates are highest among – to use their terms- black, brown and indigenous children and adolescents living in rural areas.

81%
Of children under 14 suffered sexual violence

Children exposed to violence

In many areas of Brazil, violence is a daily reality for children, young people and families. Children who experience violence while growing up are often affected for the rest of their lives. For example, results of a study on alcohol use found that children experiencing child abuse or sexual violence were more likely to consume excessive amount of alcohol or drugs in adulthood. Over 58 million children in the Latin American and Caribbean region have endured at least one form of violence. In the Paraná state in particular, where Goioerê is located, has the highest rate of children who are raped in Brazil.

Your support makes a difference for children in Goioerê

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
15
Families
Can stay together
60
Children and adults
Are supported in the community
15
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Cooking workshop organized in partnership with a local company. The goal is not only to learn how to cook, but to acquire new skills that will help in their daily lives and tasks (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Brazil).

How your support helps in Goioerê

Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.