São Paulo-São Bernardo

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

São Bernardo is a municipality in São Paulo state with a population of over 844,000. It’s the second most populated suburb of São Paulo city and the industrial heartland of São Paulo state. Life in this suburb of São Paulo has always been challenging. However, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed thousands into living on the streets in São Paulo. The number of people without a home rose by more than 30% in this time. Almost 6,800 different areas of the city had people living in tents and wooden shacks. Children and young people growing up in these conditions are at risk of exploitation and need special support.

Since 1970, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in São Paulo-São Bernardo.

7.8 M
Children under 6 live in poverty

Families living in poverty

In early 2020, about 40% of children and young people lived below the poverty line. Families with children and adolescents are more likely to be affected by insufficient income. In the urban sprawl of São Paul, many families end up living in informal settlements, often on the streets or located on land that is prone to floods or landslides. Children often have no access to education or to health services. In addition, with high crime rates and a lack of access to support, many children and young people are at risk of exploitation and violence.

369,000
Children and young people were raped in a year

Children exposed to violence

Some areas of Brazilian society are marked by violence. All types of violence are underreported, and this is also true for sexual violence. Victims are usually between 10-17 years old, and in 74% of the cases girls are the target. A study revealed that children are most vulnerable in their own homes where they should be the safest. Brazil is therefore raising awareness on sexual violence against children by observing the National Day Against the Abuse and Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents on 18th May.

Your support makes a difference for children in São Paulo

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.
30
Children and young people
Are supported in the community
165
Young children
Attend our day care centre
Young children under the age of four from the local community spend time at day care. Here they can learn as they play! (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Brazil).

How your support helps in São Paulo-São Bernardo

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.
Provide quality day care
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality day care and education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. Young children spend time playing and learning at our day care. This prepares them for primary school.