Children are at risk
In Brazil, children, young people and families need support so that they can stay together. Around 25% of the population lives in poverty. Poverty often means that children do not go to school, do not have enough food to keep them healthy, and cannot see a doctor when they need to. The COVID-19 pandemic made the situation even more challenging – especially as many families were suddenly left without an income. Many schools were closed and this affected the most vulnerable children and young people. The situation is improving, but a lot more support is needed
13.5 M
People live in extreme poverty in Brazil
Widespread poverty
Poverty has never been higher in Brazil. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the income of families already living in poverty or on the edge of poverty. Children and young people are the most affected by monetary poverty.
Although in some areas, the situation is slowly improving, round 25% of the country’s population live in poverty, with 13.5 million living in extreme poverty.
29%
Of young people are not in education or work
Education
The education system in Brazil was already in need of improvement when the COVID-19 pandemic started. This made the educational situation worse for all children, but especially those who lacked access to technology so that they could keep up with online learning.
With 29% of young people out of school, training or work, the educational system needs to be become more inclusive. It also needs to be more responsive to the needs of the employment market.
12 M
People are unemployed in Brazil
Unemployment
Around 12 million people are unemployed in Brazil.
Young people are among the worst affected by unemployment. There are around 47 million young people between the ages of 15-29 in Brazil. Of those, an estimated 14% of the unemployed are between 14 and 17 years old. These are mostly apprentices.
Among those aged 18 -24, the unemployment rate is 26%. It is hard for young people to find a well-paid and stable job.
Together we can make a difference for children in Brazil
Are supported in the community
980
Children and young people
Attend our kindergartens, schools and trainings
380
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
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Miguel is 22 years old. He’s an activist who not only speaks out against discrimination, but has also created a programme to help young people out of violence and crime by using their creativity. “We are trying to lower the violence in our city because Lorena is the most dangerous city in the San Paulo state. And I believe we, through art, are making it more peaceful,” he says. (photo: M. García).
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and trains parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
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GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives