Igarassu

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

Igarassu is a town in Brazil's state of Pernambuco, in the north-east of the country. It is located around 32 kilometres from Recife, and about 118,000people live here. Most people live off agriculture, fishing and tourism. This work, mostly in rural areas, is seasonal and not well paid. Although Brazil’s economy is one of the largest in the world, there is economic inequality amongst its population. Children living in poverty in this north-east region of Brazil face poverty, are exposed to violence and have limited access to education and health services.

Since 1968, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Igarassu.

30,000
Young people are murdered each year

High homicide rates

Some areas of Brazilian society are marked by violence. Young people are especially at risk: Brazil´s youth homicide rates are the third highest in the world. The state of Pernambuco, where Igarassu is located, had the 10th highest homicide rate among all Brazilian states in 2019. Homicides are the leading cause of death for young men aged between 15 – 19 years old. The state government is trying to tackle these homicide rates in various ways. One example is an educational program that extends high school times from 5 to 10 hours a day.

500,000
Rapes are reported in Brazil each year

Children exposed to violence

While young men are more at risk of homicide, girls and young women are more at risk of sexual exploitation and violence. These offences often take place behind closed doors, in homes where children should be the safest. In the state of Pernambuco, where Igarassu is located, there are, on average, 1000 reports of sexual violence against children and adolescents recorded each year. More work needs to be done in order to protect children and young people. Shockingly sexual exploitation of children remains largely unpunished.

Your support makes a difference for children in Igarassu

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.
151
Families
Can stay together
108
Young people and adults
Attend our trainings
16
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Young people at a workshop. It gives them guidance on how to communicate in a work environment (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Brazil).

How your support helps in Igarassu

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 education and training
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Adults who seek our support can take part in our workshops and training, so that they can improve their employment situation.
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.