Thanks to the "Open dump" project, 60 ragpickers at the Aracatí landfill are protected from danger and contamination.

In Araçatí, Brazil, many families live in precarious conditions, suffering from the impact of drought, soil and water pollution and food insecurity.

To survive, they have to spend their working days collecting recyclable waste from the city's open-air dumps. 

Concerned about these working conditions, which were the cause of many accidents and illnesses, the sisters wanted to ensure their safety by providing them with protective equipment and basic hygiene products.

As soon as they received donations from the Rosalie Projects, the Daughters of Charity went out to buy : 

- equipment to protect them from hazards: goggles, gloves, breathing masks, backpacks, protective boots, waste bins

- hygiene items: soaps, deodorants, razors, toothpastes and toothbrushes.

 "These materials guarantee well-being and restore dignity, because they can work with the necessary equipment that saves them from danger and contamination." Sr Ana Lucia

 The funds were also used to buy foodstuffs to provide meals for these 60 people, including children.

"The work in the dump is exhausting. And the biggest difficulty is the discrimination of people, hunger, thirst and insecurity." Sr Patricia 

Dona Margarida, an elderly woman, has worked for over 30 years collecting recyclable materials in precarious conditions. She has contracted a number of illnesses and injured herself with sharp objects from the garbage bags.

 "Today, thanks to the safety equipment, Margarida is delighted to be able to work safely and prevent illness...

She says: "Since the day the Daughters of Charity set foot on the dump, our lives have changed! With them, we feel like people, even in this dirty environment... The donations from this project have certainly changed our lives even more... Thank you for reaching out to us!"  Sr Ana Lúcia

Thank you for this opportunity and the dignity you give them.

Charity truly knows no bounds!

Fraternally yours,

Sisters Ana Lucia Piteira and Patrícia Gomes