The Daughters of Charity in the heart of Fortaleza's favelas

The city of Fortaleza is the capital of the state of Ceará, located in the north-east of Brazil, on the Atlantic coast in an area with a tropical climate. It is one of the main commercial and logistical centres in the region and is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its beautiful beaches and rich local culture. However, it is the second most violent city in Brazil, with high levels of poverty and unemployment.

The first Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul arrived in Fortaleza in 1865. Since then, they have worked in social works, hospitals, schools and communities in working-class areas.

One of the sisters' missions is to help children in extremely vulnerable social situations, who live in the two favelas considered to be the most dangerous and poorest in the city of Fortaleza. Through home visits, the sisters have been able to observe the extreme poverty and lack of family structure that directly affect the children.

"For the past 12 years, we have been looking after 40 children,
boys and girls, aged between 2 and 8,
most of whom are the children of separated parents, delinquents and prisoners, as well as drug addicts. "Sister Ana

These children receive educational support, full food aid and religious education from the Daughters of Charity.

"The main cause is the economic crisis facing our country and, even more seriously, the state of Ceará, which is suffering from child malnutrition, food insecurity and parental drug addiction. 
The children often only eat in our institution because they have nothing to eat at home and have no family support network." Sister Ana

The project: to create a learning and reading space to give children a quality education

Your financial support will make it possible to :

- build up a library of textbooks, books and educational games

- create a room dedicated to reading and learning, equipped with computer, audiovisual and reprographic equipment, and furniture for the children.

The project will be run by 5 full-time sisters from Monday to Friday, and 6 teachers from the Santa Luisa de Marillac Educational Association on a voluntary basis.

The beneficiaries will be 40 socially vulnerable children from the favelas of Fortaleza.

"For Saint Louise de Marillac*,
education is an effective means of saving human dignity
and promote better days. " Sister Ana

With them, thanks to you!

*founder with St Vincent de Paul of the Company of the Daughters of Charity in the 17th century