Thanks to the “Open Air” project, 60 rag pickers at the Aracatí landfill are protected from hazards and contamination.

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

To survive, they have to spend their days collecting recyclable waste from the city’s open dumpsites.

Concerned about these working conditions that cause numerous accidents and illnesses, the Sisters wanted to ensure their safety by providing them with protective equipment and basic hygiene products.

Upon receipt of donations from the Rosalie Projects, the Daughters of Charity were able to purchase:

– equipment to protect them from hazards: glasses, gloves, respiratory masks, backpacks, protective boots, waste bins

– hygiene items: soaps, deodorants, razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes

“These materials ensure well-being and restore dignity, because they can work with the equipment necessary to protect them from danger and contamination.” – Sr. Ana Lucia

The funds also made it possible to purchase food items to provide meals for 60 people, including children.

“Working in the landfill is exhausting. And the biggest difficulty is discrimination against them, along with hunger, thirst and insecurity.” Sr. Patricia

Dona Margarida, an elderly woman, has worked for more than 30 years collecting recyclable materials in unsafe conditions. She contracted a number of illnesses and injured herself with sharp objects from garbage bags. “Today, thanks to the safety equipment, Ms. Margarida is delighted to be able to work safely and protected from illness. She says, ‘Since the day the Daughters of Charity set foot on the landfill, our lives have changed! With them, we feel like people, even in this dirty environment… The donations from this project have certainly greatly changed our lives… Thank you for reaching out to us!’ – Sr. Ana Lúcia

Thank you for this opportunity and for restoring their dignity.

Charity is truly limitless!

Fraternally,

Sisters Ana Lucia Piteira and Patrícia Gomes

Source: projets-rosalie.com