The Daughters of Charity work in the favelas of ‘Cidade de Deus’ and ‘Laga Mar’ in the city of Fortaleza, in north-east Brazil. Their aim is to provide a quality education for the 60 very disadvantaged children in their care.

The ‘Our friends the books’ project has enabled a learning room to be fitted out and equipped with textbooks, children’s furniture, educational books and games, IT and audiovisual equipment.

The sisters bought all the equipment, then the room was painted and fitted out.

This learning room provides a calm and serene educational environment for children from the favelas who live with insecurity, violence and drug addiction on a daily basis. Thanks to the audio-visual equipment, they can immerse themselves in both the world of traditional reading and that of new technologies. Reading has many benefits for children and has a positive impact on family life. Reading helps children acquire knowledge and cultural enrichment, it is also a leisure activity and an opportunity for social interaction.

“In just one month, the discovery of reading has changed the routine of the school and its families. We’ve increased the number of books read from 0 to 2 and then to 4! The children are already expressing their opinions about what they read in books and in life.” Sr Ana

And for the sisters, reading is an essential activity. To encourage the children, there’s something new in the reading room every month!

“By consolidating reading, we will have pupils with good reasoning, an increased capacity for imagination, an excellent vocabulary, critical thinking, creativity, empathy, concentration… Taking the time to read regularly can also be an effective way of reducing stress and anxiety…” Sr Ana

Tiago, aged 4, has a twinkle in his eye: “Now I can read a lot every day and still watch books and stories on television. When I get home, I’m going to tell everyone that our room is beautiful and that there are lots of colourful, fun books!”

Mariana, the mother of one of the children, expressed her delight: “Now these children will be able to put aside their mobile phones and immerse themselves in the magical world of reading, and even read the Bible in a fun way… Thank you to the project for ensuring our children’s education!“

The official and festive inauguration of the learning room will take place shortly!
“Our children are on holiday and won’t be back until August,
so we’re waiting for them to return before we officially open the room.
We are grateful for the support, investment and commitment to their education.” Sr Ana

With them, thanks to you!

Sr Ana Gonçalves da Costa, DC
Source: projets-rosalie.com