Brazil

SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children grow up with the care, protection and relationships they need to become their strongest selves (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Brazil)).

Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in South America with a population of over 212 million people. Brazil’s coastline along the Atlantic Ocean spans 7,400 kilometres. Brazil is famous for its stunning beaches, the world’s largest jungle and the Amazon River. Brazil is a country of contrasts and the level of inequality is the highest in the world. Around 25% of the population lives in poverty. In addition, violence, at home, in schools and on the streets has a negative effect on the lives of children.

SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Brazil since 1967.

Children are at risk

In Brazil, children, young people and families need support so that they can stay together. Around 25% of the population lives in poverty. Poverty often means that children do not go to school, do not have enough food to keep them healthy, and cannot see a doctor when they need to. The COVID-19 pandemic made the situation even more challenging – especially as many families were suddenly left without an income. Many schools were closed and this affected the most vulnerable children and young people. The situation is improving, but a lot more support is needed
13.5 M
People live in extreme poverty in Brazil

Widespread poverty

Poverty has never been higher in Brazil. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the income of families already living in poverty or on the edge of poverty. Children and young people are the most affected by monetary poverty. Although in some areas, the situation is slowly improving, round 25% of the country’s population live in poverty, with 13.5 million living in extreme poverty.

29%
Of young people are not in education or work

Education

The education system in Brazil was already in need of improvement when the COVID-19 pandemic started. This made the educational situation worse for all children, but especially those who lacked access to technology so that they could keep up with online learning. With 29% of young people out of school, training or work, the educational system needs to be become more inclusive. It also needs to be more responsive to the needs of the employment market.

12 M
People are unemployed in Brazil

Unemployment

Around 12 million people are unemployed in Brazil. Young people are among the worst affected by unemployment. There are around 47 million young people between the ages of 15-29 in Brazil. Of those, an estimated 14% of the unemployed are between 14 and 17 years old. These are mostly apprentices. Among those aged 18 -24, the unemployment rate is 26%. It is hard for young people to find a well-paid and stable job.

Together we can make a difference for children in Brazil

410
Families
Can stay together
1,440
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
980
Children and young people
Attend our kindergartens, schools and trainings
380
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Miguel is 22 years old. He’s an activist who not only speaks out against discrimination, but has also created a programme to help young people out of violence and crime by using their creativity. “We are trying to lower the violence in our city because Lorena is the most dangerous city in the San Paulo state. And I believe we, through art, are making it more peaceful,” he says. (photo: M. García).

Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!

Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives