620,000
Families live in poverty in São Paulo
Families living in poverty
The inequality in Brazilian society has marked effects on the lives of many vulnerable families. More concisely, children, women and youth are disproportionately affected by working poverty.
Evidence from various studies shows that children from low income families are often forced to work. Children have to work long hours performing physically challenging or even hazardous work to support their families and buy food. Many children and young people drop out of school without completing primary education.
32%
Of 10-13 year olds were raped in 2021
Children exposed to violence
São Paulo state had the most cases of rape against children reported in Brazil. Sexual violence against children is historically under-reported. Only 35% of rapes are filed with police.
Between 2011 and 2017 there were 58,037 reports of sexual violence against children in Brazil. The Southeast region had the most cases. Unless they are provided with specialized support. Children who experience sexual violence when growing up, will often suffer the consequences of this violence for the rest of their lives.
Your support makes a difference for children in São Paulo-Rio Bonito
SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
15
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
![]()
Waiting for the play to start. We encourage children and young people to be creative and artistic – it´s part of their education! (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Brazil).
How your support helps in São Paulo-Rio Bonito
Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Provide quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.