Pantanal Project, Brazil

See the progress you helped make happen in your sponsored community

When the project started, limited access to healthcare left children vulnerable to illness.

Unemployment was high and literacy levels were low. Gang violence and drug trafficking made the area very dangerous for children and they had few opportunities to play and learn outside of the classroom.

Thanks to your support, your sponsored child and other children in the Pantanal community have seen positive changes in healthcare, income earning opportunities, child protection and education.

Together we've achieved so much

18,000 people gained improved access to healthcare

This was achieved by the community campaigning for the government to build a new health centre.

  • The project partnered with health service providers to improve nutrition for more than 500 vulnerable children.
  • In 2016, the project led the local response to outbreaks of dengue fever and Zika virus. This included prevention and health promotion activities, provision of mosquito nets and repellent to pregnant women, and clean-up of mosquito breeding grounds.

Four primary schools and four childcare centres were built

This has significantly improved access to education in the project area.

  • 240 out-of-school children have been able to re-start their education following improvements to local education services.
  • The project supported teacher training on topics including self-protection skills in children and digital resource use in education.
  • Children participated in extra-curricular activities including dance, art and computer workshops.
  • Children aged below six took part in a program to develop reading and communication skills through interactive games and art activities.
  • Mothers’ Clubs have been set up in the project area to monitor and support student wellbeing.
  • 600 children, youth and elderly citizens took part in recreation activities on average each month including martial arts, soccer and aerobics.

95% of adolescents surveyed have knowledge on child protection

After taking part in community workshops, they are aware of systems to prevent and respond to any violence against children and youth.

  • Vulnerable children now have free access to birth certificates following a campaign supported by the project. Birth certificates are required to access education, healthcare and other government services.
  • More than 100 adolescents were supported to form and run a Youth Monitoring of Public Policy group. This group effectively campaigned for two additional Child Protection Councils in the city of Fortaleza, representing increased government investment of US$450,000 in children’s welfare.

"I thank the project because it gives me knowledge of life ... today I know what is right and what is wrong."

- Daniel, aged 17