An Alternative to Child Prostitution and Begging

Summary

Using art, music, dance and theatre to attract 178 children off the streets and the rubbish dump. Providing an alternative to child labor whilst also encouraging self-esteem and community education.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Project offers not only a distraction from the very dirty conditions of living in Vila Emater, but a viable path for youth to move out of it; using entertainment as a respite & educational tool for the entire community to improve standards of living. The Northeast is the poorest region of Brazil, with the worst HDI rates of the country, Education & health care are very bad when they exist, malnutrition is common, illiteracy is about 75% and child labor is a concern, as is child prostitution.

How will this project solve this problem?

Art, dance, music and circus activities for the children are then used to produce educational shows for the community; wider education and support is also provided in public health, citizenship, human rights, environment and community ethics.

Potential Long Term Impact

This program touches the otherwise bleak lives of these children in an immeasurable way. However, it also aims to bring about long term improvements in education, family living and community awareness, whilst sustaining the local traditions.

Project Message

The lives of these people are beyond desperate and their lack of any helpful knowledge perpetuates this misery through generations- this project is sorely needed.
- Christine Clauser, Development Director Dreams Can Be Foundation

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources