SOS Children's Village Goioerê
Despite Brazil’s steady progress in terms of human development, the socioeconomic situation of the population in the poor neighbourhoods of larger cities remains extremely insecure and often unsafe. Young people from struggling families are particularly vulnerable, and both parents and children need support.
Lack of formal employment means a precarious lifestyle for thousands of families
Goioerê is a small municipality of around 29,000 inhabitants located in the Paraná state in southern Brazil. Its economy is based mainly on commerce and agriculture such as the growing of soya and corn. The industrialisation of the town is advancing rather slowly, however, and most of its commerce is based on micro-enterprises.
The lack of formal employment opportunities means that most people lack job and income security which, in turn, can have detrimental effects on the stability of families and hence on the healthy physical and psychological development of a child.
Official estimates show that over 8,700 people in Goioerê are living in conditions of poverty –that is over a quarter of the population – meaning their income is less than half of the minimum wages required to fulfil basic needs. The distribution of wealth is highly unequal, with the wealthiest 20 per cent receiving over 60 per cent of per capita income, and the poorest 20 per cent receiving only around 2 per cent. Thousands of families rely on social programmes such as the “Bolsa Familia”, and for 240 families this is their sole source of income.
Education as the ticket to a better life
Amongst children between the ages of 7 and 14, there are still 9.8 per cent who do not attend school, and only 55.2 per cent of young people between the ages of 15 and 17 complete their education. Girls still remain at a disadvantage when it comes to completing education, in part because 23.3 per cent of children here are born to teenage mothers.
Young girls often find it difficult to look after their children, partly because they lack the knowledge and support to do so, and partly because they don't have the financial means as it is hard from them to obtain formal employment. Young people need support so that they can stay in education and plan their future in a safe environment.
What we do in Goioerê
SOS Children’s Villages began its work in Goioerê in 1977 with the aim of alleviating hardship in the community and providing children with a stable and loving family home.
Strengthening families: The SOS Family Strengthening Programme provides much needed support to families who are at risk of breaking down. We aim to reach out to those who are especially vulnerable. We ensure that they have access to services and that children go to school. We also run a community centre which offers day care for children, training (for parents to make some income) and activities (such as sport lessons).
Care in families: For children who are no longer able to live with their parents, three SOS families in Goioerê can provide a loving home. The families live in houses integrated into the neighbourhood, the children attend the local schools and this way they are part of the community. Children live here with their brothers and sisters, affectionately cared for by their SOS mother. When the children grow older, we give them training and advice so that they can find a job.