BRAZIL

The Brazilian economy is very dynamic and diversified, but it does not reflect the social development of the country. Although many ethical groups in Brazil live together peacefully, the question of social and regional origin is a constant companion in everyday life. Especially the black population, as well as the indigenous population, are disadvantaged. They are often excluded and marginalized and are denied career opportunities. In search of work, many migrate to the outskirts of the big cities and live there in poverty with little prospects for the future.
 
What gives us HOPE – in Brazil


I have HOPE when I look at people, their potential and their life energy, which must always be awakened and nurtured. In his infinite mercy, God believes and trusts people. And this trust allows us to reach out to others, to be awakened and to open up horizons for the promotion of justice and peace and for the preservation of creation.
 

I have HOPE when I see more and more young people getting involved in social and environmental issues to protect human life and the planet.

I HOPE that there will be a growing respect for women and the elderly, who are the bearers of the wisdom that life has taught them.

I HOPE that people, imbued with a spirituality that liberates them, will be able to denounce all forms of violence and exploitation and proclaim the values of the Kingdom of God.

Looking at us and at my country, I believe it is essential to choose the path of active HOPE, which motivates us to fight every day for a dignified life for all, because the Spirit of God, who is a renewing presence, always brings something new, even in the face of suffering. May our generation never forget and remember what can give us hope, because God is love and full of grace. By recognising our weaknesses and cultivating humility, there are endless opportunities to create new relationships of sharing, care, otherness and solidarity, and to strengthen HOPE.

 

To live in HOPE, I take inspiration from our great Brazilian educator, Paulo Freire. In his work Pedagogy of Hope (1992) he proclaimed:

'... You must have hope ... There are people who associate hope with the verb 'to wait'. But that is not hope, it is waiting.

But to hope is to get up, to hope is to try, to hope is to build, to hope is not to give up!

To hope is to move forward, to hope is to join forces with others to do things differently...'.

Our Brazilian people, faced with countless difficulties in life, stand up and fight every day, never losing faith, because we are pilgrims of HOPE.

Sr. Wanderleia Dalla Costa SDS
 
 
  CURRENT PROJECTS  


FEIRA DE SANTANA • Leadership Training for youth


The Escola da Juventude – the School of Youth – is located in the city of Feira de Santana in Brazil. The project is completely focussed on the reality of life for children and young people in the 19 parishes of the archdiocese of Feira de Santana/Bahia. The city has around 625,000 inhabitants and has a high proportion of migrants, as many people from the wider area and neighbouring countries move there in search of work and education. The city is also a centre of attraction for young people who come from different, often very precarious backgrounds.
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FILHOS DE CONTESTADO • Support of landless families


The Salvatorian Sisters support landless families in São Cristóvão do Sul/SC, Brazil, in a settlement called ‘Filhos do Contestado’. There live 25 families who have been given a piece of land that they work to provide their families with the necessities of life and also to raise awareness of organic, healthy farming and food production.  Foodstuffs such as vegetables and potatoes are already being grown without the use of pesticides. These project started in 2022 and has developed well.
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PATRONATO SAN ANTÔNIO • Vocational training creates a future!


The Patronato Santo Antônio in São José dos Pinhais - Paraná looks after children, young people and adolescents from families living in poverty and exposed to various forms of violence. They are often only looked after by their mother, a relative or a guardian appointed by the children and youth court. Many children live in situations of acute deprivation, have high nutritional deficits and often have a low level of education, physical and sexual violence is frequently reported.
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