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Maria is a young Brazilian girl who lives with her mother, Carolaine, and with a younger sister, in a slum area on the outskirts of a city located in the state of Minas Gerais. Their simple home, which is rented, has brick walls, rough cement flooring and a concrete slab ceiling. Running water and electricity are available. The father has abandoned the home and has not been providing any type of financial support for his children. Carolaine works as a hairdresser (doing odd jobs); her low income, however, is far from enough to meet basic needs. Maria is tranquil and shy. She helps her mom by running small errands. She loves playing house and with dolls in the company of other girls her age. Maria is considered to have good health, in spite of the poor living conditions and diet. She attends a local public preschool where she is making good progress. The family is needy and through your support Maria and her family will have the opportunity to participate in important projects in the areas of health, recreation, education and nutrition.