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Maria is a young Brazilian girl who lives with her mother, Jeovanna, and with a younger sister, in a rural community located in the state of Ceara. Their simple home, which is lent to them, has brick walls, rough cement flooring and a clay-tiled roof. It has a tiny bathroom. Running water and electricity are available. Jeovanna receives some aid from her ex-husband and the family receives a very small family allowance from the federal government; the total income, however, is hardly enough to meet basic needs. Maria is friendly, cheerful and intelligent. She helps her mom by filling the bottles with water. Her favorite pastimes include playing tag and hide-and-seek. Maria is considered to have good health, in spite of the poor living conditions and diet. She attends a public elementary school and loves Art. Her wish is to be a police officer when she grows up. The family is needy and through your support Maria and her family have the opportunity to participate in important projects in the areas of health, recreation and education.