Brazil

ChildFund Brazil helps children grow up healthy by promoting their physical, emotional, and social well-being through comprehensive, community-driven programs. The Loving and Taking Care of Myself initiative teaches children and adolescents about emotions, self-care, hygiene and protection, helping them navigate each stage of development safely while strengthening local child‑protection systems. Through the Water Is Life project, ChildFund expands access to safe drinking water in rural communities and promotes hygiene education, reducing waterborne diseases and improving child health. For early childhood, the Growing With You program supports caregivers of children ages 0–5 with guidance on nutrition, health, early stimulation and positive parenting, ensuring young children receive nurturing, protective care. Additionally, the Caring Collection methodology fosters emotional self‑management, helping children and adolescents develop resilience, empathy and healthy social relationships. Together, these initiatives create supportive environments where children can build the foundation for a lifetime of good health.

ChildFund Brazil supports children’s education by creating enriching spaces and programs that honor childhood, strengthen family connections and nurture learning through play. At the Casinha de Cultura (“Little House of Culture”), children explore their identities, local history and traditions while enjoying access to age‑appropriate books that spark curiosity and foster a love of reading. The space values the right to play as essential for healthy development and encourages active family and community participation. Complementing this approach, the We Get Stronger by Playing methodology uses playful, educational activities to promote resilience, self‑protection and the prevention of child sexual abuse. Our goal is to help children and adolescents build confidence, strengthen personal and community bonds, and grow as engaged, empowered learners.

We help children and young people build essential life skills through programs that strengthen emotional well‑being, leadership and active citizenship. The Caring Collection methodology offers safe, supportive spaces where children and adolescents learn to manage their emotions, develop empathy, build healthy relationships and overcome adversity through play-based activities. For older youth, the PACTO program supports adolescents and young adults ages 15–24 with tools to design their life plans, develop leadership, understand their rights and pursue entrepreneurial or community‑focused initiatives, all through participatory learning. ChildFund also engages caregivers and community leaders so they can support young people’s personal growth and transition into adulthood. Complementing these efforts, the REJUDES Youth Network mobilizes more than 450 young people across six states to advocate for their rights, strengthen community participation, and influence public dialogues using a collaborative governance model. Guided by its 2023–2026 strategy and advocacy plan, the network empowers youth to become informed, active citizens committed to building more inclusive communities.

ChildFund Brazil helps protect children by strengthening families, communities and national systems to prevent and respond to all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect. Through our Community Animators methodology, trained parent and youth volunteers mobilize families, build supportive networks and promote practices that safeguard children’s well‑being. ChildFund also works to ensure that communities understand how to prevent violence and how to act when rights violations occur, creating environments where children can develop safely. At the national level, we advocate for stronger legal protections, contributing to the passage of key laws that protect children online, promote positive parenting, uphold children’s right to play, expand awareness of sexual exploitation and abuse through “Orange May,” and increase penalties for violence against children in the home. All of our efforts reinforce a protective ecosystem that supports communities and strengthens the systems that keep children safe.