Finding sufficient work for its 203 million people has been a challenge for Brazil. Over a third of the country’s population lives in the slums of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Forest preservation movements have specifically caused timber harvesters to lose their jobs and move their families to slums and squatter villages. In these overcrowded villages malnourished children run free in the streets, often getting involved in drugs and prostitution. Furthermore, over 500,000 babies go without birth registrations each year, threatening their access to many basic rights.

VisionTrust conducts two learning centers in Brazil to help children from infancy through high school. At the centers, children receive school and tutoring help as well as three nutritional meals a day. Teens learn valuable trades through an apprentice program that works with 14 different corporations. The children and teens both receive support, discipleship and encouragement.

A Childhood Restored

Nayra was born into a world that didn’t allow for a childhood. The daughter of drug users and alcoholics, she suffered every kind of abuse while living on the streets and under bridges in Goiás, Brazil.

At the age of one, police found Nayra when her parents were trying to sell her, just as they had sold her younger sister for less than $300 US dollars, to buy drugs.

By the time we met Nayra at our Learning Center a year later, she was malnourished and cried constantly from fear and hunger. Three years later, due to the affection, care, and love of our team and the grace of God, Nayra is a happy and healthy kindergartener. The enjoyment she receives from “normal” activities for kids her age is anything but normal. Her love of singing, drawing, and playing dolls reveals a childhood that is slowly being renewed.

We have been blessed to be a part of Nayra’s journey. Join us in giving children like her a second chance at youth.

Our Impact

Country Facts