Brazil: Sitio Shalom – Home for street children*

Sitio Shalom is a residential farm (consisting of eight houses, each with eight to nine places) in Pequeri, 168 km from Rio de Janeiro, where Brazilian street children are given a home under professional supervision. They have all been through a lot – most have lost contact with their families. The children are victims of neglect, abuse or violence. Sitio Shalom is a safe haven where they can grow and develop into people with emotions and dreams. These children go to school, are given vocational training, and are prepared for a return to society in all possible ways. They need to learn to play again, they need to discover that they can respect and be respected, and they can love and be loved. Returning children to their families – where possible – is also a goal. In 2007, salary costs for a social worker and a psychologist were covered.