Hello again to all those who are familiar with what is now the Casa Grande Association. For those of you that are here for the first time 2 years ago we managed to raise over £7000 for what was then the Casa Grande Project – to by a house to continue and improve the work that the Pousada dos Duendes Guest house had evolved helping local children with their school work.
With the funds we bought the house and created an official charity - the Associação Casa Grande. Since them we have had over 20 volunteers giving their time and energy to the association without whom it would not exist. We have also had generous donations that have allowed us to renovate the house and after nearly a year of negotiations we have acquired a plot of land (approx 300m) next to the original house to expand and hopefully build more teaching areas and a playground – our big house now seems small with all the kids in it! What started with 5 children has reached up to 70. We have had enormous success with the school work, having gone from 50% to 100% pass rate in school with the children in the 2 years we have been open.
We have also managed to team up with other associations to treat the children to cinema trips, environmental awareness workshops, computer lessons, English classes and even indoor climbing as well as participating in local events. Health wise all of the children have their own toothbrush at the house and we managed to get free testing and treatment for parasites (a common ailment in these parts).
As well is this we have noticed a great difference in the self esteem and behaviour in the children.
Now we are now looking to improve things more by employing a full time qualified teacher trained also in child psychology. This is essential to provide the appropriate care for the many children who due to severe problems at home come to us with problems that the volunteers are not qualified to deal with.
Another mission is to provide food for the children many of who have nutritional deficiencies that severely affect their ability to learn as well as their long term health.
All of this as well as the constant need for new equipment of course requires funding! Below I have made a list of what we need for 2011. I hope we have shown that we have but donations to good use and will continue to so.
General Running costs:
£65 per month - £780 per year
Employ a full time member of staff trained in child psychology to co-ordinate the daily activities
£580 per month - £6960 per year
Set up cost for kitchen (fridge, cooker and general kitchen equipment
£1060)
Supply basic nutrition for 50 children.
£290 per month - £3480 per year
Other Items on our wish list:
Teaching Tools £4,2110 (incl. TV, DVD, computer etc)
Musical Instruments £900
General Infrastructure £230
Build a playground, an extra activity area, a crèche and a specific area for workshops.
£20,000 (Building materials and labour) (Approximate value)
For more details please see our site www.casagrandelencois.org for more information including detailed newsletter of 2009 and 2010 as well as a breakdown of our accounts. Or feel free to email us on projetocasagrande@hotmail.com
Action For Brazil's Children Trust is once again providing essential support by acting as a central collection point for donations which will then be forwarded to the project in Brazil.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to help the Casa Grande Project, and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
So please, give generously!
