The City of God is one of 10 favelas in the State of Rio de Janeiro controlled by gangs and with the most violent deaths of all of them. In 2002, a project called ASVI was a founded there for the personal and social development of the people, through education, culture and communication.

I volunteered with the teenagers’ project there for 2 years so know first-hand what a huge and positive impact the project has, not just on those involved, but their families too, improving their options in life, their job opportunities and self-esteem.

The project’s goals include:

- Supplementing the education available in local public schools, improving literacy and expanding people’s horizons.

- Social and emotional development (eg relationships, health, respect, motivation, self discipline).

- Promoting protection and development of children and strengthen family and community ties.

I recently had an email from ASVI’s President, Maria de Socorro, who has tirelessly built and run the project since it began, saying that their new term is starting and they lack the funds to cover basic equipment, bills and lunches.

All donations will go directly towards the basics necessary to keep the project running. The more we can raise the more security they will have going forward.

So if you can help an amazing project that means a lot to me and makes a real difference in a deprived community, I would be very grateful.