About Abandoned Street Kids of Brazil - Task Brasil

Task Brasil was set up in England in 1992 to improve the lives of children who work and live on the streets of Brazil, and to raise awareness of their plight. In 1998, it opened its first shelter, Casa Jimmy, in Rio de Janeiro.

Task Brasil's Project Daiana and its programmes for street children and teenagers provide  a home, food, social activities to include music, sports, arts and crafts and  access to health care, psychological counselling, and education. The teenagers are given vocational training and courses in home economics and parenting.

Casa Jimmy (Crescer Programme ) provides a 'home' for street children between the ages of one and six and pregnant adolescents and their babies.

Casa Jimena (Stepping Stone Programme) is a hostel home for young girls between the ages of 18 and 22 and their babies, who have previously lived at Casa Jimmy (as part of the Shining Light Programme). It is aimed at those who are in the process of gaining their financial independence to develop into responsible and productive members of society.

Task Brasil Trust continues to work directly with children living on the streets.  Trained staff and volunteers on the ‘Street Approach’ outreach project (Give Hands Programme) make contact with homeless children in Copacabana beach or downtown Rio, encouraging them to participate in activities which are aimed at facilitating their mental and physical development and increasing self confidence, providing them with adult guidance and support as well as sports and educational activities, access to health care and referral to shelters. 

Casa Roger Turner Overnight Shelter and Day-Centre (Give Hands Programme) is an exciting and innovative project that opened its doors on 4th April 2006 to provide a safe place, away from the streets, offering activities and income generating workshops, as well as an overnight shelter for 20 street kids. Casa Roger Turner is the first and only overnight shelter for teenage street boys in Rio.

Forest House at Epsom College Farm (Organic Programme) is the first of five houses for boys aged 10-14 who are committed towards their self-development. It is a 55-acre farm close to Cachoeira de Macacu, a 90-minute drive from Rio de Janeiro.  In this project teenage boys, previously at social risk, are referred from Casa Roger Turner or other shelters or the juvenile detention system. The boys also learn about sustainable farming techniques, develop income generating skills and participate in cultural and leisure activities in the local community.

All the production on site is organic. Fruit and vegetables produced are consumed by children at other Task Brasil projects. The farm receives groups of Ecotourists as part of Task Brasil’s “Ecotour – The Organic Farming Experience”, giving participants the opportunity to be involved in the development of the farm.  

Task Brasil also run a Placement in Brazil programme for individuals willing to help by sharing skills and give day-to-day support.


Mission Statement

"To provide a loving and supportive home environment for street children and adolescents in Brazil, ensuring that all of their basic needs are met and that they are provided with the necessary tools to go on to lead rich and fulfilling lives, and operate 'outreach' programmes for children still living on the streets. Task Brasil acts to advance the education and well-being of impoverished children in Brasil."

Task Brasil is a non-partisan organisation operating on ethical and humane principles shared by people of any or no religious faith. It does not engage in political activity.