Recife in Brazil, South America... a city of contrasts as most are I suppose, some areas are prosperous and some are in need of a lot more help. One such area is a community called Entra Apulso, 10000 people living with open sewers, no real government help and low education levels. However there are some bright sparks here: Shopping Recife is a large and modern shopping mall that's right next door, the owners and managers have a remarkable level of social conscience such that they are genuinely trying to help and support the community but of course there's a limit to what they can realistically do. The mall supports the community financially in a very direct way through education programmes that complement the state education system, if you've been following my blog or Facebook posts then you'll know I'm already a fan!

In the community is a nursery, it has been managed for the last 50 years by a lady who is now 80, the kids from the nursery ultimately end up in the local schools and in schools in the community. The people of the community are determined to try and help themselves so any parent that needs help with child-care can avail of these services for free, but of course there's a cost, a real and frightening cost. Private sector care is way more expensive than most people from the community can afford, Shopping Recife contribute a LOT but a few extra Dollars, Pounds, Euro's or anything will certainly help - these people are trying to help themselves, they want to work and they want to reinvest in their own community but they need help. I was initially a little apprehensive about even entering the community but actually I've never been hugged by so many strangers, these are genuine and decent people who are just trying to survive, educate and feed their kids and make their lives better. Now I know this cannot be a unique story and I know there's a million and one other worthy causes and raising money for a nursery is not really what I came here to do but if we can help in any way then I just know they will be really grateful.

Picture shows the small playground that belongs to the nursery, 106 children make use of this throughout the day. All equipment / facilities were donated.

Thank you!