Shelter Happy Childhood Village, is a non-profitable philanthropic institution based in São Pedro da Aldeia – a town near the eastern coast of Rio de Janeiro Province in Brazil.

The shelter aims to accommodate up to 30 children and adolescents aged 0-12 years old, exposed to social risk such as maltreatment, neglect, domestic violence (physical and psychological), among others, on most occasions inflicted by their own family members. These children are rescued by the local Tutelary Councils, after they receive reports and complaints, and in compliance with Judicial Determination.

These children are mostly orphaned, homeless, abandoned or neglected; when they are sent to the shelter. They are offered food, education, social and security assistance up to the age of 18 years old.

If a return to their family is no longer possible, as well as all possibilities for adoption being exhausted, they will be offered the opportunity to join the labour market, initially through regular studies and later through vocational courses.

Team work, formed by professional Social Workers and Psychologists, through psychosocial studies and individual attendance, aims to enhance the social well-being and the mental health of the children, and also to their relatives, thus providing a better chance of family reintegration wherever possible.

The number of children varies according to the demand or need, as well as the return of those to their homes, but we are constantly struggling to raise donations that allow us to fulfil our daily needs. The lack of financial assistance undermines basic issues such as food, hygiene and clothing that has been supplied through donations.

In addition the orphanage building has deteriorated greatly and is in urgent need of repair and upgrade. It survives purely on donations.

My wife and I visited the orphanage earlier this year, and we really want to enhance the lives of these poor children and renovate their building. Thanks so much!