Check out 8 organizations and projects that are changing children’s lives in Brazil and Latin America
Several organizations that are part of the Lupa do Bem Network work to promote children's rights and their social development. Get to know some of them
Lupa do Bem is an initiative that connects various organizations committed to social transformation through journalistic production, giving them visibility and contributing to the process of social connection among social organizations in Brazil and Latin America.
Among many challenges faced by children in these regions, some institutions stand out by promoting projects that positively impact the lives of various communities, ensuring rights, inclusion, and growth opportunities. Get to know eight of these inspiring organizations:
Aldeias Infantis SOS
With a global presence, Aldeias Infantis SOS has a strong presence in Brazil and several Latin American countries, being a reference in the care of children and adolescents who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care.
The organization provides safe homes, individualized care and emotional support, aiming for family reintegration or, when that is not possible, encouraging adoption. In addition, Aldeias Infantis SOS promotes educational and community initiatives, seeking to ensure that every child has the opportunity to fully develop their potential.
Associação Vaga Lume
The Associação Vaga Lume promotes reading and education in rural communities in the Amazon. The project builds community libraries and trains reading mediators, involving children, educators, and volunteers.
The organization’s main initiative is the Rede de Bibliotecas Comunitárias (“Community Library Network”, in English”), which has already distributed over 140,000 books across 23 municipalities in the Amazon region. In addition to establishing and maintaining libraries in partnership with the communities, Vaga Lume promotes the training of reading mediators – teachers, volunteers and local leaders – who are trained to encourage the habit of reading and to discuss topics that are relevant to the local reality. These actions strengthen community leadership and the appreciation of regional cultures.
Moreover, the core idea is that reading serves as a tool for social and cultural transformation, encouraging youth leadership and the valuing of local culture. By connecting these communities with books and stories, Vaga Lume contributes to the intellectual and critical development of children and adolescents, while also reinforcing a sense of cultural belonging.
Um Passo a Mais Capoeira
Capoeira, besides being a Brazilian cultural expression, is also a powerful tool for social inclusion. The Um Passo a Mais Capoeira project uses this art to promote the physical, emotional, and social development of children and adolescents.
Through capoeira classes, participants learn about discipline, respect, self-control and teamwork while strengthening their cultural identity. The initiative also works on violence prevention, fostering peace and inclusion in vulnerable communities.
Monitoramento Mirim Costeiro
Monitoramento Mirim Costeiro is an environmental education project that involves children and adolescents in the monitoring and preservation of coastal ecosystems.
Operating in various coastal regions of Brazil, the initiative promotes direct contact between children and nature, offering knowledge about biodiversity, ecology and sustainability.
In addition to raising environmental awareness, the project also encourages youth leadership, shaping more responsible citizens committed to environmental conservation.
Tropical Quebrando Barreiras
Tropical Quebrando Barreiras is a social project that uses sports as a tool for inclusion, development and social transformation for vulnerable children and adolescents. Based in Brazil, the project primarily focuses on soccer, but it goes far beyond sports activities, also providing educational and emotional support for young people from disadvantaged communities.
Focused on both sports and education, the Tropical Quebrando Barreiras project uses sports activities, particularly soccer, as a tool to promote the social inclusion of children and adolescents in vulnerable situations.
Sports are used to teach values such as cooperation, discipline, respect, and overcoming challenges. Additionally, the initiative offers academic support, educational reinforcement and cultural activities, creating a support network to give these children access to growth and development opportunities.
Associação Jamds
With a holistic approach, the Associação Jamds offers more than just formal education; it creates a space where children and adolescents can feel valued and encouraged to overcome adversities, believing in their potential to build a dignified life full of possibilities. Over the years, the project has been a source of hope and opportunity for many families, positively impacting the future of several generations.
Associação Jamds focuses on serving children and adolescents in underserved communities, providing support in areas such as health, education and culture. The organization promotes extracurricular activities like music, dance, theater and crafts classes, aiming to develop the artistic and creative potential of young people. In addition, Jamds offers psychological and social support for children and their families, strengthening community bonds and supporting healthy alternatives for social interaction and holistic development.
ONG El Arca
Operating in Argentina and other Latin American countries, the El Arca NGO works with children and adolescents with disabilities, promoting social inclusion and holistic development. In addition to activities specifically designed for people with disabilities, El Arca plays a key role in raising awareness within society.
Another central aspect of El Arca’s work is supporting families. Often, caregivers of children and adolescents with disabilities face emotional, financial and social challenges, and the organization provides psychological support and guidance to help these families better cope with everyday difficulties.
The organization offers educational, recreational, and therapeutic activities tailored to each individual’s needs, aiming to promote autonomy, self-esteem, and active participation in society. El Arca also carries out awareness campaigns targeting the broader society, fostering respect for diversity and combating prejudice
Joabe
Joabe is an organization with a mission to support vulnerable children and adolescents by offering educational, emotional and social support. The organization develops tutoring programs, recreational and cultural activities, and provides psychological support to families.
Joabe believes that through education and the strengthening of community bonds, it is possible to transform the lives of children living in socially excluded environments, offering them opportunities for growth and a better future.
Impacting Communities
Support for children is of utmost importance for the social and emotional development of young people, many of whom are in vulnerable situations. These organizations not only provide direct services but also promote structural changes aimed at improving the living conditions of children and their families through their work.
In essence, social work takes place through actions in the areas of education, culture, sports and social inclusion. These organizations directly impact the communities where they operate, creating positive and lasting transformations in the lives of hundreds of children. By joining forces, these initiatives demonstrate that with commitment and collaboration, it is possible to build a fairer and more inclusive future for all.
