What we do

Our primary purpose is to rescue, restore and re-integrate street children physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. We have been doing this in Belo Horizonte since 1993, and in 2007 we opened a new centre in Recife, North Eastern Brazil.

Brazil has a unique blend of problems which result in the street children being amongst the most needy in the world. Neglected by society they are forced to struggle and scavenge on the streets simply to survive. We call their problems…

‘The 12 Evils facing a Brazilian Street Child’

Violence
Fear
Poverty
Criminal Gangs
Abuse
Drugs
Exploitation
Abandonment
Prostitution
Loneliness
Despair
Death

Against this terrifying backdrop the street children live - in constant prey to violent criminal gangs, shameful abuse by adults, enforced prostitution and drugs. Often alone street children are without hope of a future – this profound physical, emotional and spiritual poverty we call….

‘The 12 Poverties of a Brazilian Street Child’

Poverty of Love
Family
Safety
Shelter
Nourishment
Spirit
Role Models
Education
Opportunity
Hope
Esteem
Childhood

It was into this terrifying world in 1993 that Sarah de Carvalho was led by a calling from God to co-found Happy Child – a charity inspired by caring Christian principles. Today Happy Child has enormous experience and expertise based on a proven and highly effective 12 step approach that we call…

‘The 12 Blessings of Happy Child’

The Blessing of Love
Family
Safety
Shelter
Nourishment
Role Models
Education
Prayer
Opportunity
Hope
Esteem
Childhood

Since 1993 the Happy Child vision has evolved into an effective programme, transforming the lives of thousands of street children and helping many to return to their families, communities and society. Today, our plans to meet this growing crisis means that each of these stages needs considerably more funding.

We also aim to deliver high quality care and training for our staff and volunteers. We want to provide services to our supporters which encourage their active engagement.