Hope in Action: John Doddrell Visits Happy Child Projects in Brazil

John Doddrell,  Chairman of the Board of Directors of Happy Child International, visited the projects on 1 and 2 March. During his stay in Recife, he had the opportunity to see the work up close, meet the local teams, and gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the projects on the children, families, and communities supported by Happy Child.

Throughout the visit, John met with project leaders, team members, and partners who work daily to support vulnerable children and strengthen communities. It was also a meaningful opportunity to hear their stories, share experiences, and reflect on the importance of sustaining partnerships and continued support.

Over these two days, we invited John to share some of his impressions of the visit, the projects, and the work of Happy Child. In this interview, he discusses what he observed, what inspired him most, and why this work is so important.

1. What impressed you most during your visit to the projects in Brazil?

John: What impressed me most was how the young people who have been through our education programmes have really seized the opportunity that they have been given by Happy Child and our Brazilian partners. The majority are now in work or further education.  They have grown in confidence over the last year and they communicate well. 

I like to think that at Happy Child we are not only changing lives and benefitting individual families, but that we are helping to develop the leaders of tomorrow. And through leadership, communities like the ones we visited can be changed for the better. 

2. Was there any moment or conversation that particularly impacted you?

John: One moment that sticks in my mind was meeting up with a young man who has been through our Training and Skills Programme with Instituto Solidare.  He attended my English classes in Brazil a couple of years ago. Now, he has good employment with the local steel company.  He wears his work uniform with pride and holds his head high.  But, more than that, he is back as a volunteer, teaching information technology and also capoeira, the Brazilian martial arts style of dance. 

Seeing the capoeira routine, with its African roots, reminded me of the legacy of slavery in Brazil, which is still responsible for the huge inequality between the rich elite and those in the communities that we serve, with a strong African heritage.   

3. What gives you the most hope when you look at the future of these young people?

John: I get hope from seeing these young people progressing well, finding work and staying clear of the drug use and drug trafficking, which are endemic in many marginalised communities. 

As a Christian charity, we believe that God stands especially with the poor, oppressed and marginalized and that gives us Hope for the future.

4. What was it like for you to see up close the work that you normally follow from a distance?

John: I try to spend time at the projects every year, when we go to Brazil to visit my wife’s family.  I see this as vital in ensuring that the support we provide is effective, respectful and grounded in reality. Not only that, but the people we work with, as partners and as beneficiaries, have become our friends and it is great to spend time with them.

5. What message would you like to leave for the supporters?

John: I would like to thank our supporters, on behalf of Happy Child and all our friends in Brazil, for your generosity over the years. 

I do hope that you will be able to continue supporting us or even increase your regular giving. 

We have recently helped one of our partners, Instituto Solidare, to raise money for a new building but we still need funds for all the educational and other social projects that are offered inside the building. 

Our key message is that we do make a real difference, we have Hope for the future, and we humbly ask for your continuing support.

Help Us Keep Hope in Action

Every young person supported by Happy Child represents a story of resilience, opportunity, and hope. With your continued support, we can keep providing education, training, and safe spaces for children and young people to build a brighter future.

 Join us in making a lasting difference.

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Written by: Priscila Assis