Brazil
Brazil is South America’s largest country; covering almost half the continent the country, has an estimated population of 186 million.
Despite being labelled one of the world’s economic giants, Brazil’s economy has been very volatile in the past. The country has experienced a steady economic growth under President Lula, yet millions are still living in poverty. Disparities in wealth remain among the highest in the world. A few wealthy landowners control much of the country’s arable land, while the rural poor remain landless and trapped in devastating cycles of poverty.
Social conditions are also harsh in the metropolitan areas, such as Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro, where a third of the population lives in favelas, or slums. Although enrolment in primary schools is around 95%, the quality of education remains low as over a million children aged between the ages of 12-17 are still unable to read and write.
Some of the reasons why Plan works in Brazil
- 7% of children aged five to fourteen are involved in labour activities
- One in 10 children under five suffer from stunted growth due to poor nutrition
- Nearly 17% of children do not complete primary school
- Only a third of the rural population has access to adequate sanitation facilities
- Around 30% of the population live with an income insufficient to meet their basic needs
Young black women find hope for the future
A long history of inequality in Brazil means that young black women often find themselves on the margins of society and vulnerable to exploitation and poverty. A project is helping hundreds of young women to develop new skills and find their place in the world |
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Media project reveals young talents
A project in Brazil is giving young people the opportunity to express themselves through film and radio broadcasting, teaching new skills and creating awareness of children’s rights |
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In Brazil carousel children learn to read
In rural Cidade Olimpica, Brazil, children are having fun through activities like capoeira, theatre, music and soccer, whilst learning to read, and have a chance of a better future |
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HIV/AIDS Awareness in Brazil
Young people in Brazil are collaborating with Plan to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, in areas where the pandemic is steadily increasingly amongst younger, impoverished and rural populations. |
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