Criança Feliz

I met only briefly with a member of Criança Feliz at a lecture I gave at Projeto Miguilim. The program’s website defines their work as follows. -- kgs

Vision

To rescue and restore children and teenagers from their life on the street, assisting with their physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs, for re-integration with their family and society, with dignity.

Rescue
Our team of street workers circuit the city of Belo Horizonte daily to:
- Create a bond
- Awaken trust
- Show them that Jesus loves them
- Invite them to our day centre

Restoration
Our aim is to provide an environment where they can build up their self-esteem and rediscover their identity as children. Whether they are going to school from one of our homes, taking ballet lessons or learning to work with wood, the essential ingredient is love.

Re-integration
In keeping with our desire to see each one of these children grow up into balanced young men and women, we work hard towards their re-integration into society. We work to restore their family structure because our ultimate goal is to see them return to live in their own homes.

When they reach the permitted age we find jobs for the teenagers. Working not only provides them with an income but also rapidly boosts their self-esteem and confidence.

History

Happy Child Mission was founded in 1993 by Joao and Sarah de Carvalho in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, which continues to be it's main base for work with street children, with administrative bases also in USA and England.

Happy Child Mission, a Christian mission working alongside local churches, has a multi-stage programme set up to take children from the streets into a family after a period of rehabilitation. Today with a staff of over 50 workers and volunteers, the ministry attends more than 75 children and teenagers a day. (1999)

Sarah de Carvalho has written a book called 'The Street Children of Brasil' which tells, in more detail, of the incredible work she and her husband have founded. It's a story of immense faith, suffering and love and includes stories from some of the children themselves. It's published by Hodder & Stoughton in UK at 5.99 pounds and is available in most Christian bookshops. Outside of the UK, you can also buy it on the Internet at www.amazon.com

Beliefs

Happy Child Mission is a Christian programme of Rescue, Restoration and Education for the needy children and teenagers living on the streets in Belo Horizonte, Brasil. The team is made up of men and women who believe in the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and who have given up their own secular jobs to dedicate their time to rescuing these street children - offering food, shelter, clothing, medication, education and the love and truth of Jesus Christ.

Ministerio Programa Crianca Feliz
Rua Heliotropio 145, Santo Andre
Belo Horizonte 312 30 150
Brazil. 
 
Tel: 3411 4549

criancafeliz@criancafeliz.net  

www.criancafeliz.net