Carlos Vera, LAYC Director of Social Services, Visits BRAZIL invited by Partners of the Americas

Carlos Vera recently returned from a 3 week international exchange trip to Brazil. The objective or his trip, organized by Partners of the Americas, was to promote educational and cultural understanding between non-profit organizations in Washington, D.C. and Brasilia and to explore their relationships with the federal and local governments. While in Brasilia, Carlos worked closely with representatives from Missâo Criança, a non-profit organization whose efforts are aimed at the eradication of poverty through the implementation and development of educational programs.

During the trip, Carlos’ had the chance to learn about Missâo Crianca’s programs particularly the Bolsa-Escola program. This program, a “poverty-fighting-by-investing-in-education-program” begins from a simple concept: if there are children who are out-of-school, or in extreme social risk situations because they need to help sustain their families, the families may receive a stipend, with the condition that their children attend school and do not miss classes. In addition to the Bolsa-Escola program, Missao Crianca implements many programs, all designed for skill development and the improvement of their life conditions.

Carlos visited many other non-profit and private organizations that serve children and youth at high risk. He met with community leaders, social workers, and psychologists, and with school and college students, and community volunteers. He also spoke directly to the clients of the programs who were receiving assistance. Through open dialog, community leaders shared their accomplishments, expectations and challenges. Brasilia confronts similar social problems similar to those of Washington, D.C., due in part to its position as their nation’s capital. Carlos also had the opportunity to discuss issues pertaining to the child welfare system with members of the legislative branch of the Federal District of Brasilia and Senator Cristovam Buarque, who for many years has played a leading role in the development and implementation of educational initiatives designed to eradicate child labor, reduce school absenteeism and drop outs, and improve the academic performance of children in extreme poverty.

Soon Missâo Crianca will be sending a representative to Washington D.C. for a two-week visit to the Latin American Youth Center. We are delighted to be part of this project and look forward to continuing working with the Partners of the Americas. Congratulations Carlos!