Total Family Outreach

Seven-year-old Joao Paulo Tobias, featured in last month’s newsletter, represents a perfect example of the excellent work accomplished daily with underprivileged children through RUMO and the Monte Alegre School. Often though, socially introverted and isolated behavior exhibited by children is a reflection of much larger problems at home.

Increasingly, RUMO’s focus has extended beyond the immediate need of children enrolled in the program to include a far-reaching family outreach approach. For example, when Joao entered the program, his mother was working in the sugar cane fields and trying desperately to raise three young children without the help of a husband or father figure. To make matters worse, she became pregnant again and was on the verge of despair when RUMO stepped in to assist.

RUMO immediately recommended extensive psychotherapy and job training for Joao’s mother in an attempt to turn her life around. The process was slow at first due to the pregnancy and unfortunately when the new baby arrived it was substantially below average weight. Doctors at the hospital reported the case to the local Custody Commission. Again, RUMO stepped in and vouched for the mother’s ability to care for her family.

As the counseling and psychotherapy continued, Joao’s mother began to realize her special talents in craftwork and began knitting napkins to augment the family’s income. She also attended training classes, coordinated by RUMO, to become a professional kitchen assistant.

Today, Joao’s mother serves as the cook for the Monte Alegre School. Home life has stabilized and the children, including Joao, are on the path to a brighter future.

Forests of the Future

The children of RUMO recently joined forces with the Friends of Childhood project, attending a workshop entitled “Forests of the Future” at the Esalq campus of the University of Sao Paulo. The workshop featured a variety of activities stressing environmental education, ranging from the importance of recycling to tree planting and reforestation.

Games and activities related to the theme, including a trail hike and kite flying, added fun and excitement to the memorable day. In addition, each of the children left the workshop witsh a special package of natural products, including fresh apples, juice and honey as well as a notebook made from recycled material.

According to Estela Benedetti, RUMO pedagogic coordinator, “we have a social responsibility to promote respect for the environment among the children enrolled in our program.”