May newsletter update from our friends working in Brazil…

This May we distributed another much needed package of food to our families, who continue to face sickness, unemployment and lockdowns without any government support.

This time it was more evident than ever that stepping into the lush green grounds of The University of Life was a therapy in itself to tired families. Despite the masks and social distancing, children were relieved to see their teachers face to face. For our new students, it was their first opportunity to meet them in person. One after another, parents commented about how thankful they were for the love and support that they receive from UNiViDA.

While families came in to collect their packages, we played familiar music from our school assemblies and had some of our students dancing on the stage in the gymnasium. It certainly brought smiles to a lot of faces.

Our grateful thanks to everyone who helped make this possible. Many parents commented that they had a shortage of food in the home. This time we added a frozen chicken to our package because we realized that many families were no longer able to afford meat.

Each family received 27 kgs of goods including rice, beans, oil, pasta, coffee, crackers, salt, canned vegetables, a frozen chicken, eggs and cleaning supplies.

The city of Fortaleza is cautiously emerging from the deadly wave of COVD which made global news in April and May. Citizens are still living under a myriad of rules and curfews which determine when and how businesses, churches and schools can operate.

Despite the all clear for state schools to return to in person learning with a limited capacity, the teachers unions are pushing hard for schools to remain closed until teachers are fully vaccinated.

In the last few weeks we have heard reports of vaccine thefts and vaccine shortages in Fortaleza but we hope and pray that the situation will improve with vaccines available for teachers during June and July.

In the meantime, we will be providing regular opportunities for small groups of students to come into the project to discuss their educational progress and re-establish relationships and routine.

We are safely able to provide a number of activities for children in an outdoor environment including discussion groups, dance, some sports and Bible study. For children who have been out of structured classes this will be step one of a journey back to learning.

Throughout May, staff will be meeting twice a week at the project. Please pray for our plans and for our continued health and protection as we continue this journey.