Our partner in Brazil
Espaço da Criança
A history of change and commitment
The NGO was founded in 1991 under the name Associação para a Restauração do Homem (ARH) by Abigail Mesquita and very quickly focused its work on children.
For more than 30 years, the NGO has been working in the working-class neighborhoods of Recife, helping thousands of vulnerable children and young people to grow up in a safe environment.
Mission and Values
Espaço da Criança – ARH has set itself the goal of providing comprehensive support: education, nutrition, personal development, but also social support for families.
The NGO firmly believes that every child has the right to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, and that families play a vital role in bringing about this change.
It also aims to promote independence among young people: from the age of 12, a training program prepares young people for entry into the labor market.
Some of their most important actions
Project Recr(e)iar:
Cares for around 60 children aged 4 to 6 from the communities of Coelho and the surrounding area outside school hours.
Program for teenagers/young adults
For about 12 years, the NGO has been offering vocational training for young people in cooperation with local companies.
The content is tailored to the circumstances of the community and aims to prepare young people for entering the job market by equipping them with useful and sustainable skills.
Family support:
A “family first” approach: The NGO involves parents in measures to strengthen family ties, in discussion groups, and in community activities.
It has established partnerships with the Recife municipal government to strengthen social protection: for example, an agreement entitled “A Mudança Começa Aqui” (Change Begins Here) targeted 90 children and young people and included visits, workshops, and psychosocial support.
Impact and recognition
Since its founding, the NGO has already supported more than 2,000 children and young people.
It has strong partners: local companies (including Rio Ave and SESC) support its education and integration programs.
Their educational and social projects are considered drivers of change in particularly disadvantaged neighborhoods, where the NGO plays a central role in supporting children.
Why her work is so important today
In an environment where many families in Recife live on very limited means, Espaço da Criança offers concrete, daily support: a safe place, meals, workshops, and family support.
By combining education and protection, the NGO helps to reduce the risk of violence, school dropout, or social isolation among young children.
Its cross-generational model (children + young people + families) has a positive domino effect: by strengthening families, the NGO contributes to building more stable and resilient communities.