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Priscilla from Jandira, Sao Paulo (Brazil – November 2006)
“we have moved so many times that I can’t remember it. My mother doesn’t have a steady job and is on the road all day to collect old paper so me and my sister Patricia took care of the household and our little sister and brother. Sometimes we cooked some food: rice and beans, but there were some days where there wasn’t much to eat. I didn’t go to school any more, it was too far away and who else would take care of my brother and sister when my mother wasn’t there. Our bed is broken so we share one bed with all of us. Sometimes my sister and I were very frightened when my mother would stay away so long. There is a lot of fighting in the favela and then I don’t feel very good on the street on my own.
One day we had some visitors. Ditte, a Dutch woman, together with Sister Célia, came to have a look and to talk with my mum. They wanted us to go back to school. I wanted that too because I like math. I remember them more often coming to visit us and talking to my mum. They worked with the ‘Casa Familia e Vida’ foundation in Jandira. They make sure that children like me not only can stay home but can also go to school and live in safety. One day I went to the magistrate of the juvenile court with my mother and big sister and we were told that we could go and live in the shelter house for street children in Jandira: the Casa Familia house. That’s where I live now. And you know what, I have a bed, just for me, with real sheets.
My live is a lot different now. I go to school every day, I get food every day and take hot showers. After my chores and my homework I can go and play. I live here together with my little sister Patricia and 25 other children. I’m still happy every day that I was allowed to come and live here. My mum comes to visit me every month, I like that.
This is my life, I am 10 years old and my name is Priscilla.
Because the house only has 27 beds no one else can come and live with us in the Casa house. That’s why they are building a big centre in the slums where children like me can learn and play during the day and don’t need to stay on the street. The second floor is being built now and then all children can get some help with their homework or play or even get computer lessons. The mums can learn how to make nice things in the studio downstairs. Just like my mum; she won’t have to drag old paper all day any more but she will be able to make something and then sell it. Simply from her own house.
I like it that you are thinking of us and that you will save some money for us so far away. More children like me will be helped then, in that new centre. I will send my picture too so you’ll know who I am.”
Hello,
Priscilla
