Maria da Glória Morais grew up living in fear; today she’s a successful social worker. And she credits her success to ChildFund.
When she was young, Maria and her family were living in an area of Brazil known for its high rates of povery, violence and drugs. Fear was part of their lives. They knew if they left their home during the day, they might get robbed.
The limitations were great. Education was nearly inaccessible due to the distance from their home to the public school. Discouraged, Glória developed learning difficulties and even considered leaving school. It was at that moment that her mother met the Group for the Support of the Cabana District and Region, an entity affiliated with ChildFund Brazil. From then on the family’s situation began to improve.
Maria, who is now 42 years old, became a sponsored child in ChildFund’s programmes, leading her to dedicate herself more to her studies. Being able to read and write became an important part of her life – she says now that there was nothing she enjoyed more than writing to and hearing from her sponsor.
Maria’s education continued as she received a degree in social assistance from Catholic University of Minas Gerais. She is proud to say that she chose her profession based on her difficulties growing up and because of the support she received from her sponsor and ChildFund.
“I think that it is what has provided a basis for me to be what I am today,” Maria says of ChildFund. “It was what has given me support so that I can defend assistance to others. For me, it was wonderful.”
