Today, we’re starting a new series where we look at grassroots NGOs operating in Brazil.
The Projeto Beija-Flor, or the Hummingbird Project, is a part of the Children at Risk Foundation, created by Gregory Smith in 1993 in São Paulo. The purpose of the organization is to defend street children’s rights, to give street children an education and provide solutions for children at risk. After founding the Street Migration Prevention Program, Smith expanded the program into the Hummingbird Arts & Cultural Activity Center, which now serves 600 children. In 2007, a second NGO was established, the Hummingbird Cultural Network, to create a group of community centers for homeless youth.
The Beija-Flor Project offers many programs for the children involved, including dance, music and art classes, and is best known for its capoeira courses and drum bands. There is also academic support, academic scholarships, and technology courses. This year, the project will also offer programs to teach children about health, the environment, nutrition, social communication and income generation.
For more information and to see how to help, see:
