Happy Child International

Overview

Happy Child International is a UK-based charity focused on providing care and protection to vulnerable children and young people, particularly those at risk of violence or living in marginalized communities.

History

Established in 1993 by Sarah de Carvalho, Happy Child International was founded in response to the Candelaria massacre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which highlighted the plight of street-connected children targeted by death squads. This event marked the beginning of the charity's mission to protect and provide opportunities for neglected and marginalized children.

Mission and Activities

The primary objective of Happy Child International is to deliver child care services through collaborative efforts with local partners. Their mission is to transform the lives of vulnerable children and their families by offering comprehensive support. Key activities include:

• Education and Skills Training: Collaborating with local partners to provide educational support and skills training for marginalized children who may have discontinued their education.
• Protection from Violence: Organizing seminars and workshops within communities to educate and address issues related to violence and abuse.
• Family Care: Supporting families by providing health services, food, and opportunities for income generation, emphasizing the importance of family care for vulnerable children.

Impact

Happy Child International operates primarily in Brazil, addressing the country's challenges such as high unemployment, limited access to health and education, and rising violence. By working with local partners, they implement a community-based approach to deliver medical outreach, family support, and food assistance to vulnerable populations.

Vision

The charity's vision is to ensure every child and young person reaches their full potential and fosters lasting change in their lives. Over the past thirty years, Happy Child International has been committed to helping young people from violent and marginalized communities develop skills, grow in confidence, and secure better futures through education and community engagement.

Finances and Governance

Happy Child International is registered as a child and family services charity organization. Their financial activities are focused on delivering these services, aligning with their mission to support vulnerable children and families.

[1] https://www.happychild.org [2] https://www.happychild.org/about [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4026956/contact-information [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1116809&subid=0 [5] https://www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/HappyChildInternational