We help the school education of the children of the Favelas

The “Lar de São José” , located in Rio de Janeiro belongs to the Congregation of the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Ravasco Institute). It was founded by Mrs. Alice Vidal de Oliveira, mother of the Servant of God, Odete Vidal, known in Rio de Janeiro as “Odetinha”.

Mrs. Alice welcomed some poor girls into her house (which functioned as a boarding school) and did good and charity to the “poor people of Odetinha” who lived in the favelas close to her house. These good works counted on the collaboration of the Sisters of the Ravasco Institute, who lived in the same house. Before she died, Mrs. Alice donated her house and some establishments, to be rented and to be of economic support to the good work for the poor girls and girls welcomed by the institution.

In the “Lar de São José” , between 35 and 40 girls and boys were welcomed, where they supported their schooling, received personal hygiene guidance and ate at least 2 meals a day.

The house was a boarding school for girls aged 6 to 14. Today it is a Day Center where the girls receive support while the mothers are at work. There they receive tutoring, religious training, learn some crafts, try to develop their talents, experience teamwork and learn to take care of the house and their belongings.

In this institution, the assisted carry out scholastic reinforcement activities, small domestic activities, always with an educational purpose.

The sisters try to offer a humane and very affectionate environment, also favoring a good coexistence with the family. For this they take advantage of events in which the family is invited to participate.

With the Covid 2019 pandemic, unfortunately, the establishments that were rented and supported the work, their contracts were canceled, consequently, the number of girls was reduced to a minimum in order not to close the business.

Currently the person in charge, Sr. Francisca Alexandra da Silva (Superior of the community of the Ravasco Sisters in Rio de Janeiro), helped by another nun, is trying to carry on this beautiful work, continuing with the mission wished by Mrs. Alice and also spreading the Charisma of the Ravasco Institute, as the Foundress, Blessed Eugenia Ravasco wanted and taught: “doing good for the love of the Heart of Jesus”, because “doing good is good for you”.

We are grateful to anyone who will help us make this dream come true.