CIP Day

During our last CIP, we all had the great opportunity to meet young teenagers. They are about our age or older and we discussed our likes and dislikes with them. These kids, even though having been through great trouble in life, are normal kids and it was just great to be able to talk so easily with them. Although I didn´t speak fluent Portuguese, the conversations and discussions flowed nicely. I was really happy to see that the place where the kids were, could not have been better. Great opportunities were given to them, so that they could study, get a job and start a regular and healthy Iife. I was also very surprised to see how each houses of teenagers had a “dad”, a “mom”, or both. Those people had to live there with the kids for a minimum of 10 years. Many children in the world do not have this chance to live with caring parents. I look forward to going to “Cidade dos Meninos” another time; to be a part of those children´s life and help them the best way possible.

Amelie T.

First CIP Day!!

The first club meeting was nerve-raking. Our first visit to Cidade Dos Meninos could be only categorized as intimidating. With last minute changes of the characters in our skits, the rearrangement of the time schedule, and a one-day notice that there were going to be over 100 teens our age for games (instead of a one to one ratio which would result in only 15 teens), I was extremely nervous; especially as the leader. Not only was this the first time that I had to organize a whole day of community service, but it was also the first day in which this community service group would be launched. On the bus, I had to calm myself down as butterflies flitted rambunctiously in my stomach and attempt to not lose my voice before we even arrived on location. Yes, I had two teachers with me, and yes I had my key leaders who were in charge of the games, but still this burden of responsibility lay upon my shoulders as I weighed the consequences of this if it turned out to be fruitless.

Upon arriving, I finally told myself as well as my group, that if in any situation we would have to be flexible, now was the time. Stepping off the bus, we went straight to the chapel, where many eyes greeted us… and when I mean many, I mean MANY. We went straight into introducing ourselves and then to the skits (short dramas) that told simple, life lessons. The fisrt was that we only have to be ourselves to be loved and accepted, and the second was about how our attitudes are contagious. Being comical, the skits were mixed with laughter all throughout and that gave way for friendships to be opened.

Many of these kids/teens that live or attend the school on the property come from the favelas, slums, the streets, and other difficult living conditions that would normally prevent them from being able to succeed in life. With the help of Hope Unlimited, they are able to have a safe home with a loving environment, a good education, and even vocational training. We were able to get a tour where we visited some of these vocational classrooms. One was an actual auto-body shop where students were able to learn about cars, etc. Others include a beauty salon, a baking and cooking classroom, etc. It was amazing to see what they offered their students because it was not only an education, but the key to a bright future. The response that I got a lot from my group was “I wish our school had this!” and “This is so cool!”-- and it was.

Later on we were able to help serve lunch and then eat with the kids there, while getting to know them. Just talking to them was a phenomenal experience; everyone said they enjoyed it so much. Not only was it fun talking to the younger kids, but it was so interesting talking to those my own age because society tries to tell you that people from different social classes are extremely diverse, and sometimes they are, but we were able to connect on the level of friendship with those our ages and that was pretty awesome. Later on in the day we played games, with about 100 or more about our age, and let me tell you: when everyone got on the bus, we were burned out tired (but a good tired!)

The founder of the house commented on the day saying “It couldn’t have been better!” and I am proud to be able to say that I completely agree.

-Adriana Moore (Founder/Leader of Club and CIP Group)