2.  The Global Fund for Children (GFC) works to better
the lives of kids all over the world, including in Brazil,
where enormous gaps between rich and poor can
lead to fewer opportunities for children born into the
wrong circumstances. Working through local grantee
Onda Solidaria, the GFC is trying to help address this
problem through sports.
Onda Solidaria’s sports program takes place in Rio de
Janeiro’s Sao Cristovao neighborhood. As part of the
program, kids receive professional soccer uniforms
that help them take pride in being part of a team.
For many, being part of a soccer team is their first
opportunity to take part in a formalized activity.

3.  Getting out of the streets and into a
community sports center gives them the
chance to escape from the violence and
criminality in their neighborhoods, even if
just for a short time every week.
Currently working with more than 150
children, Onda Solidaria’s soccer program
is growing, with sessions running at full
capacity and kids on a waiting list to get in.
Onda hopes that eventually it will be able
to take in all children who wish to join.