CAMM stands for „Centro de Atendimento a meninos e meninas“, meaning “Center for attentive care for boys and girls”.
Founded by the couple Roberta and Ademilson Barros 30 years ago, CAMM takes in children from all ages, from toddler to youth, from their neighborhood, which is considered one of the most dangerous in the area. Drugs, prostitution, and homicide are everyday events around here. There is no canalization or garbage removal, and that in tropical temperatures year round. The women, mostly single moms, have to work one or two jobs in order to survive, and cannot afford daycare for their children. Even young children are often left unattended for lack of another option, and are at high risk to become part of CAMM takes these children in, cares for them during the day with healthy, nutritious meals and activities such as workshops, gardening, sports, dancing, or music; or even training in simple everday activities such as brushing teeth. Specially trained staff, a child psychologist, and a safe and secure building on a fenced-in property are the foundation of this very special project. For many children this is the only location where they feel safe and are able to be just kids. CAMM also ensures that they attend school on a daily basis-perhaps the most important step to break the cycle of poverty and violence. CAMM lives strictly on donations.
