Project Brasil is a Christian humanitarian organization serving poor communities of Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. We offer free English and computer courses for children and adults; we provide free and low-cost medical, and we minister to the residents of our communities through partnerships with local churches.

Project Brasil began in October 2004 when our founder, Steve May, visited Rio with the idea of establishing a school in a favela -- the Brasilian term for slum. Within six weeks of Steve's first visit we officially began with one student and one teacher in a borrowed classroom in the community of Morro Azul. We also began working with a local pastor to plant a new church, the Morro Azul Congregacao Metodista. Within three months we had obtained a building; the church launched its first service in February 2005. Today this church averages more than 40 in attendance. We have also added several new English classes, opened a computer center, and began working with local doctors to provide free medical treatment.

In January 2008 Project Brasil expanded operations to another community, working in partnership with Primeira Igreja Batista em Vila Alianca to offer classes in English, computers, cosmetology, and sewing. We also provide soccer (football) classes for children and youths three afternoons a week. We currently have a new medical clinic in development, with plans to open in 2008. We will also open the doors to our new community library in March 2008.

Now in our fourth year of operation, Project Brasil's goals remain the same: to help people build better lives by providing educational opportunities, job training, and spiritual leadership.

Click here to read more about our work.