International Orphaned Children Outreach
Our Challenges
Street Children
IpeTajy Project (Sponsored by The Messengers of Light) was organized in response to the critical situation of abandoned street children in Brazil. The leading causes for displaced children are poverty, domestic violence and drug abuse by parents or guardians. According to the Brazilian Center for Children and Adolescents, Brazil has more than 800,000 child prostitutes. Drugs also run rampant among the children, who sniff glue to escape reality. The goal of the projects is to improve the lives and support the needs of children.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Individuality
Our philosophy is based on the individuality of each child. Our program reflects the belief in each child’s unique needs. We provide developmentally appropriate activities for all children in areas of Cognitive, Socialization and Self-help skills. We offer a balanced variety of teacher-directed activities and child-centered discovery activities; and quiet and active times, within the context of a stable routine, which promotes each child’s sense of security.
Our Objectives
• To foster a loving atmosphere of caring and sharing that will encourage children to grow emotionally, socially and spiritually.
• To provide equipment and materials that stimulates the children’s physical, emotional and intellectual growth, according to the developmental level of the individual child.
• To provide open communication between the kids camp and the parents or guardians.
• To maintain our high standards for exceptional care and education of our children.
We appreciate your support of this international outreach program either by volunteering or direct donations.
THE ORIGIN OF ‘IPE TAJY’
(EePã Tajee)
Comes from The National Flower of Brazil called Ipê-amarelo (Latin: Tecoma chrysostricha). The word “amarelo” means yellow, to distinguish this tree from the Ipê with purple and white flowers. Some Ipê Trees have a purple color that is considered miracle tree by the native Tupi Guarani Indians. The Tupi Guarani believed that the Ipê has Divine Power and called Ipe as ‘Tajy’ in the Guarani language means “Strength and Vigor” as it has medicinal qualities and is a considered as a tree that provides strength. In the vast and lush universe of native plants of Brazil, Ipê always was considered the Brazilian national symbol.
On December 7 of 1978, the law nº 6507 came to declare that Pau-Brasil (Caesalpinia echinata) would be national tree and the flower of Ipê tree, became the national flower.