Hello from ACE!

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We are sending our love from Brazil and keeping you up to speed with progress ACE Projects has been making as COVID restrictions lift around Rio de Janeiro. 

As our classes resume and people begin to go back to work, this is such an important time to pick up the momentum we gathered in the New Year and make sure every child has the opportunity to express themselves, after a very difficult few months. 

COVID-19

Whilst we are sounding positive about daily infection rates dropping, the pandemic is still raging. Brazil has suffered over 130,000 deaths, and the toll is still hitting over 500 a day on average. We are continuing to deliver ‘cestas basicas’ to families who need support. We would like to thank ‘Hi-Hostel Brasil’, whose donation allowed us to provide 18 more families with the supplies they need. 

The social distancing measures that have allowed life to restart are, much like in the rest of the world, subject to change. Brazil is the third-worst affected country on the planet, and any signs of positive change must be reinforced with sensible behaviour where possible.

Pantanal Fires

The world watched on as the Amazon fires raged last year, and there was nominal coverage on the destruction of so many indigenous communities and homes. These fires are still burning. Now, in the wetland area of Pantanal, fires have burned over a fifth of this biome since July. Authorities are accusing cattle ranchers for starting the fires as a deforestation technique, and the severe drought of the past couple of months means a fire starts and does not stop. For all the environmental gains made by reduced travel and pollution this year, we must ensure we do not let the natural world be damaged, as we try to look after ourselves. 

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Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming event and updates on the projects in Rio. Thank you for your love and support. 

Abraços, as ever

The ACE Team x