Why Monthly Donations Matter: A Lifeline for the Sertão

In the heart of Brazil’s Northeast lies the Sertão, a vast and arid region where resilience is a way of life. But for many families and children, resilience alone is not enough. The struggle against poverty, limited resources, and the harsh climate makes everyday survival an uphill battle.

At My Life for Lives, through Projeto Sertão Vivo, we work relentlessly to change this reality—one person, one family, and one village at a time. But we cannot do it alone. Monthly donations are the key to transforming lives in a sustainable, lasting way.

The Power of Monthly Giving: Stability, Growth, and Hope

One-time donations are always appreciated, but monthly giving is what builds a future. It provides a steady foundation for our work, ensuring we can:

• Provide Ongoing Support – From clean water to essential medical care, your monthly gift helps sustain life-changing initiatives year-round.
• Plan Long-Term Projects – Consistency allows us to expand and invest in sustainable development, rather than offering only short-term aid.
• Empower Local Communities – With continued support, we train and equip individuals to become self-sufficient leaders in their own communities.

Your generosity fuels a movement of lasting change. Even a small amount each month makes a world of difference.

How Your Donations Directly Change Lives

Here’s how Projeto Sertão Vivo is creating a real impact, thanks to the generosity of people like you:

• Educating the Next Generation: Every child deserves the right to learn. In 2024 alone, we distributed over 1,600 school supply kits to children in need, ensuring they have the materials to succeed in school.
• Building a Better Future: Infrastructure is critical. From classrooms to bathrooms, your support helps us construct essential facilities that directly improve daily life.
• Creating Opportunities for Youth: Poverty often forces young people into a cycle of hardship. With our programs, teens gain access to vocational training and mentorship, helping them develop skills for a better future.
• Bringing Food and Resources to Families: Access to nutritious meals and clean water should never be a privilege—it should be a right. Our community-driven programs ensure no family is left behind.

The Difference YOU Can Make

• $10/month provides essential school supplies for a child.
• $25/month helps build infrastructure, from classrooms to community spaces.
• $50/month supports a teen in vocational training, empowering them with skills for a better future.
• $100/month sustains long-term projects that uplift entire villages.

When you commit to monthly giving, you don’t just donate—you become part of something bigger. You become the reason a child can go to school. You become the hope a mother clings to when she finally receives food for her family. You become the heart behind every classroom built, every skill taught, every life changed.

Join Us in Transforming Lives

Imagine waking up knowing that somewhere in the Sertão, a child is smiling because of you. That’s the impact of monthly giving. It’s easy to set up, and every single dollar goes directly to those who need it most.

Be the change. Give monthly. Change lives forever.
Click Here to Become a Monthly Donor

Empowering the Future: How Technology in Action is Changing Lives

By Tina Ziliotto

In a rapidly evolving digital world, access to education and career opportunities can be life-changing. That’s exactly what Technology in Action is doing—breaking barriers and opening doors for young adults who aspire to build a future in technology.

A Vision for Change

Launched in January 2024, Technology in Action is a groundbreaking initiative by Life for Life in partnership with Jala University of California. This program is designed to equip young adults with the skills, training, and employment opportunities needed to succeed in the tech industry. By providing a comprehensive software engineering education, this initiative is transforming lives and creating sustainable career paths.

A Commitment to Education

Education is at the heart of Technology in Action. The program offers a 100% free, four-year online software engineering course, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of learning. Participants receive bilingual instruction in both English and Portuguese, preparing them for a global job market.

To support their journey, each student is provided with a laptop, allowing them to access course materials, complete assignments, and engage in real-world projects. This hands-on learning approach ensures that they are well-equipped with the technical expertise required to thrive in the industry.

Beyond Learning: A Path to Employment

Education alone is not enough—real impact comes when learning translates into meaningful employment. Upon completing the program, graduates are guaranteed a four-year job placement, earning an impressive 12,000 BRL per month. This ensures not only financial stability but also a clear career trajectory in the software engineering field.

To date, 25 young professionals have graduated and secured employment, demonstrating the success of this initiative. Each graduate represents a story of resilience, hard work, and opportunity, proving that with the right support, anyone can achieve their dreams.

The Power of Opportunity

Programs like Technology in Action highlight the importance of investment in education, mentorship, and career development. By removing barriers and providing structured support, we are not just training software engineers—we are shaping the future of an entire generation.

As the program continues to grow, its impact will only expand, creating a ripple effect that empowers more young professionals to build thriving careers in technology. The future is bright, and through initiatives like this, we are ensuring that it is accessible to all.

Sertão Vivo 2024 Recap: Transforming Lives, One Step at a Time

For the past nine years, Projeto Sertão Vivo has been dedicated to improving the lives of families in rural Araripina, Pernambuco. Through unwavering commitment and hard work, the project has made a tangible impact in education, sanitation, housing, and community development. 2024 was another year of remarkable achievements, reinforcing our mission to create sustainable change.

Milestones and Achievements

This year, Sertão Vivo continued its work by implementing critical initiatives that directly benefit the local community. Some of the key accomplishments include:

• Education Support: Over 1,600 school supply kits were distributed to students, ensuring that children have the necessary tools to succeed in their studies.
• Improved Sanitation: The construction of three new bathrooms significantly enhanced hygiene and living conditions for families.
• Expanding Educational Access: Two new classrooms were built in Serra da Rancharia to provide school reinforcement programs, strengthening the quality of education.
• Access to Clean Water: Three cisterns were installed, securing a reliable source of clean drinking water for the community.
• Housing Development: A new home was built, providing a safe and stable environment for a family in need.
• Community Growth: We successfully acquired land for the future Sertão Vivo Community Center, a space designed to empower residents with education, job training, and cultural programs.

A Vision for the Future: The Sertão Vivo Community Center

With the acquisition of land, we are one step closer to building the Sertão Vivo Community Center, a hub for growth, learning, and opportunity. This center will serve as a foundation for long-term development by offering:

• Vocational Training: Courses to equip locals with skills that lead to job opportunities.
• Educational Support: Tutoring and school reinforcement programs to help children excel academically.
• Community Bakery: A social enterprise to create income-generating opportunities for families.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Productive backyard gardens to promote local farming and self-sufficiency.
• Cultural Enrichment: Music and cordel literature classes to preserve and celebrate regional traditions.

Committed to Lasting Impact

The ongoing efforts of Projeto Sertão Vivo showcase the power of collective action and the importance of sustainable development. Every initiative completed this year reflects our dedication to improving lives and empowering communities for generations to come.

As we move forward, we remain committed to expanding our reach, fostering resilience, and creating opportunities where they are needed most. Together, we are building a brighter future for the Sertão!

Canadian NGO Seeks Partnerships and Donations for Community Center in Araripina

The space will be dedicated to residents of the rural area of Araripina, in the Sertão region of Pernambuco, providing a venue for social, educational, and recreational activities.

By g1 Petrolina

To fund the Sertão Vivo project, the Canadian NGO Life for Lives is seeking public-private partnerships and donations. The goal is to build a community center in the rural area of Araripina, offering residents a place to gather for social, educational, and recreational activities.

“Through the center, we will focus on education with tutoring programs. Additionally, we will work on preserving Sertanejo culture, as well as offering professional training for female farmers, youth employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship initiatives,” highlighted the NGO’s president, Dianna Santos.

Donations can be made via Pix using the phone number: (81) 99777-1973.

Life for Lives has been operating for seven years, supporting over 250 families. The NGO is composed of members of the Brazilian community in Toronto, Canada. The Sertão Vivo project includes a team of 30 permanent volunteers providing services in education, psychology, and dentistry.

To read the article in Portuguese, please visit the link https://g1.globo.com/pe/petrolina-regiao/noticia/2023/03/30/ong-canadense-busca-parcerias-e-doacoes-para-construcao-de-centro-comunitario-em-araripina.ghtml

Project Brings Hope to Communities in the Sertão of Pernambuco

By robsonouropreto

Sertão Vivo is a project created by the Canadian NGO Life for Lives, which has been working for seven years in communities in the city of Araripina, in the Sertão region of Pernambuco.

Formed by members of the Brazilian community in Toronto, Canada, the NGO structured the project with the help of volunteers. Through events and fundraising initiatives, they raise funds to provide school supplies, build schools, and distribute food to rural communities in Araripina.

According to Dianna Santos, a native of Pernambuco and president of Life for Lives, the project aims to bring dignity and hope to people living in extreme vulnerability in the region.

“Our goal is to provide a minimum level of dignity so that these people feel they are not forgotten and that someone cares about them, even from afar,” emphasized Dianna.

She also stated that Sertão Vivo is structured sustainably, and the plan is to establish public-private partnerships to ensure the project continues helping families.

“Over these seven years, we have witnessed transformative changes in the lives of these people. Knowing that our actions directly or indirectly impact their lives is incredibly rewarding because doing good is transformative and inspiring. We are born to serve others—this is our mission, and we cannot let this dream die because we must never stop dreaming of a better and fairer world,” she added.

As community needs have grown, so have the demands. To address this, a Community Center is being built as a model reference for the state of Pernambuco. This space will serve as a hub where citizens can access information, gather for social and educational events, and participate in recreational activities.

Sertão Vivo has a team of 30 permanent volunteers providing services in education, psychology, and dentistry. Over the past seven years, the initiative has already supported more than 250 families.

To read the news in Portuguese, click on the link https://penews.com.br/projeto-leva-esperanca-para-comunidades-do-sertao-de-pernambuco/

Sertão Vivo: Bringing Hope to Araripina’s Communities

by Revista algomais

Sertão Vivo is a project created by the Canadian NGO Life for Lives, which has been working in communities in the city of Araripina, in Brazil’s Sertão region, for the past seven years. Formed by members of the Brazilian community in Toronto, Canada, the NGO has structured the project with the help of volunteers and through fundraising events and initiatives. The funds collected are used to purchase school supplies, build schools, and provide food for rural communities in Araripina.

According to Dianna Santos, a native of Pernambuco and president of Life for Lives, the project aims to bring dignity and hope to people living in extreme vulnerability. “Our goal is to provide a minimum level of dignity so that these people feel they are not forgotten and that someone cares about them, even from afar,” Dianna emphasized.

She also highlighted that Sertão Vivo is structured to be sustainable, and the plan is to establish public-private partnerships to ensure the project continues helping families. “Over these seven years, we have witnessed transformative changes in the lives of these people. Knowing that our actions directly or indirectly impact their lives is incredibly rewarding because doing good is transformative and inspiring. We are born to serve others—this is our mission, and we cannot let this dream die because we must never stop dreaming of a better and fairer world,” she added.

As the needs of the community have increased, so have the demands. To address this, a Community Center is being built as a model reference for the state of Pernambuco. This space will serve as a hub where citizens can access information, gather for social and educational events, and participate in recreational activities.

Sertão Vivo has a team of 30 permanent volunteers providing services in education, psychology, and dentistry. Over the past seven years, the initiative has already supported more than 250 families.

Read the article in Portuguese at https://algomais.com/sertao-vivo-leva-esperanca/

5th Edition of the Sertão Vivo Fundraiser 2022

 

YOU ARE INVITED TO EMBRACE THIS CAUSE!

COME HELP US RAISE FUNDS FOR THIS NOBLE PROJECT OF BRINGING SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO THE CHILDREN LIVING IN EXTREME POVERTY IN THE NORTHEAST OF BRAZIL.

NOV 5TH | DOORS OPEN AT 6PM

PEARSON CONVENTION CENTER

2638 STEELS AVE E. BRAMPTON. ON . L6T4L7

DRESS CODE: BLACK TIE

*EMAIL: jennifer@mylifeforlives.org OR Text (365) 886-1525 to purchase your ticket!*

ADMISSION FOR ONE ADULT – 150$

CHILDREN UNDER UNDER 12: 50$

INCLUDES: COCKTAIL, 3 COURSE MEAL & OPEN BAR.

*LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE*

Sertão Vivo Na Poesia do Cordel by Luiz Ademar Lopes Muniz

ACT 1

I want to bring in poetry

 a positive subject

 That has been helping people

 And that’s the goal

 which is solidarity

 for many communities

 THE SERTÃO VIVO PROJECT

 

 Because this beautiful project

 it was created to help

 needy communities

 from an inhospitable place

Helping children by donating 

 School supplies

 

 in 2017

 In April it started

 This beautiful story

 that everyone supported

 this story became possible 

 With your support

 the dream came true

 

 Diana Santos leaving

 straight from canada

 carrying in her luggage

 School supplies

 doing it with your heart 

 For the children of the sertão

 And for the families to rejoice

 

 It started “small”

 But we always dreamed big 

 in our first time

 With effort, raising

 for many companion hands

 There were 40 lunch boxes

 To the children, we brought 

 

 And every following year

 There were more hearts coming together 

 And the mission among many

 It just kept multiplying

 with the lord’s blessings

 Inside he backpacks the love

  kept multiplying

the good multiplied

Along with love was added

 Because seeing the emotion

 on each face stamped 

 The project right now

 in the most important way

 became justified 

and justified is

 by human will

 Which spreads the good

 And your affection grows

 Acts of mine and also yours

 Guided by faith of God 

 in his great will

ATO 1

 

Quero trazer em poesia

Um assunto positivo

Que tem ajudado gente

E é esse o objetivo

Que é solidariedade

Pra muitas comunidades

O PROJETO SERTÃO VIVO

 

Pois este belo projeto

Se fez para ajudar

Comunidades carentes

De um inóspito lugar

Às crianças, ajudando

E a muitas delas doando

Material escolar

 

Em 2017

Em abril se iniciou

Essa nossa linda história

Que todo mundo apoiou

E possível ela se fez

Com o apoio de vocês

O sonho concretizou

 

Diana Santos saindo

Direto do Canadá

Levando em sua bagagem

Material escolar

Fazendo de coração

Pras crianças do sertão

E as famílias alegrar

 

Ele começou “pequeno”

Mas sempre grande sonhando

Em sua primeira vez

Com esforço, arrecadando

Por muitas mãos companheiras

Foram 40 lancheiras

Às crianças, entregando

 

E cada ano seguinte

Foi mais coração juntando

E a missão entre muitos

Só foi se multiplicando

Com as bênçãos do senhor

Nas mochilas, o amor

Só foi se multiplicando

 

O bem se multiplicou

Junto ao amor foi somado

Pois ao ver a emoção

Em cada rosto estampado

O projeto neste instante

Na forma mais importante

Se torna justificado

 

E justificado está

Pela atitude humana

Que vai propagando o bem

E seu carinho se emana

Atos meus e também seus

Guiados na fé em Deus

Na vontade soberana

 

 

ATO 2

 

Então nos anos seguintes

A quantidade aumentou

Assim mais e mais famílias

O projeto contemplou

Num ano, 65

Depois 135

Mochilas se entregou

 

E já no ano corrente

310 levamos

Mas para o ano que vem

Essa quantia aumentamos

Mais da metade de mil

Lá no sertão do Brasil

Entregar, nós planejamos

 

Cada gesto de bondade

Cada contribuição

Que vocês estão fazendo

Do fundo do coração

Será entregue, um por um

E não haverá nenhum

Que não tenha gratidão

 

As mochilas partirão

Rumo ao seu objetivo

Ajudar nossas crianças

Do projeto SERTÃO VIVO

Receberão em janeiro

Já nos seus dias primeiros

Antes do ano letivo

 

Quando vimos o sorriso

Que em cada criança fica

Letícia, Wesley, Maria

A emoção, não se explica

Num chamado de esperança

A certeza e confiança

Que o empenho se justifica

 

Era um simples corretivo

Que Gabriele queria

A mãe sem ter condições

Financeiras, lhe dizia

Tenha calma, meu amor

Tenhamos fé no Senhor

Que Ele providencia

 

Fé em Deus e nos humanos

Que o bem acontecerá

O bem então lá se fez

Com a colaboração de cá

Dos corações generosos

Desses humanos bondosos

Que vivem no Canadá

 

No sertão pernambucano

O projeto cumpre a sina

E, em cada lauda escrita

O amor se dissemina

Sem usar caneta ou mão

Mas sim com o coração

Cada um que ajuda, assina

 

ATO 3

 

Fomos à Serra da Torre

Também a do Azulão

À Serra do Marinheiro

Lá foi grande a emoção

Mesmo com tanta pobreza

Nós encontramos nobreza

Do povo, no coração

 

Agora este povo todo

Por onde eu passei e vi

Seja no Bodocó

Ou mesmo em Ouricuri

Lá na Vila do Pitu

Onde o céu é mais azul

Muita alegria eu senti

 

E tem mais localidades

Pra levarmos alegria

Chegando em Araripina

Ou mesmo em Rancharia

Nós vamos tocando em frente

Em contato com essa gente

Seja noite ou seja dia

 

Pois a bondade existente

Naquela gente sofrida

Diminui, ante a esperança

Nas coisas simples da vida

Pois nesta simplicidade

Reside a felicidade

E a dor é menos doída

 

E a cada ano que passa

Mais esperança levamos

Mesmo em lugares inóspitos

Com garra e fé nós chegamos

E assim, sem olhar a quem

Nós vamos fazendo o bem

Nos lugares que passamos

 

Pois um momento feliz

Só quem tá vivendo sabe

Sendo ele tão importante

Em meio mundo não cabe

Quando um desses nó vivemos

Tudo que nós mais queremos

É que ele nunca se acabe

 

Levando sempre conosco

Na bagagem, esperança

Pois de praticar o bem

A ONG jamais se cansa

Deixando amor e afeto

E de carinho repleto

O adulto e a criança

 

Cada sorriso estampado

Em cada um vai trazendo

Em nós a grande certeza

Que o certo estamos fazendo

Pois fazer o bem, faz bem

E a LIFE FOR LIVES, vem

Fazendo o bem e crescendo

 

 

ATO 4

 

Temos lá grandes parceiros

Que ajudam no labor

Mais que solidariedade

Levam esperança e amor

Temos Nádia e Eugênio

A Luciana e o Ênio

Josenildo o bom pastor

 

AMAI é nossa parceira

Que ajuda na missão

De tentar amenizar

Naquela população

A dor que trazem em semblante

Pois a dor do semelhante

Dói no nosso coração

 

E nós da LIFE FOR LIVES

Estamos sempre no ponto

Para ajudar as pessoas

Encaramos o confronto

Nos ajuda de verdade

A nossa COMUNIDADE

PORTUGUESA EM TORONTO

 

Nossa ONG tem registro

No Brasil, legalizada

Ajudando a muita gente

Carente, necessitada

Essa é a nossa missão

Ajudar o nosso irmão

Ou irmã, desamparada

 

E nossas ações existem

Num feliz itinerário

Oficina da memória

E Centro Comunitário

Banco pra alimentação

De Coração pra Coração

Somos todos voluntários

 

Esse voluntariado

Nos traz alento e alegria

Nos inspira a fazer mais

Todo ano, todo dia

Como se fosse um cordel

Relatando no papel

Em forma de poesia

 

E assim continuaremos

Nossa missão, nossa sina

Levando ajuda e amparo

Pra essa gente nordestina

Com Deus sempre nos guiando

A ONG segue ajudando

E assim jamais desanima

 

Agradecemos aqui

Do fundo do coração

À você que nos ajuda

Fazendo sua doação

Que te abençoe, nosso Deus

Em todos os atos seus

E em cada boa ação

 

The Sertão Vivo project has expanded and been able to reach more children every year. In February 2020, we had the opportunity to bring 100 kits (backpack, lunchbox, case) plus school supplies, meeting the needs of more than one hundred and twenty children from the Araripe/PE region. Our goal is to provide basic educational needs to the children in social vulnerability.