In Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil, there are some 500,000 deaf people. Among the poor population, there is hardly any help and little understanding for people with this handicap.

In the “Centre for holistic help for the deaf” in Ijuí, deaf children, teenagers as well as adults are provided assistance in matters of health, training and jobs.

The Centre is run by honorary staff for the most part. These offer the children of the various age groups homework tutoring, theatre lessons, handicrafts, sport and games.

The families of the deaf children are provided with counselling, too.

Among others, the following activities and services are offered:

• Meetings for the families of the deaf children
• Homework tutoring for children with learning disabilities
• Lessons in sign language for deaf as well as hearing relatives and friends
• Assistance with visits to the doctor.

EBM INTERNATIONAL supports this work. Thanks to your help, some 20 children can benefit from this important ministry.