LAMALMA 

 

The social inclusion of our at risk children and young people goes way beyond a plate of food, basic hygiene or quality schooling. Exercising full citizenship involves fully valuing the human condition which, in the case of these children, includes the right to having fun, entertainment and exploring all their potential intellect, creativity and social interaction. 

 

WHAT IS IT? WHAT IS THE AIM?

The Lamalma project aims to make a meaningful contribution to improving the quality of life, inclusion and self-esteem of at risk children and teenagers by working in partnership with social projects that already serve these young people. The aim is to provide these disadvantaged children with times of leisure and adventure through weekend camps, contributing to their formation as young citizens and developing their self-esteem whilst passing on Christian values and principles.

The key word which will make this project work is 'partnership'. This is how the dream of the first camps were made possible.

 

The project's implementation is divided into two phases:

 

PHASE 1

This is where we are at now. With the financial contributions of friends, family members and members of the church we were able to raise funds to buy enough equipment for 18 children to come to the camp.  On 22nd-23rd November 2014 LAMALMA held its first camp with girls who are already in contact with Projeto Reconstruir (Project Reconstruct), with the active participation of friends and members of Comunidade Caverna de Adulão. The second camp took place two weekends later, on 6th-7th December. A challenge that we had set at the beginning of the semester finally showed its results to the surprise of all the team involved. This phase corresponds to the promotion of one-off camps, in various places.

 

PHASE 2

This is where we want to get to. Set in place partnerships with people who share our vision and have been moved by God to put their goods, time and resources at His disposal in this incredible adventure. Our aim is to find a permanent place (eg, a farm) that is not too far from the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte which is suitable for receiving workers and volunteers to develop the place through adapting and optimising the resources at our disposal to offer the best - in every aspect - for the children who will go there.

 

 

PERSONAL CONSIDERATIONS

The idea of a project like this is in line with what I believe to be the essence of what Jesus sent us to do. In other words, we will act as agents of transformation of lives so that they can be rescued by the love of God. The idea of giving needy children the opportunity to experience leisure and adventure in a warm and inviting environment makes my heart beat loudly because seeing these children enjoy the same things that I desire my own children to have is, in my understanding, the closest thing to the Christian command to love your neighbour as you love yourself.

 

LAMALMA is a Christian missionary initiative which shares the holistic gospel. The disadvantaged child, is targeted with love and affection, in an environment of acceptance and warmth, valued  and given the opportunity to simply be a child. The distance from the urban atmosphere and its disturbances, misery, violence and the unrest found in the slums and poor communities, coupled with a programme of adventure and leisure have the power to have a unique, long-lasting and indelible impact in the hearts of these little ones. 

 

 

Romeu de Almeida