Comunidade Vila Nova Alianca-Cascalheira, is a community of about 30 families in the municipality of Monte Gordo, Camacari - Bahia, Brazil. It was partly formed by an invasion, taking over land and then being approved by the government to allow to live on it.
The village has no treated water, no proper plumbing, no sanitary system and minimal hygienic conditions. The habitations are shacks - "barracos", constructed of pieces of wood, metals and other materials. Some of the shacks have part brick. All of the floors are dirt. These shacks are located near open waters that overflow in the rainy season, propagating mosquitos. There are constant illnesses in the community, such as worms, scabies, grippe and headaches. The majority of this community is without basic nutrition and education.
In 2002 some people gathered together to help this community. There was an abandoned piece of land with a small house on it. With some donations, volunteers and some residents, the construction of a small day care center, "Creche Escola Allan Kardec" began. Persevering, the residents saw a possibility of a better future for their children and for the community. The principal objective is to assist the people of Cascalheira in improving the quality of life. We have a long way to go.
In August of 2007 enough money was donated to purchase a small playground for the day care center. Powdered milk has been donated to the day care and to some of the individual families. Unfortunately, this has been done on a sporadic basis. As more funds come in more can be available. Nutrition is vital for this community. Many of the young adults are already missing teeth.
In October of 2007 the day care officially opened. Three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 16 children ages 3 - 5 years old are cared for. A safe and nutritious environment is provided for them. The day care provider, who travels by bus over one hour and an assistant, who is a mother from the village cooks and takes care of the children until 3:30 PM. One little girl was so malnourished, her skin wounds would not heal. After one week of eating healthier her skin all cleared up. The aim is to provide this care for the children Monday through Friday.