World Day of Prayer and Action for Children Expanded Conversation Circles in Porto Alegre

Since 2009, Pastoral da Crianca in Brazil has celebrated the World Day as a time for partners to organize activities for children; present a survey on children’s rights; learn from one another; and develop strategies or a common agenda for work throughout the year.

On November 20, leaders and coordinators, along with representatives of churches, congregations, and community groups are invited to participate in “expanded conversation circles” to develop solid strategies on how to meet the challenges presented by violations of the rights of childhood. Discussions will focus on two key questions:

1. What children’s rights are not being achieved in the parish or city?

2. What sort of support may be given by the coordinators, parishes, churches, congregations, religious traditions, and other groups so that children may achieve these rights?

To prepare for World Day 2013, organizers received from Pastoral a list of children’s rights to display as a poster. Outcomes from the consultations will be documented in the Registration Form to be used as reference points for joint actions to follow throughout the year. The outcomes and information received by Pastoral will then be used to disseminate the needs felt by the communities to a greater number of people, toward finding collaborative solutions.

In Porto Alegre in conjunction with Pastoral de Crianca, the House of Representatives along with local families will be participating in these conversation circles and an Ethics Education workshop as well as an interfaith prayer. There will also be artistic presentations, a prayer and shared snacks. A total of 531 families have been invited to participate.

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• DICAS Information in Portuguese
  Information in Portuguese