HISTORIC

Founded in 1884 and formally established as a beneficent association in 1988, São Martinho is a civil, non-profit organisation, of a philanthropic, assistance and educational nature — that works for the cause of childhood and adolescence in conditions of social risk, in the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi. With its 20 (twenty) years of activity, the Institution has gained experience and recognition for its reliability and competence, resulting in acquiring the support of those in civil society, of public authorities and of large companies and national and international  organisations.

Today, some 2,000 (two thousand) children and adolescents are attended to each year through a programme of work developed along three complementary social lines — Socio-pedagogic, Defense and Formation — supported by an infrastructure wich comprises five homes, a community centre, socio-educational centre, a centre for defense of the children’s rights, centre for placing adolescents in the work market, and a centre for formation of educators. By maintaining these programmes, São Martinho provides shelter and social attendance in the homes, pedagogic support, art-education workshops, legal assistance, both preventive and ambulatory medical, psychological and dental services — in addition to preparing the youths for placing in the work world. 
Funds are received from individuals and legal entities, public and private companies, and from related national and international agencies. Among São Martinho´s main partners include FIA (Foundation for Infancy and Adolescence), the Municipal Social Development Secretariat, Petrobras (Petróleo Brasileiro S.A), Cia. de Petróleo Ipiranga, Coca-Cola (Rio de Janeiro Refreshes S.A), Unicef, Jubilee Action, Cáritas Suiça, Cordaid, European Community, among others.

It is important to point out that the work done by São Martinho is recognised by our partners as well as by our donors and by society, having in recent years received awards and honours, such as: Kanitz/Efficiency Aware (2000 and 1997); 128th Social Technology Award in partnership with Fiocruz, in 2000; GEARJ/99 Partner with Petrobras – 1999; Herbert de Souza/ Chamber of Deputies/OAB Award in 1998; Beija-Flor/Rio Volunteer Trophy – 1998; Honourable Mention/Chamber of Deputies of Rio de Janeiro – 1998; Education and Participation Itaú-Unicef Prize – 1995.