The Army of Christ "1st David’s Braves Company" is a non-profit organisation that began operations in August 2004.It’s main objective is to develop citizens through free educational, physical and recreational activities within a poor community in Brazil. Located in the poor neighborhood of Mogi Guaçu, countryside of São Paulo state, this NGO initially only worked with children between 8-10 years
of age, doing recreation and leisure activities. The First Company, as they are known, has expanded and now serves all age groups: children, youth, adults and senior citizens. This NGO operates on two fronts: the eradication of poverty, with actions to improve the quality of life of and environmental care, conducting environmental awareness activities and nature conservation. The Association currently assists on average 100 children and young people per year, and approximately 20 adults. This NGO also assists with various social aspects, providing support to poor families with education, health and work. All children assisted by the First Company are required to be enrolled in the school year. It has non religious ties and everything it does is free, with no cost to the community. It has a non-paid Directors board and a group of volunteers. This NGO provides lectures on the following topics: Being a good citizen, Drugs awareness, The importance of Family, Safety, Conservation of the school, The environment, and Leadership. Physical activities, theater and psychomotor activities are also undertaken with children and young people assisted by the organisation. The organisation regularly runs environmental conservation events, planting trees in degraded areas close to rivers and springs. Children and young people do theme hiking to learn more about the flora and fauna, and after this they are encouraged to write an essay about the environment. IMPLEMENTED PROJECTS
Campaign Happy Home: We perform maintenance work (painting, concreting yards, wiring, etc) at the houses of sick people with cancer or major depression, and who are in financial difficulty. We conduct visits to these people, and after checking their homes and their needs, the NGO seeks solutions to the problems that are found. Visiting our Town Square: A team from the NGO cleans, organizes and reclaims public squares and parks, and invites residents nearby to continue the maintenance of the site. The children of the 1st Company, with permission from their parents or guardians, clean these squares and parks for a period of the day, and during other parts of the day put on cultural and recreational activities for the residents who live nearby . My Family is a Team!: This project involves qualified professionals meeting with parents, offering guidelines for a peaceful coexistence among parents and children in order to ensure a good relationship with harmony and trust. This process ensures that these children do not run the risk of engaging in any illegal activities, or involvement with drugs.
