Childhood poverty in Brazil continues to affect access to education, nutrition and long-term economic opportunity. The World Bank estimates that 32 million Brazilians lived below the poverty line in 2022, including millions of children. Understanding childhood poverty in Brazil is essential to addressing inequality and improving future outcomes.

Growing Up in Poverty in Ipatinga

The Borgen Project spoke with Neuza Knight, who grew up in poverty in Ipatinga, Brazil, to learn how childhood conditions shaped her life and opportunities. Knight grew up in Ipatinga, a city in southeastern Brazil that developed around the Usiminas steel company. She recalled a childhood marked by hardship and a lack of social support. “My mother was alone and had no help from the government. No city program and no social program,” Knight told The Borgen Project in an interview.

Her childhood took place during Brazil’s military dictatorship, which lasted from 1964 to 1985. Although the period saw economic growth, low-income families often did not benefit from it. Political repression also created fear among workers and families. “All families were worried about our fathers because when they went to work some of them did not come back,” Knight said.

Education presented significant challenges for Knight. She recalled attending school without basic supplies and relying on classmates for help. “I never had any money to buy books so my friend loaned me theirs because my mother could not afford it,” Knight said.

According to UNICEF Brazil, children from low-income families continue to face barriers to quality education, including limited access to learning materials, technology and transportation.

Food insecurity was another reality of Knight’s childhood. “Sometimes when there was not enough food she would give the food to us and stay hungry,” Knight said. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more than 21 million Brazilians experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023. Knight said the effects of childhood poverty extended into adulthood. “If I had help in my younger age, my mother and siblings would have a better life. I would not have to leave my country and let everything behind,” she said.

Research from the World Bank shows that childhood poverty can affect educational attainment, employment opportunities and long-term economic mobility.

Social Programs Helping Families Today

While Knight grew up without government assistance, many Brazilian families today benefit from programs designed to reduce poverty and improve children’s well-being.

Bolsa Família is one of Brazil’s most significant social protection programs. The program has reduced extreme poverty by up to 15%, increased school attendance by 4% to 7%, and lowered child mortality rates in participating communities.

Community organizations also play an important role in supporting families. ActionAid Brazil works with local communities to improve access to education, food security and housing. One of its initiatives supports Quilombola communities by improving school transportation and distributing learning materials.

Pastoral da Criança supports maternal health, child nutrition and early childhood development. In 2023, the organization assisted more than 1 million children and pregnant women across Brazil.

A Hopeful Path Forward

Knight hopes future generations will not experience the hardships she faced. “I hope that one day everyone is equal. No poverty anywhere in the world, including my country,” she said. Her message to leaders is simple: “Be true with what you promised to the people.”

Evidence shows that targeted investments in education, nutrition, health care and social protection can help children build more stable futures. Knight’s story highlights the importance of solutions that help families break cycles of hardship and create opportunities for the next generation.

– Angela “Phoenix” Garrett

Angela is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons