Early Life
“My name is Raphaely. I live in a small village in Maranhão, Brazil. My life at home is very sad because right after my birth, my mother left me with my grandmother. Until now, I did not understand the reason. My grandmother is a poor widow, aside from me, she also raised two more grandchildren. I help her on our little farm from which we earn a living. When it is time to harvest açai berry I go to the neighbourhood to look for some berries to harvest and sell them to help the family bill.
Life at school
The reason why I dreamed of studying in Girlstown is to help support my family, especially my grandmother. I am very happy here in the Village for Children, I have many friends and the Sisters really love me.
I am learning many things. I love to draw and paint. I am studying very hard because I want to be a lawyer someday. I am grateful to our beloved friends and kind-hearted benefactors. Because of your generosity, many children like me are very happy and safe. “
Growing and thriving in school
Raphaely has thrived in her time at school and she joined grade 8 early in January 2025. She says “I entered at the Sisters of Mary School last 2024, I was privilege enough to be sought and found by the Sisters of Mary.”
“I love my School and I am happy to be part of this wonderful work of love.”
Now in middle school she is growing in strength, learning new talents, building confidence and taking flight in her ambitions for the future.
“I am now a Middle School Student. Everyday is a new chance and challenge to grow and develop new skills. I am learning drafting and many interesting designs. I enjoy my Dressmaking classes because I put into practice various pattern draftings into a beautiful output. These are all possible because of your generosity. May God bless you!”
Irmas documentary trailer
Raphaely's story and that of her grandmother features in the upcoming Irmas documentary