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Maria is a young Brazilian girl who lives with her parents, Francisco and Thais, and with two sisters and one brother, in a small rural community located in the state of Ceara. Their simple home, which is rented, has brick walls, rough cement flooring and a clay-tiled roof. It has a tiny bathroom. Running water and electricity are available. Francisco works delivering goods for a local firm (doing odd jobs) and the family receives a very small family allowance from the federal government; the total income, however, is hardly enough to meet basic needs. Maria is active and cheerful. She loves playing house and with dolls in the company of other girls her age. Maria is considered to have good health, in spite of the poor living conditions and diet. She is still too young to attend school. The family is needy and through your support Maria and her family will have the opportunity to participate in important projects in the areas of health, recreation and education.