In a world where millions of children face the harsh realities of poverty and lack of access to education, PEPE International stands out as a beacon of hope. With a clear mission to provide quality education and comprehensive care, the program has transformed lives in over 40 countries since its foundation in Brazil in 2001.
The year 2024 marked significant growth: 11,425 new children were supported, and 238 new educational units were inaugurated. These numbers are not just statistics but represent lives changed, families restored, and communities strengthened.
Education is a powerful engine for social and economic change, and at PEPE, this is evident in its fruits. With 7,181 children graduating and 47,411 home visits conducted through the PEPE GO program, the commitment to the holistic development of children is reaffirmed. Child protection has also been a cornerstone of PEPE’s daily practices.
PEPE goes beyond teaching; with a holistic approach to children, it also cares for, nurtures, and protects them. Through complementary projects such as the Educational Preventive Dentistry Program , basic health initiatives, and nutrition programs, PEPE teaches oral hygiene practices, promotes healthy habits among children, and focuses on balanced meals in its units. It also organizes health campaigns that benefit children, their families, and their communities.
The work of PEPE International transforms the lives of the children it serves while strengthening the communities around them. The story of Nyiramakuba Veronique, a Rwandan mother, illustrates the transformative power of PEPE. Before her daughter joined the program, the family struggled with severe malnutrition, surviving on just one meal a day. “PEPE changed my daughter’s life,” says Veronique. “She now receives a healthy meal every day and is happy at PEPE.” Thanks to PEPE’s support, Veronique secured a job that allows her to better support her family, demonstrating how education can be a catalyst for social change and transformation.
With a continued commitment to inclusion, comprehensive care, and the promotion of hope, PEPE reaffirms its mission to make a difference in the world—one smile at a time. Each success story is a testemony of the power of education as a transformative tool in challenging times, proving that investing in children yields benefits for the entire society.
Ricardo Santos
General Director of PEPE International
