Projects
Projeto Uerê
The word ‘Environment’ in the title of the Epona-Foundation refers not only to nature, but also to social interaction. The Foundation intends to supports selected projects for woman, children and youths, such as the ‘Projeto Uerê’ in the Favela Maré in Rio de Janeiro. Marlies has been involved in this project for many years. Uerê, meaning Child of Light, is a day school where 430 children between 3 and 18 years of age receive food, education and loving care on a daily basis. Yvonne Bezerra de Mello founded Uerê in 1997 in the wake of the Candelaria Massacre where the police of Rio de Janeiro shot eight homeless youngsters who were sleeping in front of the Candelaria church. More information under: www.projetouere.org.br
Donkeys for mothers and daughters in Eritrea
Through ArcheMed (www.archemed.org) the Epona Foundation bought two donkeys in Eritrea. The animals are for chosen single mothers to help them in their daily work. They not alone carry water, firewood, children, goods and the harvest, but also have offspring, and thus contribute to a modest prosperity (see the annual report of 2012).