Centro Da Mae - Madeira

Centro Da Mae was founded in June 1999 with the main objective of providing a shelter for 10 -12 young mothers in distress or at risk with their children. There is currently no shelter for this specific purpose in Madeira, and when the need arises mothers are sent either to the mainland or to the Azores and so they suffer the double trauma of being abandoned by their own families or husbands/partners and then sent away from their homeland. It is hoped that construction of a new shelter will commence this year. The land and plans for the Centre have already been secured but funds are now required to help with construction. Anything you can donate will be a great encouragement to those who work tirelessly to get this project up and running.

Currently, a day centre is being run with the help of volunteers and The Good Shepherd Sisters who have been providing invaluable assistance, helping with the management of the day centre and assuring continuity of the work to which they are committed. To date 240 mothers and their children have been supported each according to their particular needs. The mothers and children are given lunch, baby and children's clothes, nappies, milk and baby food. Child care and training is provided and professional medical assistance and advice are available regularly. The staff at the centre include, a Psychologist and a Social Worker, both on a full time basis. The Good Shepherd Sisters will be in charge of the management once the new home is constructed.

All lone mothers under the care of Centro Da Mae, whether they are received in a shelter or continue with their families, must commit to a project which will involve education according to their capabilities, qualifying them as mothers for eventual employment. In addition, a number of girls attend classes in primary and secondary education at the Centre. Other activities, such as dancing, arts and crafts are taught on a voluntary basis and are enthusiastically attended.