Financial support is urgently needed to reconstruct the roof of the refectory at Cidade dos Meninos (in Santo André, Brazil), a building constructed in the 1960s that has served the local school children and their families for decades. Over time, the structure has deteriorated as a result of storms, prolonged exposure to the elements, and general wear and tear.
Following a major storm in 2025, the condition of the roof became critical. The wooden structure developed cracks, and numerous fissures have appeared in the old fiber cement tiles. An engineer has assessed the roof and identified that the existing tiles contain asbestos, a material whose use is prohibited, and has recommended closing the space to protect the safety of everyone (students, faculty and staff) who uses it.
Urgent Support Needed to Reconstruct the Cidade dos Meninos Refectory Roof
The refectory is much more than a dining area. It is the largest space available at the school campus and has traditionally provided a safe and practical setting for meals, meetings, family gatherings, celebrations, and community events. Its closure has therefore had a significant impact on daily activities. Because of the number of meals served, the school administrators have had to improvise two separate spaces to safely accommodate 700 students between the ages of 6 and 15.
Reconstructing the roof will require the installation of a new roofing system and the replacement or updating of the electrical system, which is very old and may not comply with current safety standards. Completing this work will allow the institution to restore a safe, functional, and dignified space for the children, adolescents, families, staff, and community members who depend on Cidade dos Meninos.
The school currently does not have sufficient financial resources to undertake this essential work. In December 2024, it had to use its available resources to replace the roof of the building that houses the Youth Center, which serves approximately 200 adolescents The need is immediate, and financial assistance is essential to enable Cidade dos Meninos to carry out the necessary work and safely reopen the refectory.
Thanks to our donors we were able to address this urgent need.
In 2026, thanks to the generosity of St. Anthony’s followers and devotees, Cidade dos Meninos school in Santo André, Brazil, received a $25,200 grant that allowed for the purchasing and installation of a new roof. Contributions toward the reconstruction of the refectory roof helped protect the over 700 students who use the facility every day, restore an essential part of daily operations, and preserve the school’s largest communal space for years to come.