Harvest Fast Day Friday 2nd October 2009 Collective Worship for Secondary Schools and Youth

I want young people to live in hope I want my steps to mark this earth I want countries and communities to join hands I want to change my world Can I count on you? I want the right to be a child, and to be the hope of a better world I want to grow up like other people I want a different world Can I count on you? I want somewhere I can play I want a school where I can study I want the right to have my home I want the right to have my bread Can I count on you? I want a smile from someone who knows how to love I want a hand to show me the way I want a world that is fairer and friendly I want happiness that is born from peace Can I count on you? I want life, I just want to love I want to live happily all day I want to hear children singing Can I count on you?

“ I want the right to be a child” Here are children dancing in Galpao – one of the CAFOD- supported Youth projects in Recife, Brazil, that helps children know their rights and become part of their vibrant community.

“… and to be the hope of a better world” Here’s Cristiano in his ‘Youth Leaders’ T-shirt, working in Galpao to improve his community – and some of his friends. They’re all working for youth rights and a better future.

“ I want a school where I can study” For young people in this poor district of Brazil, the right to education is something they really value. It can help them know their rights and responsibilities, stop them getting into crime, and build a better future for themselves and their country.

“ I want the right to have my home” Here is one of the youth leaders in the community, at home in Recife with her family. Their house is basic, and everyone lives together.

“ I want happiness that is born from peace” Many young people here are tired of living with the threat of violent crime, often linked to drugs. The Youth Leaders offer a peaceful alternative. They use music, dance, theatre, sport, art and other activities to help young people and the community find a more peaceful and happy way to live.

“ Can I count on you?” cafod.org.uk/moneycount Cristiano Luciano Leticia