The programme Criança Esperança was created in 1987 by Globo TV to raise awareness on children's rights. Since then five thousand projects have benefited over four million children and young people in every corner of Brazil.

Every year, through an innovative public selection process, the Social and Human Sciences sector of UNESCO Brasilia Office selects projects submitted by NGOs. They not only receive financial support, but also programmatic advice from the Office's team, setting in motion a process of knowledge transfer. Many of these initiatives are local responses to minimize problems and to induce the improvement of public policies. Moreover they also reinforce local leaderships.