What would $20 here (in the U.S.) get for a poor child in Brazil?

Question

I have a sponsored girl in Zambia, and when I sent her $20 for her birthday last year, she got a pair of clothes. My little sister now sponsors a 14 year-old boy in Brazil who is very poor. What could he get with $20?

Answer 1

Or some shares in stocks:

http://www.bofads.com/stories/stocks.htm

But he'd probably rather have food.

Answer 2

First, the user Alberto is an ignorant on economic issue, mainly in respect to my country, Brazil.

It's not lack of interest or anything else, but bad 'money distribution'. A few people have a lotta money, and a lotta people have a few money. This is the wrong thing in Brazil, not lack of this or that.

So. I think other folks has already answered your question. 20 US$ values around 30 Reais, our currency. I don't know what one may buy in the US with such amount (I've never been there). But with 30,00 R$ one may get a pair of cheap but new and good shoes (Chinese or Brazilian made); two or three brand new Havaianas; pay three meals on a good restaurant; think of this: a hot-dog costs (where I come from) around 3,00 R$. (US$ 1/5); buy one or two good and beautiful notebooks for schooling.

Ok. Good job, girl! I live today here in Mozambique and there are lots of first world people who sponsors children here... That's a nice thing. Instead of sending money, why don't you buy sth? Money might be used for inappropriate thing... haven't you think of that?

Anyway, tnx for your help to a Brazilan boy.

ieBrazil

Answer 3

Unfortunately not much. 20 US = 30 reais

With 30 reais is possible to buy a t-shirt, or some shoes (but not good - good shoes costs at least 60/80 reais).

Answer 4

Don't  care about this and don't lose your money because Brazil don't need this. This is a nation with a GDP above 1,5 trillion dollars/year. The 8th largest economy in the world.

If there are very poor children, egoism and lack of interest are the causes. Brazilians have enough money to solve their own problems.

Answer 5

It depends on what the boy buys and where in Brazil he lives.  The cities, especially tourist/business centers, are more expensive then rural areas.  He could buy some food for the whole family and be the hero of the week for providing the only good meal of that week.  He could buy some food for his running mates and be the hero of his gang/group.  He could buy some school supplies (if he's in school/can afford to go).  Basically, he's not going to get as much as your Zambian girl but he'll appreciate anything he can get and appreciate it more if your sister adds more to the $20.  Keep up the good work of supporting children overseas.

Answer 6

Some decent pair of clothing and food.

Answer 7

It could get them some quality food.

Answer 8

Its more like 30 reais at this point and it could get him food. Not a lot but the basics.

That's it.

It's not much money, except maybe for the very poor, which are in abundance of course.

But keep in mind the cost of living is very high here.

Make sure to do it thru a good charity.

Answer 9

Brazil is a lot more expensive than what is perceived by the outside world...

I'm from South Africa and came to Brazil for 3 months. I expected everything to be cheaper or on par with South Africa, but it is a lot more expensive here, especially clothes and electronics. Food is also not cheap.

Answer 10

um.. a few things ithere its $40 reias.. the money they usee. he couldnt get clothes or anythingg. its too expensive i suggest sending a lil bit more. everything is getting expensive