What is favela to you?
-- The favela to
me is FAMILY! I have lived in other places but I return to what is comfortable.
I can be myself here without judgement. The favela represents survivors of a
system that has excluded them from society. Unfortunately there is a stigma to
living in favela. But there are many in this community that are trying to
change this image. A favela is far from what the media says. The favela is a
creative way of living. The favela is always changing for the better. Its not
the poorly built houses, but the people that make this a nice place to live.
What
is Rocinha to you?
-- Rocinha is a amazing place with so much
potential. I am so proud to live here as part of this amazing community. There
are so many talented people here that the world needs to know about. People need to come and visit this city of
about 300,000 people. They will be amazed at how different this place is
compared to what tv wants you to believe. Rocinha is not perfect but its always improving itself. I hope to continue being able to be part of intiatives to help improve this place.
How
many people do you think live in Rocinha?
--
I think about 300,000 live here. The government census says about 80,000 but we
who live here know there’s more than that. The problem is the census is taken
only once every 10 years.
What
do you consider your role to be in the community? It seems like you are doing a
lot for the community over there.-- I am
nobody special, just somebody who wants to contribute for the community. If there
is a way that I can help, why not. Some people call me “embaixador” or
embassador of the favela. I receive many emails from people wanting to
volunteer or help projects here and I have many contacts. My role in the community is difficult to
say. I live here and I work as a guide showing and educating people about my
favela. I also have a social project, a Dj school where we teach residents the
art of dj’ing. I want people to come and see the warm friendly people here.
What
do you think are the reasons for the favelas having such a strong sense of
community?
-- I think because we are a
marginalized population of people. So to combat against this prejudice, we
stick together and support the common good of our favela. People help each
other here unlike many other places. A friend of mine moved to Rocinha a few
years ago from another state in Brasil and was welcomed. His neighbors offered
him clothing and furniture for his small apartment that he moved into. This is
normal here.
What
has the government done for the favelas? Both the good and the bad things?
– Not very much. The government only
involves themselves in favelas if it benefits them. Especially during years
where elections come up, then they do things so they can get votes. For
example, in Rocinha during the voting year of 2010 the government did build
some buildings to help the favela. We had a medical clinic, a daycare, a sports
complex and some lowrise apartments that were built, so yes this does help the
community. I think the two most important things the favela needs is better
quality of education so our youth have opportunity to go to University and
basic sanitation. We do pay taxes so
we deserve the basic services that any non favela community receives.
What
have the drug lords done for the favelas? Both the good and the bad things? If I remember correct, you mentioned
something about the drug lords helping the community?
–- This is a very sensitive issue. I do not support drug trafficking.
The reality is that in most countries around the world, drugs exist unfortunately.
In Rocinha its no different, the bad is when there are shootings with the
dealers and the police. They do support certain activities in the favela by
sponsoring athletes or parties. They also built a football field for the kids.
Again, I don’t support the selling of drugs.
What
is your attitude towards the government and the police? Why?
-- The problem is the average Brazilian knows the system is corrupt. So
there’s a big lack of trust and confidence in the police or leadership. I
understand that communities need policing. All we in favelas want is policing
with respect to human rights. Unfortunately favelados are marginalized and much
prejudice against us is common. The police needs better training and
communication skills with people. Once
this happens then there will be better relations between the communities and
the police.
What
do you think and want the government to do about the favelas?
– I don’t think the government really cares
about the favelas unless it’s a voting year. They just let us do our own thing.
I don’t think Rocinha will be removed as its too big. I think the government
shouldn’t remove the favelas but help them upgrade the infrastructure and
improve public services. Favelas are the option for a lack in housing available
to those who earn little money.
What
do you want the favelas’ and Rocinha’s future to look like?
– I want to see better sanitation
initiatives in the favelas and better education for our youth. There needs to
be opportunities that can improve people’s lives. Things like trade schools
would greatly benefit a community like ours. The sad thing is currently with
the education system, the chances of ever leaving the favela if you are born
here, are very small. There is not a lot of upward mobility.
If you have questions you can send them to me at: visitrocinha@gmail.com
