Team Poland Comes to Rocinha

Some months back we had SA Wardega and his crew filming in Rocinha. Now another crew from Poland. It's great to see so much positive interest in our community.

Last week we had the opportunity to meet some interesting people from Poland. They are travelling through South America in a mini bus. They are documenting their travels and they are going to start a youtube channel.

They decided they wanted to have some special days in the favelas. We made a 2 days tour for them. The first day we focused on flying drones and filming the main street activity. The second day we focused on the alleyways and activities like playing pool and practicing Capoeira with the locals. The second day they also visited Vidigal favela to film the sun set and check out the community.

They also got the change to meet and have a few drinks with the locals.

 The motoboy got in on the action when he wanted a photo with the Polish Crew.

Hanging out with Leandro Discreto a 3 on 3 basketball player from Rocinha who just signed a contract to play professional Basketball with a team in China.

Drone flying at the bottom of Rocinha. Earlier in the day we flew the drone from the top of the community. The crew wanted to get different views of the favela.

I see this guy everyday and he rarely ever wears a t-shirt. He loves Rocinha as you can tell by the many wristbands he has. And he always wants more!

Kamil in the Blue shirt, has be doing Capoeira for about 10 years and it was always a goal of his to practice when he was in Rio, so we set something up.

 Kamil playing the "berimbau" with the Capoeira guys from Rocinha.

When we were walking through the alleyways, we stopped off at this little bar to rest but also, the guys wanted to try their luck at pool. There was no betting on these games, just overall fun and smiles with the locals while sharing a few beers.

The crew will be travelling for quite sometime but they have promised me that when they finish their travel documentary that they will share the link with me.

ETF and Novos Lideres

Back a few months ago I wrote about ETF and NGO's organizing and running entrepreneurship type programs for residents in Rocinha. Last night was the end of the Novos Lideres Empreendedores project and awards were given. The project ran a "Shark Tank" like competition where each person has to present their idea of the business that they wanted to start and explain why they should receive funding.

After being part of this project I decided that I need to take care of other things and I just wanted to help out, not compete. I already have a successful business and thought that the program could help others who are in more need than I. Not that I don't need help but I have started health improvements and have started fixing my teeth. I made a promise to myself that 2017 & 18 would be the start of me for once taking care of myself. So, my health has been a big concern.  Something I will cover in another blog post. I hope in the future to help out in any way I can. Next week I will go to check out the mentoring program.

 Shark Tank panel making their choices

The Shark Tank Panel consisting of entrepreneurs and other business people.

The first presentation was from Vanessa. "Madrinha Cria" she has named her business. Her idea is to rent tables, chairs and decorations to people who want to have parties. If she were to win the investment money, she would want to rent a space where she could eventually buy her own tables and chairs and other things to rent out. She lives in Rocinha but she wants to open this business in another favela called Rio das Pedras.

This is Ana Lucia who wants to expand on a franchise "Cooperative de Taxista" idea that already exists in the North Zone. Her idea is to sell insurance to taxi cab drivers for their cars. She wants to operate this business idea with her husband. 

Everyone in Rocinha knows Fabiana Rodrigues as the person who started "Rocinha em Foco", the facebook page that keeps the community up to date on news going on in the community. She is also known for her community work raising awareness for donations to needy people during the holidays. While not working on her various projects, she is married and takes care of 2 children.

One thing that stands out about Rocinha is the diversity in the community.
Diego Cazul started a small business called "House of Cazul" which mixes entertainment with fashion. He is a member of the LGBT community in Rocinha. He produces shows and events. He wants to grow his business both inside and outside. The focus is to hire and give jobs to entertainers and offer great shows in clubs and private parties.  His specialty is being the Choreographer of the shows.

Camila is a mother of one child and lives with her husband in Cachopa (not far from where I live). Her business idea is to expand her operation of baking cakes and brownies. She sells her cakes for 15 reais each and for delivery costs another 10 reais. She started this in memory of her mother who used to bake. Her family and friends liked Camila's cakes so much they told her that she should start selling her creations. Right now her business growth is due to word of mouth but she plans on getting a website done up so she can reach more people. She makes and sells about 30 cakes a day. Her main way of communication with her clients in Rocinha is through whatsapp.

Dila or "Dila Pra Ca" was the next presenter of her idea. She wants to represent and promote events with local musicians. She has a contact list of people that she wants to help get jobs. Her business would be acting like an agent to find gigs for musicians in the community. She wants more help with marketing and getting her idea into the marketplace.

Pedro Henrique came very organized with his proposal. He has already started his Natural Food Delivery Service. Duka Naturais Delivery offers a menu of only healthy eating choices. No junk food here. He is on his way to being a success as he is the only one I know in Rocinha offering fresh healthy alternatives by delivery in the community. The majority of food delivery in Rocinha is either sushi or pizza so this is a nice change.

After all the presentations were given. The panel met to decide who would win the awards for this term of Novo Lideres. The awards were 500 reais for 3rd place, 1000 reais for second place and 1500 reais for 1st place.

A big thank you needs to go out to the panel who chose the winners, ETF and Lucas, Bridget and Amber who helped organize this for the residents.

 Camila (Milla's Bolos e CIA) won 3rd place

 Diego Cazul of "House of Cazul" won 2nd place

Pedro Henrique of "Dukas Naturais Delivery" won first place.

Everyone who took part in the program and competition received certificates of participation. Looking forwards to the next term and also seeing the progress of these new businesses.