ASPA Creche in Rocinha

In the last three weeks I have been organizing, separating and distributing donations to various school and daycares in Rocinha. During the months of December until the end of February we were very busy with tours so I had very little time to distribute the donations. Now things have calmed down and we are entering into a slow period. For the last 2 years we have been donating materials to the Castelinho Creche in Atalho, a sub-neighborhood higher up the hill in Rocinha. Ms. Leidy Martins is our contact at Castelinho and she mentioned that Creche ASPA in Boiadeiro could use some help.

I wanted to check out ASPA as its less than 5 minutes walk from my house. Ms. Martins gave me the contact person. The director is Carla Mariana and she works from 7am until 11:30am Monday-Friday as a volunteer and then after goes off to a regular paying job. She is a busy woman but I was able to meet with her.

We had a couple come on a tour with us a couple of weeks ago and they gave me 200 reais to be spent on supplies for a creche that needed help. After what Ms. Martins had told me, I decided to spend the money on supplies for ASPA. I want to thank the Kelly Family from Chicago, USA for their kind donation. The creche will put these materials to good use.

When I arrived at the Creche I was received by Carla the director and her Coordinator Suely. They gave me a tour of the creche. The first thing I noticed is it was very well taken care of. The building looked in good condition and it was clean. There were about 12-15 different rooms with different ages of children all being supervised by an adult. I had arrived when most of the children were napping.  Each of these rooms had their own bathroom facilities.

***Before taking any photos of ASPA facilities, I asked permission. Many of the workers did not want to be in photos and I explained to Carla and Suely beforehand that the story I wanted to write was to promote the creche and the importance of families having access to places like ASPA to care for their children.

Nap time for the children. I arrived about 11:15am and these two different rooms had children resting. The photo above this one is the room for the 2 year olds and this one directly above is the room for the 4 year olds.

Some of the children were eating their lunches all provided by a team of three ladies who cook for about 180 children. The kids get two meals a day and two snacks.

This is the kitchen are where the meals are prepared. Again, the kitchen was very clean. To the right of the kitchen was a pantry with foodstuffs for everyday meals.

This pantry is stocked by the donations of kind people. The creche itself has minimum support. Some families if the can pay, contribute 85 reais a month for the caring of the children. The city government gives a little but not much.

This is a small play area for the children. All the toys in the photo are donations.

When I went to the creche it was about 35 degrees outside. Its hot. There are fans in the daycare but most children are wearing just underwear, which you wouldn't see in a North American type daycare. It was explained to me that in tropical climate, it is humid and can be uncomfortable for the children. The children appeared to be happy and they were all clean. The photo above it a outdoor shower/bathing area surrounded by tall walls to ensure privacy. Upon entering the building, there is a big green gate and other security precautions in place to ensure safety of the children.

The creche has a staff of 30 workers and 5 volunteers who are there Monday-Friday from 7:30am until 4:30pm.

History of ASPA Creche

ASPA (Action Social Father Anchieta) was founded in 1963 by father Jesuit Paulo Machado Barbosa, a professor at PUC, a Catholic University in Gavea together with some other professors and residents of Gavea. Its one of the oldest community run institutions in Rocinha and its mission is to promote human consciousness and citizenship to better the quality of life through global education.

It was ASPA that was instrumental in setting up groups of workers from the favela to build the sewer systems and water distribution to the homes at the bottom of the favela. In the original shack that was first constructed, existed the church called Nossa Senhora Aparecida, was also the first school in Rocinha. There, the women would feed the workers who were building this water distribution project.

The creche ASPA evolved into project to promote social, cultural and educational benefits to the residents of Rocinha. The beginning started off as mothers creating outlets where others could take care of their children so they could go off to work. They did this because they had no other option to get care for their children. With time, the "creche" grew and they started to get things organized.

In order to create a better life for their families, its normal that both parents work. The children pass the full day in the creche and follow a routine of activities that are planned in meetings by qualified professionals.

Some of the activities work in partnership with teachers of music, dance, storytellers, occupational therapy that attend to children with special needs, and a psychologist who can give support to the educators. All of the educators are volunteers.

The daycare attends to 179 children from the ages to 6 months until 4 years old. They have been passing through some difficulty and need help to keep their doors open. The government wants to cut funding to over 100 community daycares in Rio.

This report just came out on March 31st. The report states that due to lack of city funds that theres a possibility that about 100 daycares run the risk of closing or eliminating spaces in these facilities. Currently, ASPA receives a little money from the city government to help pay salaries and the food pantry is supported by donations.

In talking with Carla and Suely, they both very open to the idea of receiving volunteers to help with the children. If while you are visiting on a tour would like to see the daycare, please let me know in advance so I can contact Carla. Please contact me if you are interested in helping out in any way! Thank you! contact: visitrocinha@gmail.com

Businesses in Rocinha: Diego Rossi Tattoo Studio

Yesterday I first met Diego Rossi when Andrew had his tattoo work being done. I was really impressed by Diego. As someone who is a tattoo addict, I am very critical of people who call themselves tattoo artists. So, I went back today to get more information from Diego at his studio called "Diego Rossi Tattoo Studio"

As from the photo above, many would be shocked as they would think from the outside that this tattoo shop would be a dump. Life in favelas can be deceiving. Many houses and businesses from the outside look in very poor conditions, but when you enter, its a different world.

When I enter any tattoo studio, the first thing I do is look around at the environment. What is the set up, where are the materials the artist uses. Are the needles in sterilized packaging? Is the place organized? And most important, Is the place clean? Are hygeine standards being followed?

As soon as I walked in I was impressed. I told Andrew yesterday that while he was getting his work done that, the place is very clean. The floor, no dirt, the desk immaculate. The white foldable table was covered in plastic and clean disposable towels were being used. There is a small sink and toilet area off behind a wall. The front sliding door entrance has tinted windows to help block out the sun and reduce heat. The studio has a fully functioning quiet air conditioning system and WiFi for those who need to surf the internet. I mentioned these things because the place is not very big but Diego has enough space to move around his clients to do his work.  Some photos of his studio.

Diego Rossi in his new Tattoo studio with his certifications above on the wall.

I decided to get more information from Diego a 29 year old transplant from Espirito Santo and resident of Rocinha for only 4 years.

How did you find out about Rocinha?
- When I first came to Rio I lived in a favela that was run by militias, then moved to Bonsucesso. I had a friend who lived in Arpoador who worked as a moto taxi driver in Rocinha. He took me through Rocinha showing me the place. When I got to the top of Rocinha in Laboriaux, I was amazed at the view and how beautiful it was. So I came to move here.

Why did you move to Rocinha?
- This place, we have everything. I never seen a favela have so much. We have 3 banks here, any type of restaurant, good transportation with buses that go through here. So many things that other favelas don't have.

How did you get into Tattooing?
- I started off doing tattoos as a hobby in my house about 5 years ago. Many people liked my work and my reputation grew. I then got the opportunity to work in a tattoo studio called Pipoca Tattoo on Rua 4.

How did you come to be in this new location?
- It was time for me to start something on my own. I have only been here at this place since January.

What do you see for your future?
- I enjoy living in Rocinha. I want to develop my business and buy a house here. I have no plans to leave Rocinha.

What are your prices?
- Tattoos start at 50 reais and increase in price determined by time, details and size of the piece. I can do custom work as well. People are free to walk in for a consultation.

What are your hours?
- Monday through Friday 11:00am until 10:00pm
Saturday from 11:00am until 6:00pm

How can people contact you?
- They can send me a message through my facebook page, come to my studio for a consultation or they can call me.

If you are coming from the Gavea side of the hill, his studio is directly across the street from where some artists sell their works to tourists.

Photo by Diego Rossi with Andrew Ritchie of Birmingham, England.

The Favela Leaves Impressions

Its awesome when we meet visitors that are somehow impressed by our community. Its great when the visitor sees the favela but then wants to return to check out other things in Rocinha. We have had guests get hair cuts, have dental work done and get tattoos. Businesses in Rocinha rely on word of mouth and having a good reputation. People here talk and word travels fast.

Andrew Ritchie and his girl friend Tracey came on a tour and enjoyed the favela so much that they came back today. Tracey decided to stay at the bottom of the hill and do some shopping. Andrew decided to get a tattoo to mark his memory of the favela Rocinha.

Obi met him at the top of Rocinha at 2pm, and took him to Diego Rossi Tattoo Studio at Escadao near 99 an area high up the hill. Diego pre-designed a drawing of a favela that wraps around the forearm.

I wanted to learn more from Andrew about his impressions of Rocinha. He is from Birmingham England, born and raised. He is 55 years young and works as a Locomotive Engineer or a train operator. I always was fascinated and loved trains as a kid, and still do.

He said that he wanted to visit the favela to see all aspects of life in Rio, not just the rich neighborhoods. He said "You go up to the christ, you look all around the city and favelas are part of it." He felt very comfortable and was welcomed by the people in Rocinha in a good way. He didn't feel like an outsider. "People here are interested in me, as I am in them."

Andrew said he plans to return to get the rest of the favela colored in.

I asked him why a tattoo of a favela? He said that many of his tattoos represent different periods of his life and the favela impressed him so much. He feels that there is a misconception about the favelas. The outside media tends to talk only about the drug dealers. He says, the favela is a worthy place to visit, shop and even get a tattoo. Andrew says that he will return!

Diego Rossi tattoo artist and Andrew before saying good byes!

Andrew on a moto taxi going back to where he is staying, after getting his tattoo!

Businesses in Rocinha: Kitu Bolos e Tortas

I enjoy writing about Rocinha and educating people about our lives here. Mixed with other blog posts I want to start showcasing the different types of businesses residents have here.

We are organizing a party this weekend and I needed a cake for this special event. In Rocinha people are very connected to each other when it comes to the selling of goods and services. We help each other find the things we need through networking and Facebook is a great way to connect. Many people who have businesses here don't earn enough to have a professional website to be done. So, they use Facebook because they can set up a page for free.

I put up a post on a community web page looking for a person who could make us a cake for about 30 people. Within 5 minutes I had people contact me with names of people and businesses that make cakes. One send me her facebook page and details. I was impressed. We started communicating about what I wanted and set up a meeting. Also, the other shops I contacted were not open on Sunday. So picking this shop was ideal.

I arrived today in the shop of Da Kitu Bolas e Tortas at the top of Rua 1 in Rocinha. The address is Estrada da Gavea, 251, 2nd floor. Their telephone number is: 99648-5042

The entrance to Da Kitu Bolos e Tortas Bakery.

So, I enter and introduce myself and explain that I was online talking with somebody about ordering the cake. Kristina or "Kitu" as she is known asked me to sit down and she took my order for my cake. I paid her a deposit and on Sunday we will pick up the cake before our party.

 Kitu taking an order from a client in the reception area..

Kitu is a very proud mother of two children who are now grown adults. She has loved in Rocinha 49 years born and raised. She loves Rocinha and has no plans to leave. She enjoys her business which she says is growing. She employs 3 people at this time and wants to expand her business to give more opportunities for people in the favela.

The kitchen area. One of her employees washing out pans to make more cakes.

I saw these cakes, not yet frosted and had to take a photo. Looks & smells great!

Kitu's bakery makes, cakes, pies and cupcakes. If you want your cake to be pesonalized they can do this too. Cakes start at 65 reais up to 1000 reais. Price depends on size and work involved to create it.

This cake costs 500 reais but as you can see, a lot of preparation work goes into making a cake like this.

Kitu with one of her creations!

One thing I noticed right off from visiting the bakery was how clean everything is. The floors, countertops were spotless in the kitchen area and the reception area was clean too. This is very important to me when it comes to any kind of food service.

Below are photos of some of her work, Check out the Facebook link above to see more.

Minion cupcakes! :)

Donations

After about 4 months of collection donations, we are starting the distribution of the art and school supplies received over Christmas, New Years and Carnaval. I have put a post on Facebook on the page called "Rocinha' searching for creches and schools to give the materials to. I have given to specific daycares in the past but I want to open up other avenues and make connections with more creches in need. The more we can help the better.

I need to make something clear here. I have always been about transparency in regards to the work we do. I received a message from a woman who complained that she saw posts like this one as "showing off".  Her point is understood but she is not in my position. Many tourists give to projects like mine because we are very clear in what we do. People who give donations to us, and they have every right to see (with proof) where their donations go. There are many scammers out there looking to take advantage of nice people. I want at all times, my words to be backed by showing what we do. So, if some see it as "showing off", so be it.

So the distribution of donations has begun.

March 20th, 2016: The first place we gave to is Centro Social "E Ae Como E Que Fica". Sandra who works with the school came by to pick up some of the school supplies. Her creche serves about 100 children between the ages of 5 months until 5 years old. Her creche is located at the top of Rua 1 in Rocinha.

Today March 21st we had 3 groups come to pick up donations.

The first was Ivan Taylor, 26 years old is the son of Juaciara. Juaciara runs the creche called Maria Maria in the area of Cezario high up the hill in Rocinha. Their creche serves about 80 children between the ages of 5 months and 5 years. I hope these supplies can help their project. Below are fotos of the creche and the children using the materials. Creche Maria Maria is ever so greatfull. Thank you to everyone who donated!

The next person to pick up some donations was Junior, 15 years old, the son of Luciana Santos. She started "Casa da Luciana" as a means to raise her kids at home and help other families. She currently takes care of about 20 children from the ages of 1 year until 10 years old.

Luciana sent me this message: "Hello Zezinho, I am 47 years old and I take care of children at the entrance of street number 2 in the favela. I began this work a long time ago. Because I have problems with my weight, I prefer to stay and work in my home. I also work to receive toys and donations that I can distribute to needy families. I don't accept money. I have been doing this work for 5 years."

Luciana sent me some photos of the children that she cares for. The photos are not the best, but she is a very proud woman!

UPDATE April 4th: I advised Luciana to make a facebook page to promote her creche and now she has a page called Refugio e Fortaleza. Check it out!

Creche Municipal Castelinho

Leidy Martins of Creche Castelinho had her husband and son (see photo) come by my place to pick up two big bags of combination of clothing, bed sheets, blankets and the second bag was all school and art supplies. I have been working with Castelinho for about 3 years now. A photo below of what Castelinho will receive. The school and art supplies are for the daycare. The clothing, sheets and blankets will be given to specific families.

                                 Donations have arrived at the creche

A child at Creche Castelinho enjoying the coloring book and markers.

Creche Castelinho was started as a private daycare in 1994 but then because a municipal or city governed daycare in 2004. Leidy Martins has been working at the daycare since 2007 and she loves working with children. The school has 100 children enrolled between the ages of 1 to 3 years old.

I always try to help different types of daycares that are in need. Children need activities to keep them busy and have fun.

If you would like to donate to one of these projects, the directors have told me that the most needed items are:

Coloring books
Coloring books with educational things (like coloring simple math problems)
Crayons
Colored Pencils
Markers
Simple puzzles

These should be items that are suitable for children 3-10 years old.

I want to give a BIG thank you out to all the wonderful visitors who gave these school supplies in 2015-16. These materials will be put to good use! Also for
Pack for a Purpose a website that encourages visitors to low income areas around the world to bring donations to projects in need.

If you are interested in helping in any way please contact Zezinho at:
visitrocinha@gmail.com