Nando Dias - Professional Photographer, Surfer and Activist.

I remember meeting Nando years ago walking through Rocinha and after many times through his work at SBR Rocinha. He was the coordinator of this Skate Bike Roller program for the children and youth of Rocinha at the Sports Complex.

Nando has always had an interest in community projects. SBR is a NGO and helps to keep youth of the favela involved in activities like Skateboarding, Rollerblading and BMX. Because of the warm weather and beach community, these activities are very popular and about 2 times a year they hold mini competitions in each discipline. They also have a Blog which talks about all their activities. I enjoy writing about people who are proactive, making things happen, Nando is one of those guys!

Nando was born in Rocinha. When his dad was a sucessful store owner, they moved out of Rocinha. Nando ended up moving back to Rocinha when he was 20 years old after his father passed away.

My knowledge of Nando was from around 2001. I always knew he was into photography but didn't know how much. After talking with me yesterday, he gave me his history and trajectory as to where he is today. From 1999 until 2001 he studied photography at Atelie da Imagem in Urca. I remember seeing much of Nando's work when we was with Viva Favela from 2001 until 2006. Viva Favela is a NGO sub group of Viva Rio.  Viva Favela specifically gives positive visibility to the favelas in Rio. The organization's members are majority those from favela communities that work through journalism and photography. I remember seeing many of Nando's pictures online when Rocinha was in the news. He eventually moved on to working with a newspaper called JB (Jornal do Brasil) from 2006-2008. Since 2008 he has been independant.

For the past few years he has been affiliated and one of the founders of ASR. He works closely with his friend Marcio Pereira. ASR or Association Surf Rocinha is a NGO, a surfing school which offers surfing opportunities for both youth and adults.

Some of ASR champions receiving their awards after a competition in Rio.

Nando is also connected with a social activist project to clean up the beach and water of Sao Conrado called Salvemos Sao Conrado. Unfortunately, Rio has this bad reputation of problems with pollution in the water. Salvemos Sao Conrado is trying to change this and get the city government to help them clean up the water for the safety of bathers and surfers.

Nando (last one on the right)  with fellow activists and the city mayor Eduardo Paes (middle holding the crutch).

He now works freelance as a photographer. I have suggested that he develop a Facebook page where he can show off and sell his work. He is also available for Photography tours in Rocinha. Unfortunately he only speaks Portuguese but is currently studying English. He also can sell large photos of Rocinha measuring aprox 50cm X 40cm. When he has his Photography Facebook page up and running, I will post it here.

If you are interested in Nando's photography skills he can be reached at:
nandodias21@gmail.com

Staying in Rocinha and RESPECT of the community.

This blog post has been a long time coming but recently there have been some incidents that need to be discussed. Let me explain. This is not the first time this has happened which is why I am writing now about this. People who decide to visit or stay here need to know this information.

This post is not to be taken in anger as much as to educate those future visitors or volunteers who have questions or who are thinking about Rocinha as a possible destination point. It is frustrating that I even have to make this post.

The foto above here is from a film being made in Rocinha by Rede Coletiva a film making group. Although this is a film, the people in this foto do accurately show the fire power that both the cops and traffickers have in many favela communities. The guns are war grade weapons and life in the favela does have this issue to contend with. Foto: REDE COLETIVA

There is an 18 year old girl from a 1st world country staying in Rocinha. She contacted me about volunteering here months ago. I have gone out of my way to show her around. I have brought her to 2 projects where she can volunteer and have introduced her to the directors of these projects and have translated for her. I have not asked her for anything and she hasn't paid me anything (not that I expected anything of her). I'm starting to have second thoughts about continuing to do this. I don't want to responsible for these young people. When people contact me about volunteering they are usually 25 years old or older and have some knowledge about favelas. When I receive the emails, I don't ask their age. I assume they are adults who know about Rocinha.

But recently there were complaints about her taking fotos in areas where she shouldn't be doing this. She was told once by the "guys" but apparently stopped as so she says (I'm only getting relayed info from the hostel owner where she is staying). But, now in the area where she is staying, there's a little tension with the "guys" (drug dealers).  She now will be watched by them. This has caused a problem now for the hostel where she is staying as the "guys" went to the hostel to speak to the owner and his mother about this girl. The last thing the hostel needs is this problem. Because she is 18, not knowing any Portuguese and little knowledge of favelas, its been difficult trying to get her to understand about the possible dangers here. I don't know, maybe she doesn't believe me, but I had to send her an article how a few years back a German tourist was shot here for taking fotos in an area that he shouldn't have been. Read about that incident here.

TRAVEL TIPS

When travelling to a foreign country where you can't communicate or have very little knowledge of the community:
1.) Don't assume the place is like home, because most likely, it's not.
2.) Ask somebody about the culture, rules, anything you shouldn't do. Educate yourself.
3.) Respect those people in the community who are adults. If you are 18 in Brazil, you are still seen as a minor, not an adult. Respect our culture.

The thing she needs to understand that if something happens to her (or any tourist that decides to stay here), I am not responsible nor is the hostel responsible for her as she is here and acts on her own free will.

For the most part, people who come here and experience the life, enjoy their time spent here. Whether you are a tourist, volunteer or just someone looking for a cheap place to stay, there are things that need to be known to make your stay more pleasant.

RULES FOR STAYING IN A FAVELA

First, before coming here, please read up on the history of favelas and of Rocinha. Not all favelas are created equal. They are all different and have their own unique "vibe". That being said, they can also be dangerous for the ill informed. Try to get information about the complexities of life here. This place is not cut and dry. The police will not be there to "save" you if you screw up. Get it out of your mind that Brazil (or the favela) is like back home because it isn't!

This is NOT your home. You do not live here. You are a GUEST in this community. Your behavior reflects not only on you but the country you come from. There are rules that must be adhered to. Just because you are visiting or volunteering here does NOT give you free reign to do whatever YOU want. Think the same if I was to stay in your community. Would I do whatever I want? Of course NOT!

In regards to behavior, a few years back a guy from Europe came to Rocinha to a funk party. I was not with him, but another guide was. The European dude got drunk (a big No-No here) and started harassing this girl. A few moments later a guy put a gun to this guys' head and kicked him out of the party. So, how does this relate? Its a foreigner (who speaks no Portuguese) coming here acting in a way that THEY think is ok. This being said, most people that visit here understand they can't act like they do at home. But I mention this because there are foreign young people out there that just don't "get it."

To avoid problems or mis-communications is best if you at least come here with some Portuguese fluency. To not know any Portuguese means you then have to rely on others to help you which makes you dependant. So, the people in the favela that you rely on for help, you must show respect for them and be thankful that they are going out of THEIR way to help YOU. I help a lot of people and as an elder of 53 years old I expect guests, to respect me in what I tell them, especially when I am old enough to be their parent. In Brazilian culture, youth do not argue or talk back to adults.  After all, I was born here and this is my home! And I am not trying to be an asshole. I am trying to give you advice for your own safety. Remember you are not from here!

The favela is a very busy area of about 300,000 people. There's lots going on here. The majority of those who live here are honest hard working people who just earn less money. But there is an underside to living here that sometimes is not always as obvious.

The police are in the community but there are still drug traffickers (the "guys") living here carrying out their business.
They have two main rules:
1.) Don't mess in any way with their business.
2.) Don't take pictures of them.

Just as any human being, they are no different. If somebody tells me not to take their photo, I don't, out of RESPECT for that person regardless of who they are .

There are areas in the favela where you shouldn't take fotos. We who live here know of these places. We make sure our guests know, that there will be trouble if you break this rule. The "guys" could take your camera, they could beat you up or they could kill you. This is very serious. So, If you decide to come to stay here, please ask your host where you can take fotos.

The "guys" have two fears, and rightfully so, that the person taking fotos is a undercover cop or undercover journalist. I am sure if you were a drug dealer that you wouldn't want your foto taken either. Many of these "guys" are hanging out in the tight alleyways and with all the foot traffic, you are most likely (if you are a foreigner), not going to know who these "guys" are. The problem is many people hang out in the alleyways, so the "guys" mix in with regular members of the community.

THIS IS THE BIG PROBLEM

As tour guides and hosts who have hostels, hotels etc., following this specific rule (about not taking fotos in certain areas) is very important. If for some reason, the "guys" think that we are not telling our guests about this rule and problems continue, they could threaten us. Unlike in foreign countries, going to the police is NOT an option. (That's a whole other blog post).

They could shut down the hostel or tours here because they see them (the tourists) as a threat. This is something that foreigners don't think about. You, as a foreigner can leave and go back to where you came from. But we could lose the way we earn our income due to somebody's selfishness. This means myself (and other guides) and my friend who owns the hostel, would have no way to provide for our families. And how about the businesses you threaten to destroy all because you feel entitled to take a few fotos because you think its your right? Some businesses here also rely on tourists as they spend a lot of money in the favela. So, Yes, this is a serious issue!

If you are going to stay in a favela, these are the things need to be thought about. Again it all comes back to Respect!

If you are a volunteering here, you are not special and don't have special rights.
If you go away tomorrow, life will go on here as usual. It's nice that you want to help but still, you are a visitor to this community and you need to show respect to the community.

Just as I, if I were to go to your community, I would certainly do the same.
As long as people understand this, there will be no problems.

Please, all I ask you before visiting or staying in Rocinha is to do your research!

"Never give up on your belief" - Diego Buchecha (Nockdown Brasil) Part 1

This is my Story

My name is Diego Buchecha. I started training in Muay Thai Kickboxing when I was 16 years old when I began to work and was able to pay the monthly fee to train.  was able to train because I was working to pay for the tuition  of the school. It was not easy because I had there was little opportunity to train in some martial arts and my parents didn't have the conditions to permit me to train in any sport, especially fighting sports.

I trained, fought and participated in many courses and seminars all that gave knowledge and wisdom about Muay Thai. I wanted this, to be the best in the world, but several times I almost stopped as it was difficult to organize training, work and school.  

One particular day as a strong blue belt in Muay Thai, which is a grade of intermediate rank and respected, my teacher called to me to suggest that I create a social project because he said in Muay Thai there was not a lot of money to be earned. With having a social project he explained that I could earn a living through teaching and fighting. At first I found it boring and didn't really want to do it. My life was already full with work, school and training. Why create another job that I didn't have time for? 

They convinced me that the only way I could be able to live, fight and have more time to train was to do this social project. My dream was to be the best in the world because in Rio, I was already one of the best in my weight category. Thinking about the possible opportunities I had began this project.

We were able to get this space with three other Muay Thai guys and we started classes for kids between the ages of 5 to 10 years old. Unfortunately things did not go as planned. After 2 months we received no help and no money and two Muay Thai guys that was with me, quit. After another month, the other guy quit. 

My teacher called me and said it was best to stop after the project could not receive aid to help run the classes. As its really hard to do a project without support, we had 60 children who were loving it. But out of respect and by my teachers orders, the next day, I did not go to the class. It was strange as at that time, I was the only one teaching the kids. When they realized that I didn't go to class, I was home asleep when somebody knocked on my door and something incredible happened. 

When I opened the door, I saw 60 children stuffed into this tight alleyway where I used to live and asking what happened and why they weren't training that day? I called all the kids in close and explained that I had received the order to stop the classes. At this moment I saw the faces of these children changing from smiling to sad and somber looks when one child spoke out and asked, "If its not going to continue, why did it start?" 

Wow! This gave me a shock but gave the courage to me to fight with this guy even at the moment that he taught me all I know in the middle of this fight (for these kids). This started the story of "Nockdown Brasil", and of Mestre Diego Buchecha. My teacher was pissed off that I didn't follow his orders to stop and would keep me out of competitions, courses and seminars. It was like he tried to black list me for not stopping the project. Eventually I was able to earn money that also transformed into love. I loved being there and see the happiness with the children and their mothers or fathers when they would come and congratulate me saying their children have improved not only in the sport but also in their behavior at home and at school, all because of my classes. I still wasn't satisfied, I began to accept older children as the project grew into children, youth and adults.

My "teacher" at this point called me to have another talk with him. Claiming that he was losing money because of my project, he ordered me to stop mine and threatened me that if I didn't that he would kick me of his Muay Thai fight team. 

He saw it as every student that trained with me, was one less paying student for him. Since I knew everyone who was there and knew they could not afford to pay for classes, if I stopped, the students would be without a sport, fun and a dream. Then again, I disobeyed his orders, I continued and he kicked me off his Fight Team.

I was saddened by this, what would I do? How would I continue as an instructor and I was not really a trained teacher. I lacked the degree yet to reach black belt and by the rules of Muay Thai, you need to get permission to teach from an master and you need to represent an existing team. So, I had to ask for help from a teacher who I knew and admired, the Mestre Shyriu de Mesquita. I explained the situation to him and asked him to help me. He registered me as his student and put his project in the name of his team. Mestre Mesquita knew my work and my fighting ability. There would be events where he would not take more students, just because he wanted to see me fight. He liked my fighting style and enjoyed having me on the team. But he would not accept my request of putting my project in his team. He encouraged me to register my own Muay Thai Team, and this is how Nockdown Brasil was born. I explained to the Carioca League of Muay Thai the whole situation as my old teacher tried spread lies and tell bad things about me but thank goodness, they all knew my nature. They knew I was a good teacher and saw it was not me who was wrong and then everyone began to help me.   

For one year I left Rocinha to train with Mestre Mesquita three times a week to prepare for my Black Belt grading as "Professor" (Certified Teacher). One of these days I left one of my older students to take care of our kids project. In the middle of my training I received a phone call from my student saying that my ex-teacher and his brother were there with sticks saying they were going to beat my student in front of the children and take over the project. I called the Muay Thai Federation and my mestre explaining the situation and to come to Rocinha to help resolve this. When we arrived the problem had already been resolved by the president of the Rua 2 Community Center where the project still exists today. After I still received threats from them until the day I decided to go up to them without fear about what could happen. 

After all this confusion passed it was time for our first time participating in a Muay Thai event. I took 10 students from my project that have never used boxing gloves before, they trained only with bare hands with students who did the same. And what a surprise out of my 10 students, 9 were champions and 7 were by knock out.

Looking forward, the project is growing day by day. Everyone wants to be champion and in the favelas whatever light at the end of the tunnel, whatever chance, for them to leave their situation to be able to have fame, money and glory, they embrace and do everything to not lose this opportunity!

In 2009 I realized my dream of becoming a black belt, my social project, my team and I began to get well known in Rio De Janeiro. Our team was feared in all the competitions we took part in. To endorse this growth in 2011, this project "Nockdown Brasil", with no money, no sponsorship, or help, was endorsed by the Carioca League of Muay Thai as the best team in Rio de Janeiro. 

Nockdown Brasil Fight Team, Coaches & Trainers (Diego Buchecha center)

 From this time forwards things have started to really improve. I have been called to give classes in various places, academies by the referral of Mestre Flavio Almendra, president of the Carioca League of Muay Thai, with whom I passed a lot of time learning how to give classes and accompanying him during his classes. And when he could not give classes, I would fill in. I started getting a lot of private students and I was finally able to live off of teaching Muay Thai. Many times I heard family member saying that I was using Muay Thai as an excuse not to work giving free classes to others children while starving at home and not even having money to pay the rent.

Everything had changed and I was recognized in the fighting world. In 2014 I had the opportunity to fight in Thailand. I went camping there and at the end of my trip, I had a professional fight . Where everything began, created the fighting style that I am so passionate about. I sold my moto bike that I had earned through savings from Muay Thai. I was there to realize this, one of the best dreams I have ever imagined, I trained, I fought, I won! 

I returned to Brasil with a great experience and classes were growing. Many famous and important people wanted to train with me and I started to gain a status as a legitimate trainer. This made all of those who tried to discourage me saying I everything I did was crazy, now they were congratulating me. 

Diego Buchecha & Anderson Silva 

Today, this project now has 5 teachers that were developed in this project, with diverse titles and team, several individual titles and team titles. Three with the core project being sustained by me and the guys that came out of here. Now giving Muay Thai classes and want others to participate. A lot of the youth are promising competitors in Muay Thai and MMA. Best of all we are arranging to take 3 athletes to Thailand to compete in the World Championships. They have fought enough to qualify and I have done my part fighting still to help pay for them to realize their dream to compete in Thailand. I am ready to reach to the top and going to Thailand for the second time to the place even in my most optimistic dreams, and this time as part as the coaching staff of Team Brazil Muay Thai. 

Never give up on your beliefs!

Athlete of Rocinha : Leandro Souza de Lima

Most children in Brazil of every social class love to play the countries' past time of Football. Favelas are no different as football rules here with almost every kid wanting to be the next Neymar Jr. But not everybody.

But there has been a change. In the last 7-8 years I have seen children involved in other sports like Surfing, Volleyball, Futevolley or MMA (Mixed Martial Arts?UFC). If you look at Brazilian Olympic Teams, other sports dominate too like Swimming (Cesar Cielo), Gymnastics (Arthur Zanetti, Diaine Dos Santos) and Judo (Flavio Canto, Rafaela Silva).

But recently I have noticed an interest in Basketball. My friend organizes pick up basketball games in Cachopa and the quadra every Saturday morning. Many volunteers who stay in Rocinha have played with the group. I also met a guy who owns a Ice Cream shop near the bottom of Rocinha who has a social project called New Basquet Rocinha. His NGO combines the values of having a good education with playing basketball.

I remember hearing a few weeks ago about the NBA having some sort of development program here for youth and I thought, wow, the NBA coming to Rocinha and offering a program, Awesome! This is when I heard about one of our local players competing in the USA. Not exactly the NBA but let me explain.

Leandro Lima de Souza was born in Rocinha. Right off he grew up in tough times, losing his father when he was only 3 years old. His mother after seeing her son turn 10 years old decided it would be best if they move. She decided on this wanting to prevent her son from getting involved in drug trafficking. So she sold her house in Rocinha and moved to Niteroi to a smaller community. At 14 his mother enrolled him in the Botafogo Basketball club. She worked two jobs to provide his monthly fees but after 3 weeks he quit and returned to Sao Goncalo and joined a project in Salgueiro favela called CSU Acobbasa run by professor Jhen. A young Leandro developed his skills and saw he enjoyed playing basketball.

After age 16 he returned to Rocinha and joined up with Umuarama a club on the Gavea side of Rocinha, that sits just outside the favela. The coordinator is Paulo Amendoim a famous community leader, tour guide and friend who has been involved with youth projects for years. Leandro developed his skills more until he joined with the Flamengo club from ages 19 until age 21. He also had time to play with other teams such as Vasco and Fluminense.

He started getting more involved in street ball. He would play his regular team games then go off and play street ball or 1 on 1 games. As time went on he preferred more the street ball, but still continued playing team basketball and had the chance to travel and play in the Bronx, New York, France and Spain. Also developing along the way as a member of a team playing against the Harlem Globe Trotters. He is 2 time Brazilian Champion in Street ball competition called King of the Rock. Here is one of his King of the Rock videos vs Tikin. It was soon after that he got invited to New York to represent Brazil in Fightball. A very aggressive version of 1 on 1 Basketball.

Check out a quick video here about Leandro.

Leandro is now 32 years old and married. He resides in Spain with his wife but Rocinha he holds close. He has a daughter from his previous marriage and likes to visit her and his mother who still resides in Niteroi. He works as a life guard part time and the rest of the time he is playing in these sponsored 1 on 1 type tournaments where he can earn some money.

A day in the life and Basketball training of Leandro

He just returned to Rocinha after playing in a fightball tournament in New York City last month. The tournament starts with 8 players playing in a single elimination tourney. Games are 8 minutes long. The game is played on a half sized court to promote a fast, physical and exciting game. In the finals, it came down to Leandro competing against Andrew "Spongebob" Washington. In the end Spongebob won the grand prize of 100,000 dollars by only 1 point! But Leandro is invited to the Fightball tournament taking place in Los Angeles in July.

Leandro enters a new world in FIGHTBALL.

Leandro plans to play as long as he can so he can provide for his family. His dream is to in the future create a social project to help kids. "Social projects saved me and gave me this, I want to give back", say Leandro.

Leandro second from the left standing. "17 years of friendship..Thank you Basketball...Its more than a sport, it's a lifestyle!" - Leandro Souza de Lima

This is great to see Leandro getting media attention for the sport of Basketball in Brazil and for Rocinha!

Overcoming Challenges: Jorge Luis Linhares

Living in the favela can be a challenge as in Brazil there is a stigma for people like us. The media doesn't help with it portrayal of favela residents as being drug dealers, thieves or criminals of some kind. Youth in the favela have very few opportunities for success. Education is poor and many sacrifices needed to be made just to earn a decent living. Very few who are born and raised in Rocinha leave. If you stay you try to make the best of it.

Jorge Luis Linhares is no different. Born and raised in Rocinha, he experienced much prejudice as he was a man who in his early years as a teen made mistakes and ended up in prison. upon leaving he experienced much prejudice against him because of his former life. Today he has his own business working in advertisement. Very unique in the favela is the way merchants advertise their goods or services. Jorge owns a car with a speaker box secured to the roof that yells out each companies ad for all to hear as he drives up and down the main drag in Rocinha. He also has a motobike that advertises the same way and works with ads on radio stations in Rocinha.

His clients include an Ice cream shop, Rocinha Pet Shop, A Vet clinic, A Japanese Restaurant and a Plaster company. He is now a part owner in a franchise company called "Green Elephant". His company works with digital marketing which includes website design, email marketing, discount coupons, inserts in local papers and offer space for reviews of online users.  This is new for him as he used to just have the car and motobike out during the days driving through the community with the ads blaring through his speaker system on the top of his car.

"My idea was to create an alternative ad agency with various services for an affordable price. So, I earn the Tuition or monthly payments rather than immediate sales, but I have contracts with businesses set up for 12 months" explained Jorge.

"The super combo costs 160 reais a month and is more advantageous" he explains. The news was released in March, he has closed some contracts already but things are still in the experimental phase", according to Linhares. About 90% of Rocinha is connected to the internet in some way and this is a great opportunity for business. Jorge has a team of 7 people working with him bringing together merchants in the area to pass on his experience. "People still have strength to understand that advertising is not an expenditure, it is an investment." he says.

His set up is quite advanced. The car is equipped with LED TV on both sides which also show ads. He included calls on a gospel radio hot spot which earned him no profit. He contacted a friend about working a deal to create ads for the motobike. So they work together. He also works with another radio station for ads as well.

Linhares youth was quite different than it is today. Jorge was addicted to cocaine and was involved in theft, armed robbery and drug trafficking. He was arrested 6 times and spent six years in jail. In 1999 after the birth of his child he decided to change his ways, but was fired from a bar where he worked after discovering his past crimes.

He lived off the help of donations from friends and began to sell for shows in the favela, like the samba school. The jump to his entrepreneurial life began about 8 years ago when he left selling events to follow his vocation as an advertising salesman. The turning point came when he was able to close an ad deal with a furniture and appliance store in Ipanema. He partnered with a friend who had a car and was able to buy the speakers and this his future began in 2002.

"I preferred to meet businesses that didn't have a lot of capital for investment," he explains. Thus arose the idea of creating monthly packages. The first feature he created was the sound car. Then came opportunities in two Radio Stations in Rocinha. Then he trained to develop his voice (so he could record customers ads). "From the moment I got out of my comfort zone, horizons began to open up for me." says Linhares.

"Elephante Verde" or in English, "Green Elephant" as the company is called has more than 50 franchises and is interesting to be present in the favelas because they are places with many entrepreneurs and where digital marketing can make a big difference for small businesses." according to Fabio Melo Duran, one of the founders of Green Elephant. "The use of smart phones is everywhere in the favelas. People are connected online and the business owners know it." Fabio ads.

Out of this idea for development of an ad agency, Linhares bought a franchise of Green Elephant.  The online plans of the franchise out of the combination (of services) offered by Linhares, start from 69.90 up to 299.90 and vary according to each contracted service. They plan to open another franchise in May 2016 in the favela Complexo de Mare.

The Green Elephant franchise has an initial investment from 16,500 reais, including installation costs, franchise fees and working capital. The average monthly income is from 6,000 to 10,000 reais. The return on investment takes about 6 months. This is data given by the company. This kind of business can grow and be replicated. Jorge has made the connection between supply and local demand and favors the growth of a self sustaining economy. This is very positive.

"After everything that has been in my life, I am an entrepreneur! I tried working for others, but it didn't work out. The time we live today is one of instability. As an entrepreneur, I don't run the risk of being fired or unemployed. I have some contracts of 12 months now with businesses and have a fixed income much higher than I ever expected." he says.

I see Jorge almost everyday driving his car up and down the Estrada da Gavea (our main street in Rocinha) smiling and often greeting people. I often chat with him. He if proof of bring able to turn ones life around. He is someone we are very proud of!

Jorge driving his sound car through the lower part of Rocinha, called, the "Valao"

Preparation for University Exams

To add to existing projects, here is one more. I had some school supplies that were better for people preparing for university so we gave to Marcos' group.

In favela communities the public education is so poor that its very rare that young people go on to university. When you grow up in a favela, normally most youth continue on in the path of their parents. They get access only to low skilled low paying jobs mostly in the service industry. The children follow this path because work or being able to bring in more money to the household has more value than studying which costs money.

In my life I have only met about 15 people that I know that have gone to University. This is sad because I know that many children aspire or have dreams to be in a profession, but its one that requires advanced education. Its very difficult when the public school system has children in school only 4 hours a day. How can a child learn anything in 4 hours? Private school for the middle and upper classes prepare their children and the majority go onto university.

But there are groups of people in the favela that are trying to change this. I met Marcos Barros years ago. He had the opportunity, through receiving a scholarship, to go to university at PUC, a private university in Gavea. He studied Journalism and graduated. But now he also gives back as a teacher in this project called Prevestibular Communitario da Rocinha.

This program prepares residents of the favela to take the vestibular or entrance exams into university. The best universities in Rio are the public ones but you must take very difficult exams to get in. The public school system is not enough so these volunteers like Marcos have these pre exams classes to prepare the students to pass these exams.

 Marcos speaking to potential students about PVCR and its functions.

The Pre or PVCR as it is known was formed by a group of volunteers who use education as a weapon to make a difference in Rocinha. Participants are graduates, undergraduates or alumni of universities and are mostly from Rocinha. This is the only such project in a favela that helps those who want to attend college. This program is helping to change the profile of residents from the favela.

Unlike private pre-university, the PVCR has the task of forming critical subjects to create a collective consciousness to be reflected in the favela as a whole. This functions as a collective where everyone involved and empowered to prose ideas and decisions are made democratically. Social networks are used for communication between the group and the focus of the students are on the ENEM (a university entrance exam) and contact with the public universities.

The PVCR has no funding or external support. A space is donated by Communication Community Movement or TV Tagarela, which is owned and operated by favela residents. Students pay a monthly fee of 25 reais a month which covers the costs of photo copies used in class and maintenance of the space.

The PVCR is in much need of a computer (even if its used) that functions just to use internet as a teaching tool. The students only use notebooks and pens in class.

To see their website check here: http://pvcr.org.br/novo/

Homeless Animals in Rocinha

I have always had a soft heart for critters especially cats and dogs. In Rocinha there is a problem with many people who refuse to castrate or fix their animals. You can see many homeless animals here. It makes me sad because I wish I could save them all, but this is impossible as long as people don't fix their pets.

Last year I met Cristiano who lives on Rua 2 (Street 2) and read his facebook page about how he is trying to help dogs and cats in Rocinha. We have helped when we could by helping with the purchases of transport carriers that he uses to bring dogs and cats to the vet.

Its nice to receive help from other sources as well. Rachel from the Vancouver, Canada came on a tour but also was interested in the welfare of the animals in Rocinha. I set up a meeting between her and Cristiano so that she can see his project in action. So Rachel, Cristiano and Carlos went off to see the place where Cristiano lives.

 Cristiano lives in this house. He, his mother and father live on the first floor.

 This is the entrance to their home. Around the corner from the front door is an entryway to access the second floor where the animals reside.

 This is the entry way to access where the animals live.

 This is the first floor hallway that Cristiano uses to store supplies for animals.

Animal transport carriers.

 This area is fenced off. Its where he keeps the cats. He said that the fence broke. And some of the cats escaped, but as you see below, one kitty decided to stay.

This photo below is the door that enters the second floor where aproximately 35 dogs are kept in 4 rooms that are about 9X9 feet squared. Cristiano does what he can with the resources he has access to but he still want to improve the living conditions for these animals.

As you can see the conditions are not very good for these animals. Cristiano has access to donations of food for the animals, free castration provided by a local vet and a connection outside to a lady that can help to find people to adopt these animals. What Cristiano needs is money to reconstruct and upgrade the space. He wants to put tiling down on the floor and a drainage system so he can easily keep his spaces clean and this will improve the over all health of the dogs and cats.

Rachel was kind enough to donate 300 reais to Cristiano's project. He is also part of a political group organizing on behalf of rights for animals. Cristiano has no job but this is his life calling as he says. His parents support his work.

If you are interested in contributing in some way, we are going to set up a PayPal account for Cristiano's Project.

If you need other information please contact us at: visitrocinha@gmail.com