Housing Preferences of people within Rocinha

This house is located in the area of Vila Verde which is in one of the 26 neighborhoods inside Rocinha. Notice the outside is unfinished cement.

 

This house is in Rocinha just off the main street of Estrada da Gavea.

The same house as above only this photo shows the entrance to the house. 
The house is 4 floors tall.

This yellow house for sale is located on street number 3 in Rocinha.  

This is a house for sale 3 floors and is located on street number 2 in Rocinha.

These shacks are located high up the hill close to the Mountain of Two Brothers. Macega is one of the poorest areas in Rocinha and many live in houses like these.

This is my apartment building where I live on the 3rd floor. I grew up in a house made of wood and mixed materials like the ones above. This building is about 20 years old and the owners also own the construction store that you see in the right of the photo where the white trucks is. 

I just received this list of questions sent to me by a student who came to visit Rocinha and he is doing a school project. 

Housing is something I often get asked about as people have these ideas about favelas and our houses. Every favela is different. How people find housing and build houses is similar but Rocinha is a place of 300,000 people so housing can differ even here. In Rocinha we have poor and middle class type of people but we all live together. 

1.     Are people who live within Rocinha more interested in the interior or the exterior look of the house? Why?

--I think the more value is what is inside. People in favelas are very practical. You live inside the house, not outside. Being clean and having sanitary living space is important families. There is a saying that you can live in a shack, but keep your shack clean! This is true. In many favelas when they first started many who did have money didn't want to show it for fear of offending people who had less. Also the government was more likely to leave favelados alone if there structure didn't look like much. See the photos below of the difference in Interiors of these two houses. Both are in Rocinha and are up for sale. Here is an example of a house with nice ceramic interiors. This house is for sale. It is located half way up the hill. 

HOUSE #1 - 1 bedroom, Livingroom, Kitchen & Bathroom, Location: Dioneia, Rocinha, asking price 45,000 reais 

This living room looks nice including the ceiling. I would want to check the walls. If I was buying a house I look at how well the electricity is set up and if there is mold on the walls. I lived in a house previously that had mold. It was not a good experience.

From this photo its hard to see if the works on the floors is done well. I would want to see the ceiling too. 

The front door made of wood, at the entry of the living room. Nice floor but the wall needs to be improved, remodelled.

Toilet area, notice the ceramic tiling on the floor and the walls. Its important to have ventilation so mold doesn't build up. This is why its imperative that most homes have windows in the bathrooms.  The glass in the windows is not clear, so privacy is ensured.

The shower area is nice. The one thing about Brazilian homes both in and outside favelas is the use of electric shower. 

Having a rooftop area is a benefit if you want to hang clothes, grow your own vegetables, entertain friends or have bbq's.

HOUSE #2 - 2 Bedroom, Living Room, Kitchen, Bathroom and Varanda. Location: Portao Vermelho (3/4 way up the hill) 150,000 reais.

Right away you will notice the difference between this house and House #1. I think it shows the house better when there is furniture inside. But you can tell that there was a lot of time and work into making this a nice house.

Nice living room area with sliding door that opens to a varanda or balcony. This is very rare in Rocinha and favelas. This would be like a middle class house outside the favela. 

The living room is bigger size than what is normally seem in favelas. Having a dining room table with space like this is not common. The furniture is of higher quality than what most have in Rocinha. A glass dining room table with with wood chairs also very expensive. 

This is not a big kitchen but it has enough space to move around. This kind of space reminds me of what you would see in an apartment in North America or Europe. The refrigerator is of good size, much larger than what I have. The stove is normal size for Rocinha. Notice the gold colored gas cans under the sink. There is no electricity or gas heating in homes.  But it never gets cold enough for the need of heat in the house. The gas is used for the stove. As nice as this house is theres just one thing I notice that is out of place. For such a nice house, the light fixture hanging from the ceiling is suspect.

The kitchen is well kept and they have every modern convenience with microwave and directly behind the microwave is washing machine for clothes. Most people in Rocinha do not have washing machines. We wash our clothes by hand.

This is a nice basic bedroom. Built in closets are very rarely seen in Rocinha. Again the light fixture is interesting considering all the money spent on this house. 

The same bedroom with covers on the bed and a hammock in the foreground. 

A basic varanda that they probably use to hang clothes. 

This is the view from the varanda overlooking the favela!

2.     Do people change their homes for growth? E.g Build another floor?

--Many times people do expand their homes to accommodate family growth. This depends on money though and how much family members can help in the addition of a room or an extra floor. Many family members contribute money but also labor to build their own homes. Some will sell their rooftops so they can use the money to improve the inside of their own house.

3.     What are the materials the houses are made from?

--Since 1985 we have been able to change from wood house to brick and rebar reinforced structures. Before 1985 the military dictatorship and government did not allow us to develop our houses. But the houses are very basic. Below is an example of the bricks you see used to make our favela houses. Almost all houses are square rectangle shaped. If you live in Macega, one of the poorest areas of Rocinha, materials can be a mix of wood, bricks with tin roofs.

The structure of the house is reinforced with rebar and cement. The holes in the bricks allow for these yellow tubes to be placed through them that contain the electricity wiring system of hook up. There are qualified electricians in Rocinha that you can contract that can hook yo up to the grid.

Above is a guy mixing the cement on the ground that will be used to add more bricks to the structure being built. Basic tools are used to build. And friends or family members help each other to build the houses. There are construction workers who live in the favela that you can also hire by job or use as day labor. If you look to the right on the photo you notice the other guys feel on top of the wood structure. The bucket is used to put the cement in after the other guy mixes it. Wood is used as supports, like ladders for the workers to get height so they can build high for the rooftop. 

This house in the photo above is located in Rocinha and is under construction.`The structure is basic and after people use the bricks to build the skeleton of the house, cement is put over the bricks to reinforce the house. The holes in the bricks are used for when the electricians come to put in the electricity system. 

This is a house under construction in Rocinha.

4.     Who will lives in the house? Family? Extended family? Friends?

--The people that live in the houses are family members, friends or the houses are rented out to earn extra income.

5.     How do old people travel around Rocinha? Is it difficult for them?

--Yes, this is a big problem. As people age and their mobility is affected, family members then have to help them get around. There was a NGO called "Primeiro Passos" that used to help with bringing the elderly shopping and to doctors appointment but I am not sure if they still exist. The one good thing that I do see in the favela is health workers from the clinic making house calls. So, this definately helps the elderly.

6.     What is the most important room in the house? Why?

--The living room as it tends to be the largest room in the house. But if you have a rooftop then it will cover the whole house so theres more space to entertain. Residents share roof top space too.

7.     Do people want a bedroom space or is a bed just for sleeping and not so important?

-- I think first necessity is just to have a bed to sleep on is most important. Privacy can be difficult with people living is such tight spaces. I use my bedroom as my personal space and the living room has been turned into our dj school. But I live alone so my needs are very different from others.

8.     Is storage space important?

--To have places to put things, yes. This also depends on the family size, how many kids, the area one lives in. 

9.     Are kitchens important, do they need to be big?

--No, they don't need to be big. We only care that you can fit a fridge, stove and other things so you can cook. Maybe a storage closet where to put the cooking utensils, pots, pans and plates etc.

10. Where do people eat in their homes? Dining table, couch?

--I think we eat anywhere you can sit down. This depends on space and how big the house is. I have a very small kitchen space and no tables or chairs there so I sit in the "living room" that is connected to the kitchen space. Many of my friends eat in their living rooms. We dont have dinning rooms like you would see in developing countries. Our houses are very small.

11. Do people grow their own vegetables? Would you want to?

--Some people do. Having a roof top is like having a back yard. And some people do grow vegetables and other plants on their roof tops. Someday if I buy a house, I would like to make my own garden and grow food that I can eat. If I have a big enough garden then I can share my food. 

12. Do people want lots of windows? Or is security a concern?

--Living in a tropical humid place can be a problem. Lack of ventilation in some areas can make you sick. If it rains and the rain stays on the ground, it causes two problems, mold and breeding spot for mosquitos. So damp humid areas also cause people to get colds and illnesses like tuberculosis. So having windows and flowing air through the house is important for health. The last i lived there for one year, then I had to move.house I lived in had mold on the wall which was very difficult to eliminate and I got sick often. Ventilation is very important in a humid climate.

13. Would you say a road can be used as a social space?

--Definately. In favela culture the street is an open space where we all meet hang out and escape the small compartments we call homes. If you want to meet many friends, its always better outside. Most of the time, the weather is great for hanging outside. 

14. What electronics/technology do people value? TVs? Stereos?

--I think having a tv is number 1 because it offers cheap form of entertainment for the whole family. People might also have a small radio but not many have stereo systems like in other parts of the world. 

15.  Are pets important?

--Most people have cats or dogs as pets. Most people here do like animals. I think more people have cats as they are easy to take care of and clean. Cats also catch mice and eat insects. I have three cats and they love chasing, catching and eating anything that flies around in my apartment. Unlike cats in the western world cats normally are not afraid of people as they get used to the crowded conditions here. People if they have dogs, tend to be smaller. The problem in Rocinha is many owners of dogs when taking out their dogs for walks, they do not clean up after them. So many times you need to watch where you walk.

16. Where do people dry their clothes?

--If you have a apartment or house and have access to a roof top then you dry them there. If not, then you usually buy a rack that is either suspended from the wall or ceiling or have a standing rack where you hang clothes to dry. I hand wash my clothes as I do not own a washer or dryer.

I wanted to save the best for last. You have seen photos of houses now I want to show you my apartment.  I live in a medium sized apartment, by favela standards.

This is what you first see when you open the door to my apartment. My cat "Joao" is there to greet you if you come to visit. My place is very basic with painted cement walls and tiling on all of the floor space. 

This is supposed to be the "living room", but I use it as our Dj School. I like open space where ventilation is good. I live on the third floor of the building. The apartment temperatures in summer can get very warm but I have 2 fans that help circulate air. These are 2 of the students from the Dj School practicing. When equipment is not being used, its covered. Notice the equipment on the right is covered with plastic. I went to the construction store and bought this heavy plastic which is the same thickness of a shower curtain. 

Another view of the living room with my other cat "Joy" hanging out.  

This standing closet that is  in the living room is used for the Dj School Spin

Rocinha. Head phones, cables, books, CD's and other Dj equipment is kept inside the closet. I like to have everything put away so things are easy to find

These "Bau's" as they are called are great for seating and for storage. I use them to store linens. I have a bunk bed in my bedroom so when I have guests, its nice to have sheets, pillows and blankets for them.  These are in the Dj School and we use them for when guests come to see our project. I like these because they have 2 purposes, seating and storage.

Here is one of my cats "Joao" inspecting the linens inside the Bau.

This is the bathroom area. The small light green bucket is used for toilet paper disposal. The maroon big bucket is where I store the cat food. Hanging on the wall is this thing you normally put shoes in. But I use it for many things including a handy place for toilet paper. I have a problem with one of my cats that seems to like to rip apart toilet paper if its on the roll on the wall, but here the toilet paper survives. 

The shower area. The red broom on the I use to clean and sweep inside the shower after I use it. The blue bucket I use to hand wash small clothing like socks, underwear and shorts. You can see there's no electricity hook up. I don't mind if the water is cold.  

This is cat litter stored in a large bucket. I buy it in bulk, then open the packing and dump all the bags inside of the bucket. When things are covered it prevents problems with insects. The biggest problem is ants or any other bugs getting into things including clothing. So everything needs to be put away or covered.

Cat food stored inside a bucket. The food is put inside a heavy plastic bag then inside the bucket. Again to protect from bugs and also the cats won't get into it.

After I wash my clothes, I hang them to dry on the rack is secured to the wall. The blue thing that is under the clothes it storage for football equipment and any donations that I receive. 

My bedroom is quite big. Its about 4 meters by 3 meters of space. My single bed is on the left and at the foot of my bed I have another "bau" to store clothing. I have a bunk bed to the right that guest can use when they come to visit me. The free standing closet at the end of the bunk bed is for guests to put their stuff. To keep the space open and easy to clean, they put their suitcase under the bunk bed.

These are 2 free standing closets that are in the bedroom that I use for my clothes.

This is my "night table" that contains my agenda book, tv controls and any other necessities. Its also good because on top I have my tv cable box and internet wifi router.

My very small kitchen are which is connected to the Dj School. I am still doing organizing and cleaning in the kitchen area. The floor under the fridge and the standing closet needs to be cleaned.  

Notice that I have plastic containers. The kitchen needs to kept clean or bugs will arrive, especially ants!

Food items I keep in glass containers. Prevents the cats from getting curious and no roaches or ants!

So I hope you enjoyed getting to know about housing in Rocinha! 

I really enjoy my apartment and love sharing it with these furry creatures!

Rey Pqdt "How Muay Thai Changed my life" Part 1 (Rocinha Fighters compete in Thailand)

Reinaldo "Rey" Oliveira has come a long way from being a football hooligan to a successful teacher of Muay Thai at Plataforma Corpo in Sao Conrado. Things were not always good for this young married father of 26 years. He used to be part of a football fan club where they would go to games just to seek out opposing fans to fight. Its very rare for people from favelas to get this opportunity to travel and compete. Lots of fundraising was done to help these 3 athletes to be able to compete in Thailand. 

This is Rey's Story

"At first I did not know the art of eight weapons (Muay Thai) and was involved with a fan club for (Red and Black ) of the Flamengo Football team, my life was working, and weekend go to the Flamengo games for fighting, and not as a regular supporter. Often me and my friends, we would run to not get beat up by other teams, and sometimes ran behind other teams supporters in an attempt to hit people just because of they supported other teams. One day a friend of mine Philip saw me on the street and asked me, "Why don’t you train with us Rey?” I asked “train? In what?” He told me “Muay Thai” . I thought “Wow, I take can take advantage of this to learn how to fight, and no one will be able to hold me and I will be able to fight better against on to those who cheer for other teams.”

"In the end, I went to my first practice it about four years ago, I made my first workout, that's when everything changed, I started to like this training. And Diego Buchecha, the master, began to pay attention to me, every day I improved more and more, I started competing and that was when I began to let go of the negativity (Flamengo supporting and fighting other teams thing). I just wanted to to train to and start competing in the ring. Today, I only use the art of Muay Thai for sport with rules and thank God I'm here treading my way and managing to be seen by others through my talent, not through savageness of old. Today my mother my father talk about me with much pride. My family supports me more. And I just have so much to gain today. I can say that Muay Thai and master Diego Buchecha took me as a young man from a bad place and now I have a positive future all due to Muay Thai. 

I was chosen to represent Brasil in this tournament in March. This is a life time opportunity that I thought I would never have to travel and represent Nockdown Brasil and Master Diego Buchecha. 

My fight in Thailand was against one of the Top Fighters. I was nervous and felt pressure. Away from Brasil in a different country fighting. 

Here are some photos of Rey's experience:

Rey and Mestre Diego Buchecha

The poster of Rey's fight vs Saiyok Pumphanmuang

Fotoshoot of Rey

Fight prep checking the hand wraps job.

Muay Thai style hand wraps

Shaking hands with his opponent

The Weigh Ins. Rey's weight class is 73 kg

Rey plans to continue to teach, train and compete. We in Rocinha are proud of his accomplishments.

Yolanda Demetrio: "We do have ballerinas in the favelas."

Foto: Cesar Salomao... Yolanda with some of her little ballerinas!

When one thinks of favelas and dancing, the first image that comes to mind for many is to see girls "twerking" to Baile Funk music. The heavy sounds that bellow out of 12 foot tall by 50 foot wide speaker systems is the "norm" here, but theres another dance scene going on here of the more classical type. One does not associate ballet with favelas. Ballet is usually seen as a dance style of upper class or rich kids.

Well, Yolanda Demetrio of Espaco Aberto in Rocinha, is trying to change that image. A dance instructor, her passion is spreading the knowledge to the many girls and young adults here who have a thirst for this kind of cultural education. Yolanda is a ballerina, choreographer and dance teacher. Yolanda came from humble beginnings being born in Cruzada Sao Sebastiao in Leblon, a set of 9 buildings or equal to what would be housing projects. But she moved to Rocinha as she got older. Currently she is residing in Barra de Tijuca because she is 8 months pregnant and concerned about the Zika Virus. She was one of the principal founders of Espaco Aberto. She is a graduate of Physical Education with a specialization in dance from Estacio de Sa University. She has over 20+ years of dance experience with troupes in Barcelona and Rio de Janeiro.

Espaco Aberto opened in 1998 in order to discover and enhance the skills of art and dance for children, adolescents and young people through workshops and practical classes. The majority of students are from the favela where such opportunities like this are more costly very difficult to obtain.

In addition to the classes, students of Espaco Aberto have the chance to become members of professional dance companies and attend festivals and events as well as to upgrade the artistic practice of dance. There are several graduated students who are dancing professionally and have created their own dance companies. The courses of Espaco Aberto has provided a way of life for them and their families.

Her school has been portrayed on television as with the fotos below were a recording from Tv Record a network here in Rio, profiling the ballerinas dancing on a rooftop in the favela.

Currently in addition to more than 100 children, starting at 3 years old, the space has parents who also participate as students. Espaco Aberto has dance classes consisting of Contemporary, Jazz, Ballroom, Afro, Samba, Stilleto and Hip Hop. The dance school has their own team of dancers and they will be participating in the Opening ceremonies for the Olympic games this august. 

Yolanda she teaches dance 3 times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6-9pm at Espaco Aberto in the area of Fundacao in Rocinha. But the school is open 5 days a week.

Check out some of her work with her students here, here and here. Each video shows different age groups and different styles of dance.

She welcomes volunteers to come and assist her classes but he true joy is being able to exchange information with dancers from all over the world. Having met her I endorse her as a kind caring individual and doing wonderful things here in Rocinha for those that have an interest in dance. 

She has a website here and you can email her at eaberto@gmail.com

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!