Web design. English lessons. Cinematography. Mural painting. Fashion design. Often these are not the first things that come to mind when you hear the word ‘favela’.
However, everyday the people of Rio de Janeiro and socially conscious individuals around the world are transforming individuals, neighborhoods and communities in the region. And with recent pacification efforts, Rio’s favelas are safer and have become a hotbed for cultural activity and inspiration.
We at Community in Action are particularly excited by the work of 3 organizations which are providing unique cultural and community development projects in the region:
Nos do Morro http://www.nosdomorro.com.br/
Providing access to art and culture to the people of Morro do Vidigal was the goal of Nos do Morro when it was created in 1986. Founder, Guti Fraga, wanted to provide art that reflected the community. Today, Nos do Morro offers training in theater and cinema while also expanding the horizons for a number of people living in Morro do Vidigal and beyond.
The Favela Painting Project = http://www.favelapainting.com
Artistic duo Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn (Haas&Hahn) began working together in 2005 when they created a documentary on hip hop in the favelas of Rio and São Paolo. They then focused their attention to bringing art and creativity to unexpected areas. With the help of local youth, the two created murals in the slums of Brazil. The goal of the Favela Project is to “creates striking artworks, collaborating with local people to use art as a tool to inspire, create beauty, combat prejudice and attract attention.”
Coopa Roca – (http://www.coopa-roca.org.br)
Established in the early 1980s, Rocinha Seamstress and Craftwork Co-operative Ltd (Coopa-Roca) was created to provide conditions for female residents of Rocinha to work from home. Coopa-Roca provides training for the women to sew pieces for the fashion and design market. Through this work, the women are able to contribute to the family income while also being able to care for their children and household.
Are you traveling to Rio and looking for a way to experience Brazilian culture in a deeper, more meaningful way? Come visit us at Community in Action! Whether you’re staying for a week or longer, we offer a variety of volunteer programs in the Complexo de Alemão favela to suit your interests. Volunteer programs include teaching english to kids, teaching computing,construction and home improvment support, creche volunteering, favela sports, capoeira lessons and much more!
Be a favela volunteer! Visit our latest volunteer project listing here: