Generally the stories about favela life in Rio are scary. These ones are not, highlighting positive changes that are happening today. Having spent all of about 3 hours in a favela since arriving here, I obviously don't claim to know much, but I'm certainly interested. I do know that favelas are not all about drugs and poverty the way people picture them, they are also about families, community and every day life.
- Interesting article about a property rights project for residents of Cantagalo (the favela at the end of Ipanema). Property lines were established and mapped, creating transferable property titles for longstanding residents.
- Rio's Police Pacification Project in Cidade de Deus (City of God) features an afternoon physical education program directed by officers.
- Article in the Financial Times about Rio's Police Pacification Project offering glimmers of hope for Rio residents.
- National Geographic blog post about a Favela Painting Project, which creates striking artworks, collaborating with local people to use art as a tool to inspire, create beauty, combat prejudice and attract attention. - there is also a facebook group you can join.
as a proud favela resident I write a blog about things going on in my comunity. I focus on the good things we have here. the outside world needs to know that our comunities are far more then drugs, guns and violence. My blog I am trying to change the way the world views us in the favela.
I love where I live and I will never leave here. But I know my favela loves me tto..
:)
http://lifeinrocinha.blogspot.com
thank you,
Zezinho da Rocinha
www.faveladarocinha.com
Posted by: Zezinho da Rocinha | May 03, 2011 at 10:04 PM