Archive for January, 2012
What to Expect Post-Cup: Lessons from South Africa
Jan 31st
Every afternoon, around 6pm, I leave my apartment in Vila Isabel, tuck my ipod under my shirt, and head for a run around the closed Maracanã stadium, the great cathedral to Brazilian soccer and home to the 2014 World Cup final. Passing the building’s gates, I catch a few glimpses of the activity inside: construction vehicles digging through mounds of dirt, workers hauling away scrap metal, armed police officers escorting well-dressed officials around the grounds. Clearly, change is afoot. Yet when I turn on Avenida Presidente Castelo Branco, I am treated to the majestic view of the Candelária neighborhood, which More >
Vila Autódromo Wins Olympic Land Battle
Jan 27th
It sometimes appears that in Rio de Janeiro, the Olympic Games have already begun. Rio has been making headlines for its preparation for the Games, crime mitigation procedures, the onset of favela policing or the economic-employment boom. While these topics are newsworthy, there is another less-publicized subject that has been affecting many Rio residents at home—literally. Over the past year and a half, forced evictions of entire communities and subsequent building demolitions have cleared space for roadways. Next in line for eviction was the community of Vila Autódromo, a 40-year old working class neighborhood occupying land adjacent to the future Olympic Park. More >
The University Olympus
Jan 25th
“When my friends began University, their parents gave them a car and a laptop, so they could carry texts without hurting their backs. My father gave me a RioCard (for the public bus system), a sturdy backpack and told me I was going to be happy,” jokes Jessica Oliveira, a second year Social Communications student at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. According to the Constitution, education in all of its phases is a right and a duty for all. From this then, one may conclude that education is a public right. So, what to think when both More >
Environmental Education for a Healthier Future
Jan 22nd
To the benefit of humanity, there exist many people who dedicate their lives to causes for the common good, and it is always a pleasure and inspiration to meet them.
Maurilio Rodrigues de Araújo, better known as Birimbau, is one of these people. Environmental studies teacher at the Programa Art Luz in Macaé, a couple of hours outside of Rio, he is also an environmental educator in Morro dos Macacos, a favela in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro. He volunteers there teaching children from the community to create art from the rubbish which is not usually recycled – while many More >
Vidigal’s GASCO Holds Firm
Jan 19th
Seated in what was a widely used community movie theater, Bernadete Soares Pereira gestures toward a headless socket on the wall. She took down the projector and related furniture and devices in order to safeguard them should the government return to evict them. Roughly two months ago, Bernadete’s formally-established NGO GASCO (Community Action Social Group) was served notice to leave their building in the community of Vidigal, where they’ve run sports, educational and development programs since 2007, servicing some 200 students per day. The notice states that the building belongs to the municipality, yet it is common knowledge that the site sat unused More >
