Hi everyone,
How are you doing?
For the 7th year in a row, we have packed our bags to put our skills at the service of an exceptional NGO during our summer vacation. This year, with Sarah, we invite you to travel with us to Brazil and discover a Franco-Brazilian organization called Arca Do Saber, located in the heart of the favelas of São Paulo.
To be honest, we left with some preconceptions: extreme social inequalities, sometimes dangerous districts, but an incredible atmosphere. We were in for quite a few surprises…
Our arrival:
Having landed in Rio de Janeiro, we took the opportunity to enjoy the splendid sunset view from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain before heading to São Paulo. An expat family had very kindly agreed to lend us their apartment. When we arrived in front of the double security gate, guarded 24 hours a day, we understood that we were entering another world. With a panoramic view, a swimming pool, a gym, staff for cooking and cleaning…, the apartment is located in the most beautiful area of the city. From the very first day, we understood that every morning we would have to bridge the huge gap between the neighborhoods where the “elite” live and those of the most disadvantaged social classes.
When we arrived, Thais, the director of the NGO, warmly welcomed us and introduced us to the whole team. Being a dentist, Sarah’s mission is to do a dental check-up of all the young people of the NGO in order to identify possible critical cases and to collect data to convince the municipality to release the budget. As for me, I am in charge of an impact measurement mission on one of their educational programs.
At the entrance to the Favela:
Although reputed to be less dangerous than Rio’s, Sao Paulo’s favelas remain important drug trafficking points. As we entered the favela, we noticed 3 lookouts filtering all the comings and goings of this entrance.
Placed in strategic spots, they can locate anyone within a few minutes with their walkie-talkies, especially plainclothes police officers. With the armed gang based at the end of the street, we quickly understood that we could not walk around just anywhere and that we had to respect some rules. To be identified as volunteers, we wear fluorescent vests marked Arca Do Saber.
What struck us was how the police are perceived: the inhabitants are more afraid of them than of the traffickers. The day before our arrival, a big police raid had taken place in retaliation for the robbery of a jewelry store. These are the most dangerous moments. For their part, the traffickers do everything to keep the peace and prevent robberies: when the inhabitants rebel, it is bad for business.
The soul of the favela:
Convinced that we needed to look beyond this first impression, André, the community leader in charge of all housing issues (access to water, electricity…), showed us around his neighborhood. Walking through small alleys invisible from the outside, we discovered the soul of the favela. Many artists have expressed themselves directly on the walls of the houses. The common denominator: mosaic.
But why this material? According to André, mosaic is the expression of diversity: from different pieces, you create a harmonious and beautiful whole. We then went to a chapel whose stained-glass windows were made from bottles embedded in the walls. Would you have imagined a ballet studio in the favela? There is one! Many positive initiatives exist. Culture and art are powerful levers of change, and the leaders of the favela have understood this well!
After one week at Arca Do Saber, we are still full of surprises. Before concluding this 1st newsletter, two observations: the kindness of Brazilians and their love of music. Music is one of the things that unites all Brazilians, whatever their social or ethnic background or age.
Do not hesitate to send us your news.
Have a nice vacation and see you soon,
Sarah & Romain
