Prevent Youth Involvement in Drug Trafficking

The summer is an opportunity to join hands with the community of the favela, the neighbors of the street and  some volunteers for new activities. This year the season has started with the preparation for the Christmas party, which also means the conclusion the year. For some the older ones this means that they will engage in other activities.  This year the preparation for the Christmas party was quite especial. Children planned the party, prepared many of the presents that were offered to the parents, to the tutors and to their friends. Photos show how happy they felt at the occasion. 2011 was an year of good results for the project. Among other things there was the Vagalumes exhibition that was the result of a three month course on photography and video.

In 2012, there are new plans for increasing activities that bring the children outside the favela, so they can appreciate what the wonderful city of Rio offers in terms of museums, music and other activities free of charge. 

The exhibition Vagalumes brought to Rio de Janeiro´s attention the talents of young children of Favela Julio Otoni.  During three months volunteers coordinated by Frances Ridley trained the children to have a look into their community through the lens of a camera. Pips from Within, how Frances called it. Several of the children involved demonstrated to have talent for photography. They loved it.  One of them  Heverton did a number of outstanding photos.

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/bandedarts/5950198383/in/set-72157627223779248), which can be described as

CEMINA has been developing programs that foster the empowerment of underserved communities in Brazil for over 20 years.  I had the great privilege of visiting the Julio Otoni Community Center located in the favela of the same name in Rio de Janeiro (http://juliootoni.wordpress.com/sobre-o-projeito/about/).  

The Center is busy preparing for the launch of a photography exposition this Sunday called "Peeps from Within" designed to give favela children a voice through film and photography. Viewers of the exhibition can gain a glimpse into the childrens' lives through their own eyes.  

CEMINA worked very hard to obtain over 20 cameras from the UK that are now being utilized by the kids to take photos of everyday life in the community.  According to Thais Corral, General Coordinator of the project, the exhibition adheres to the ideals of the center, "to create a home for people."  Through teaching photography, film, dance and music, the Center's volunteers create the conditions for children to express themselves in new and creative ways, and in doing so gain confidence and self-respect.  Many of the volunteers are professional artists in their respective areas.

If you would like to give money to support CEMINA's amazing work in Julio Otoni in providing low-income children with alternative activities out of school hours to prevent their involvement with drugs and gangs, click

http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/prevent-youth-from-brazil-gang-involvement-education/

Links:

• Article in The Rio Times