My heart was pounding as I walked through the narrow alleyways of the Favela Morro des Prezeres in Rio De Janeiro.
This time, unlike my first visit six months prior, was different.
A week before my visit, there had been shootings between the drug dealers and the police.
The sight of bullet holes and the sound of gunfire in the distance reminded me of the danger that lurked in every corner.
Visiting a favela is not for the faint of heart. It is a place where crime and poverty are everyday realities, and where danger is around every corner.
It was especially difficult when I saw a young boy who couldn’t have been more than 14 years old holding a machine gun. “He works for the drug dealers,” Jacson said, his voice tinged with sadness.
The sight of such a young boy, forced into a life of violence and crime, was heartbreaking. I couldn’t help but think of the life that he could have had if he had been given the chance to go to school and pursue his dreams. It was a stark reminder of the need for education and hope in places like Morro des Prezeres.
I was warned before I arrived that visiting a favela can be extremely dangerous, and that I should only go if I was with someone who lives there. Luckily, Jacson, our now Community Leader for Brazil, was my tour guide. While walking around the favela, we talked about the hardships that the people face every day. We talked about the poverty, the lack of basic services, and the constant threat of violence.
Despite all of these challenges, the people of this favela were full of hope and determination.
Jacson was especially passionate about the kids of the project, and it immediately hit me how we could provide support to them through education and hope.
When stepping foot inside our school, I immediately realized that The Give Back Community could make a lasting impact here as well.
The idea of supporting the education and hope to the children of Morro des Prezeres was born, and it gave me a sense of purpose that I had never felt before.
The Give Back Community could be the change that the children of the favela so desperately needed, and Jacson could be the driving force behind it all.
As I left the favela, I couldn’t help but think of the incredible resilience and determination of the people I had met. They had faced unimaginable challenges and yet had never lost hope. I felt privileged to have met them and was more determined than ever to make a difference in their lives.
The Give Back Community would be the vehicle through which we could provide them with a brighter future, and I knew that Jacson would be our partner in making that happen.
The Give Back Community, is now committed to helping fund an entire after-school program called The Escolinha de Arte e Reforço dos Prazeres Project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This initiative aims to support over 60 favela children by developing their skills in math, Portuguese, English and promoting positive values for their future.
Our new Community Leader for Brazil, Jacson Lima, was just hired by our Organization, and will be working on the ground, running operations for the school, and daily teaching the children.
This level of commitment and dedication to the project is essential to ensure its success and long-term impact.
The Escolinha de Arte e Reforço dos Prazeres Project serves children from 5 to 13 years old and offers tutoring classes from Monday to Friday from 2 pm to 5 pm. After the classes, the children are provided with a meal, ensuring that they have access to proper nutrition, which is often a challenge for many families living in favelas.
The Give Back Community’s commitment to funding the project and supporting the community of Rio de Janeiro is a shining example of how a small gesture can make a significant impact. By providing resources and investing in the education and development of these children, The Give Back Community is making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Live Generously
Umberto Rosi
