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2Bros Foundation:
Hello to all who are reading this.
I am a volunteer recruiter for this no profit group TWO BROTHERS
FOUNDATION (INSTITUTO DOIS IRMAOS), in Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro Brazil.
We are always looking for people to come visit, stay and contribute or
volunteer some time with the comunity. Rocinha is a hub of activity
with 300.000 residents. Rocinha is located in Sao Conrado in Zona Sul
area of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rocinha is the largest favela in
all of Brazil.
I
first became involved with Two Brothers after talking with one
of the volunteers in Rocinha about the possibility using his
connections to other communities to help bring awareness to their
favela's problems. I wanted to try to help in a way that the
people of the favela could benefit but did not know how. A couple of
years ago I met with some of the directors and Paul Sneed who was
the founder of Two Brothers. Between music, art and jiu jitsu I try to
help to educate people about these needy communities. Although
Rocinha is situated close proximity to Sao Conrado and other rich
communities, Rocinha still needs help in many ways. Many people still
do not have access to normal living conditions and proper health care
or education. Through his art and musi, I will continue to help to
raise
money for Two Brothers.
In Rio favelas are mostly set in the hills visible from almost any area
in Rio. When most hear the word "Favela" they think of a place over run
by drug dealers, but favelas are much more than what is posted in the
news. Did you know that Samba, which Brazil is famous for, is from the
hills or favelas. The majority of the participants of Carnival are from
favelas. Names like Salgueiro or Mangueira are names of not only the
Samba school but the favela which that they are from. Favelas are poor
areas but full of lots of creativity and culture. Most average cariocas
have not been or know very little about the residents who reside in the
hills.
Rocinha is famous because of its location next to Sao Conrado, a rich
area. The history is complex but the favela started its development in
the 1940's. Favelas like Rocinha are advantageous for residents because
of the close proximity for jobs. The majority of residents work in Zona
Sul as Taxi Drivers, Doormen or Domestic workers. Still, for some who
live in favelas, life is dificult and jobs are few. To live in a favela
is about survival but also being creative. Some areas of Rocinha are
"on the grid" as far as services go. But for some who live further up
the hill, things like eletricity and water are dificult to come by.
In Rocinha there are only 3 schools to help the 300.000
residents who live there. And because of society prejudice it is
difficult for most kids to obtain quality secondary education. Most by
the age of 13 or 14 are working part time jobs to help their family.
Education is important, which is why TWO BROTHERS FOUNDATION" was
created in 1998 by a American Paul Sneed from San Diego. He visited
Rocinha since the late 1980's and saw the need and wanted to help the
people there.
TWO BROTHERS FOUNDATION, acquired a building for its full
time education classes, which include, language instruction in French,
Spanish, English, Art and other recreational activities. The foundation
is open to people creating new classes. We are had one volunteer to go
to Rocinha this past April 2007, to teach the kids Breakdancing. 2
Brothers is open to the creation of new programs, so bring your new
ideas. TWO BROTHERS FOUNDATION in Rocinha is supported by donations
both monetary and volunteers. If anyone who reads this is seriously
interested in helping the school in Rocinha, please contact me. Thank
you.
Zezinho
faveladodarocinha@yahoo.com.br
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