assigned work: Brasil: Caixa de Sopresas

The population of the favelas of Rio de Janeiro is young; more than half of all residents are between 14 and 24. Due to the rigidity of Brasil's class structure, young people in the favelas have few opportunities for professional, economic or educational advancement. Lacking positive alternatives, young people in these communities easily fall into unemployment and illicit activity.

Bangú is a neighborhood on the western zone of the city of Rio de Janeiro that consists of several different communities. One of these communities is built up along the side of the train tracks and under a highway bridge where families live in make-shift homes.

Caixa de Sopresas is a community-based non-governmental organization that works to reduce the vulnerability of youth living in Bangú. Many of these youth live in the community along the side of the train tracks. Caixa de Sopresas, formally registered in 2003, builds on young people’s creativity and intelligence by engaging them in performing arts and musical productions that help them overcome their social and psychological struggles. The organization focuses particularly on gender equality and the rights of women and girls with 70% of its population served being female.

Note: I was able to do this work through a fellowship from Global Fund for Children and the Nike Foundation in partnership with the International center of Photography.