Brazil
Geography
Brazilian Culture Mixture of African, Portuguese,
American Indian, and many other tradition
Music & Dance: Samba, Bossa Nova, Capoeira
Soccer (known as futebol): Brazil won the World Cup in 2004
Carnival
Largest country in Latin America Only Portuguese-speaking country
in America Largest African population outside
Africa Much of Brazil is developed, but at
least 22% of population still lives below poverty line
Many serious social problems
FAVELAS Favelas are shantytowns that
surround every major city in Brazil Many people have no electricity or
running water They are often right next to wealthy
neighborhoods
Building Houses in the favela
Volunteers from the U.S., Japan, Jordan, Estonia, and Nicaragua worked together to construct new homes
The Finished Product
Street Kids There are millions of children living
on the streets in Brazil They use drugs and prostitute
themselves to survive Many children choose to leave
their troubled homes and families for the street
Glue Sniffing Glue is cheap and accessible It kills brain cells, creating a dizzy,
euphoric effect It dulls hunger pains
What’s the solution? Social workers reach out to the
kids through street education Provide support and affection Offer the children a safe and
nurturing living space
Capim de Cheiro Farm:A new life for kids
Volunteering Provides direct relief from poverty Stimulates personal growth and
development Facilitates cross-cultural
cooperation and understanding