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