Saturday, November 04, 2006
It's been a busy week with helping Scott do research. We interviewed several people and now we're transcribing and translating the material. We've been interviewing people who were involved with various Capoeira Angola groups doing grass root type of education programs for low income communities. We interviewed two capoeira mestres and three folks who had participated in the programs. Very eye opening stuff!
Perhaps some of you have spent time in Latin America and are familiar with the incongruous sight of million dollar hotels towering above shanty towns. A strange sight in the USA, but very common here in Brasil. Social welfare programs here in Brasil are criminally underfunded and often funded by people who aren't the government agencies. Illiteracy rates in Brazil have improved since the 1970's but are still fairly high in rural areas and low income communities in the cities.
That's where Capoeira groups and other grass root organizations come in to the picture. They provide cultural activities, educational assistance, meals and networking opportunities in these neighborhoods. Many of the children that participate are from from single parent families, where mom has to work most of the day for low wages. Crime in these areas is often a common occurrence. It's very common that people resort to selling drugs as a way of earning money.
Perhaps some of you have spent time in Latin America and are familiar with the incongruous sight of million dollar hotels towering above shanty towns. A strange sight in the USA, but very common here in Brasil. Social welfare programs here in Brasil are criminally underfunded and often funded by people who aren't the government agencies. Illiteracy rates in Brazil have improved since the 1970's but are still fairly high in rural areas and low income communities in the cities.
That's where Capoeira groups and other grass root organizations come in to the picture. They provide cultural activities, educational assistance, meals and networking opportunities in these neighborhoods. Many of the children that participate are from from single parent families, where mom has to work most of the day for low wages. Crime in these areas is often a common occurrence. It's very common that people resort to selling drugs as a way of earning money.
# posted by Larry @ 12:32 PM 
Comments:
<< Home
Scott's work sounds very interesting--just the kind of thing I would have pursued if I had stuck with the anthropology thing. It seems he has similiar interests, a love for brazilian community and martial arts; my how I envy your adventure.
On the home front, we had an excellent, excellent roda a couple saturdays back. I am finding that mood has everything to do with how well I play. If I am feeling playful and mischievous before entering a game, the rest seems to come out so much more naturally.
Looking forward to reading more. Peace and love from the hippy capital.
Post a Comment
On the home front, we had an excellent, excellent roda a couple saturdays back. I am finding that mood has everything to do with how well I play. If I am feeling playful and mischievous before entering a game, the rest seems to come out so much more naturally.
Looking forward to reading more. Peace and love from the hippy capital.
<< Home
