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Brazil
Cidade de Deus (City of God) is a sprawling favela (shantytown) of 37,000 inhabitants located on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. Some 80% of the population has been affected by gun violence in some way. Many of young people lack the skills needed to obtain jobs that pay a decent wage. In 2007, increased violence led to the imposition of curfews by drug gangs and paramilitaries.
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Diocese of Rio de Janeiro to provide health care and mental health services and to improve job skills through a community center in Cidade de Deus. Revenue-generating programs, including ESL (English as a second language) classes, help build the sustainability of the community center.
Promoting Health and Fighting Disease
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Psycho-social counseling helps children, young adults and parents deal with the trauma of gun and drug violence.
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Workshops on alternative medicine teach people to cultivate herbs for treating common ailments.
- Community health promoters provide case management services to the disabled and those living with HIV/AIDS.
- School-based workshops education students about staying healthy.
Creating Economic Opportunity
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Skills training and computer classes help younger residents prepare for future employment opportunities.
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ESL classes with tuition below the market rate enable residents learn English while simultaneously creating an income stream that supports the community center's free services.
