Social Insti­tutions in Rio de Janeiro

Social institutions in Rio de Janeiro

In Brazil, we have taken part since 1978 in the redevelopment of shanty quarters on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. Specifically, two favelas (shanty quarters) in Duque de Caxias, set in marshland and home to some 20,000 people who "exist" there without even the most basic conditions for a dignified life. The favelas are relatively small in scale.

We have succeeded in awakening the will to life of the people in the shanty quarters of Vila Ideal and Prainha, in stripping these districts of their favela character and gradually turning them into ordinary residential neighbourhoods of solid houses.

The social centre "Nossa Senhora das Graças" in Vila Ideal was opened in 1981 with the foundation's funds. Today some 25,000 people live in this favela. Around 90 children aged between 2 and 6 are now in its care, and the pre-school teaches some 75 to 80 children. Typing and sewing courses are also offered. The Rexroth Foundation bears the costs.

The social centre "Menino Jesus" in Prainha was established in 1985. Here too some 20,000 people live in very cramped conditions. The kindergarten cares for around 180 children aged 3 to 7. Alongside the kindergarten there is also a pre-school, and typing courses are offered as a step toward further vocational training.

At the health post, which opened in 1990, around 2,500 treatments have been carried out each year in recent years.

Without the foundation's funding the social centres in the two favelas could not exist. In setting up these centres, the foundation took on the responsibility of providing for their upkeep.