Prevent Youth Involvement in Drug Trafficking

CEMINA has been developing programs that foster the empowerment of underserved communities in Brazil for over 20 years.  I had the great privilege of visiting the Julio Otoni Community Center located in the favela of the same name in Rio de Janeiro (http://juliootoni.wordpress.com/sobre-o-projeito/about/).  

The Center is busy preparing for the launch of a photography exposition this Sunday called "Peeps from Within" designed to give favela children a voice through film and photography. Viewers of the exhibition can gain a glimpse into the childrens' lives through their own eyes.  

CEMINA worked very hard to obtain over 20 cameras from the UK that are now being utilized by the kids to take photos of everyday life in the community.  According to Thais Corral, General Coordinator of the project, the exhibition adheres to the ideals of the center, "to create a home for people."  Through teaching photography, film, dance and music, the Center's volunteers create the conditions for children to express themselves in new and creative ways, and in doing so gain confidence and self-respect.  Many of the volunteers are professional artists in their respective areas.

If you would like to give money to support CEMINA's amazing work in Julio Otoni in providing low-income children with alternative activities out of school hours to prevent their involvement with drugs and gangs, click

http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/prevent-youth-from-brazil-gang-involvement-education/

Links:

• Article in The Rio Times