Brazil Geography Brazilian Culture n n Mixture of

Brazil

Geography

Brazilian Culture n n 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

Ø Ø Ø 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 Ø Ø Ø 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 Ø Volunteers from the U. S. , Japan, Jordan, Estonia, and Nicaragua worked together to construct new homes

The Finished Product

Street Kids Ø Ø Ø 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 Ø Ø Ø Glue is cheap and accessible It kills brain cells, creating a dizzy, euphoric effect It dulls hunger pains

What’s the solution? Ø Ø Ø 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 Ø Ø Ø Provides direct relief from poverty Stimulates personal growth and development Facilitates cross-cultural cooperation and understanding