In Canabrava, a low-income neighborhood of Salvador, 330 children and adolescents living in the proximity of a domestic garbage dump used to work there as their main source of income. In November 1997, Limpurb (the municipal garbage collecting company) set up a social educational project to change this situation, offering an alternative to children and adolescents age 7-17. To help families keep their children in the project, in addition to cultural and educational activities, it provides food and a financial allowance.
Workshops cover culture and arts (theatre, dance, arts, recycling, and capoeira [an Afro-Brazilian fight-dance])in addition to curricular subjects and practical skills (repair of electrical appliances and gardening). The project also offers basic education, health care and recreational activities. The project expects to expand its activities in the next years to offer a broader choice of job skill training courses and help 18-year olds to get into the job market.
Human rights, child rights, health, education, economic development, political development.
Methodology is based on citizenship and self-esteem. After one year of implementation, results are visible: school dropout rates have been reduced, children have a better physical and social development and are becoming more participative.
Canabrava Project has the support of UNICEF, Mother City Foundation (Fundacao Cidade Mae) and the Municipal Board of Health as well as private companies.
Material provided by Canabrava Social Educational Project to The Communication Initiative.
