look!

Objective  Elevating the self-esteem of youth in favelas of Brazil.



0%
$40  Amount Raised:
$10,000   Fundraising Goal:

Recent Activity
New Goal: $10,000.00

Tags: Brazil, Favelas, Hip-Hop, poverty, violence Edit Icon Edit

 
CUFA, Central Unica das Favelas, co-founded in 1998 by hip hop star and youth rights activist, MV Bill and his manager Celso Athayde. CUFA promotes youth self-esteem and culture in the favelas (slums) of Brazil's City of God.

Its theater program--"Escolinha de Teatro da Cidade de Deus" (School of Theatre from City of God)--offers classes in acting and theater production to disadvantaged youth. Currently 60 young people ages 7 to 16 are involved.

Due to financial constraints, Escolinha de Teatro faces a number of challenges, including maintaining consistent class schedules (all the teachers are volunteers), buying equipment, and organizing performances.

By donating, you will help the CUFA theater program:
- Hire a scene director
- Hire a general coordinator
- Purchase scene and design materials
- Provide alimentation to students and teachers

Created in 2001 by Companhia de Teatro Tumulto (Tumult Theatre Company), the theater program is one of many classes that CUFA offers to local youth as alternatives to drug trafficking and violence.

Through practicing theatrical skills, students learn how to:
- express themselves
- respect the expressions of others
- work in groups
- understand not only their own boundaries but also the boundaries of others
- reflect on the environment and social conditions they live in
- create new opportunities for themselves and their community

Youth living in favelas are marginalized, with little access to good schools or vocational training. Due to extreme financial strains, they are often forced to find work at a young age to help support their families. Many end up dropping out of school to work. Without an education or training it is nearly impossible for these young people to find a decent job. Unfortunately, drug trafficking presents itself as one of the only options.

At CUFA, young people learn that there are other alternatives to the drug trade and violence. CUFA uses the 4 elements of hip hop to connect with the youth: graffiti, DJ, break-dancing and rap. Through these elements, youth gain confidence and learn how to express themselves in creative ways. CUFA also teaches through sports, multimedia and social projects. By promoting activities in these areas, the youth gain tangible skills and inspiration to contribute to their community in positive ways.

"This is the place where we can realize our dreams and reduce a little bit of the sadness we have in the community,” MV Bill says.

Due to its success and positive impact, CUFA is now a national organization with 20 other CUFA centers in favelas across Brazil.

Visit 4Real City of God.
 
 
 

Login   |   Sign Up   |   Cancel
 
 
Login:
Password:
Login Login

    (Forgot your password?)