Session 4 – Reality of Brazil

The other side of Brazil: the world’s 10th most unequal country

A recycling cooperative in a favela, where residents make a living by sorting rubbish

“When I give food to the poor, people call me a saint. When I ask why the poor are hungry, they call me a communist.”

Dom Helder Câmara, former Archbishop of the Brazilian city of Recife

The richest 20% own 63% of the country’s wealth... the poorest 20% own just 2%

Families at risk of eviction due to the 2014 World Cup

“It wouldn’t be fair if I went home, closed the door and thought everything was sorted for me. It is no good sitting in my own home without being here with the others and feeling what they are feeling.”

Ivanete, who once lived under a bridge and now works to help other families find homes

Parts of some Brazilian cities have murder rates which are higher than many war zones

A favela street scene

“At the youth project, I learnt to appreciate and live each minute of my life intensely. I can now use my experience to help others.”

Luciano, who saw two of his friends being killed, learnt percussion at a youth project and now teaches other young people percussion

“The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the people of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these too are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.”

Gaudium et Spes, Second Vatican Council