NATARAJ RIO PROJECT 2011

http://rioproject2011.wordpress.com/

NATARAJ RIO PROJECT 2011 -http://rioproject2011.worldpress.com

http://rioproject2011.worldpress.com

Introduction

Posted on August 21, 2010 by martinaalencar

Hello!

So, after meeting some amazing people in Tanzania, I decided to set up this site to help them help me with my upcoming project. I am trying to set up an organization to help develop the community in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and make a difference in people’s lives.

I would have never thought so many people could take such a genuine interest in my affairs, wanting so enthusiastically to help a country they don’t even know. I was really surprised and very, very pleased because these people gave me a palpable glimpse to my dreams. I am so thankful and touched, I can’t begin to explain it.

I will kindly ask you to be patient because there is only so much I can write about in this moment. I am travelling with my laptop and am still lacking solid information about the project. I will, however, anticipate some stuff to give you guys a superficial idea of what is pumping ideas and passion through my mind.

Who am I?

I do not think I could ever explain or describe myself. I will try to give you an idea of what is happening and what has helped shape what I stand for today. My name is Martina Mesquita Alencar and I was born in São Paulo, Brazil twenty-one years ago. I was raised in a wealthy family and was very sheltered my whole life. This makes me a minority in Brazil, though it definately did not seem that way. Brazil, like so many other places will give you a head start just because you have money. Anyways, I am now trying to use this opportunity to help bring a sense of equality back to light.

I have invested in myself to be all I can be for the benefit of other people (of course, I realize I am no martyr, I have made sure to enjoy the ride). The plan is to see as much as I can, talk to as many people as I can, gain perspective and dimension and share it with everyone I can. So, a few years into my journalism and social science courses at Uni, I decided to travel the world to fulfil what I was set off to do. It was very subjective journey. I worked in orphanages in Argentina, foster homes, schools, I have camped in Central America, survived the jungle, the heat. I have seen loads, met some of the most amazing people, heard the most bizarre stories and have been plenty inspired in the way.

Everyday I feel more confident and more prepared to put myself out there and reach for anyone who wants to meet my hand. I have learnt loads in the way and have got attached to many children I have been in contact with.

In february, I got really close to a class of eleven year-olds in Rio. They made me want to invest in them, and because of them I decided to restart my studies and my life in Rio. These children are amazing and they really touched my heart. They taught me more than I could ever think possible.

One student in my class, Wesley Gilbert was a happy little chap, chirpy and extremely full of life. Sadly, one week before I came to Africa, in July, I received the news that he was hit by a stray bullet. Sad as it was, he was inside the school, in a maths lesson and a bullet from a street cross-fire (policemen x drug dealers) and killed him. It was devastating. It gave me, however, a confirmation and a stronger desire to raise a generation away from drugs and degrading street life.

Aim:

To make everyday more pleasant for as many people as possible. To make it easier to smile, to make it easier to recognize how life can be good. To show people respect and to have a venue to share what we are and what we know.

Practically, to create a space to bring together people to promote exchange in message, to broaden people’s horizons and incite joy and laughter.

Volunteers are invited to teach kids any skill, to tell jokes and to connect as equals. Difference in backgrounds, views on life are most welcome as to increase their field of reference, to show the infinite amount of options kids can chose to conduct their experience. This will help them develop an analytical mindset which will allow them to become self-sufficient individuals.

What I believe

Money is not fundamental to run this organisation. Time and energy and good spirits are requirements to start this. I believe that knowledge and love put forth can only become something bigger and positive. You might not harvest the fruits of your actions immediately. But be sure that one day your smile has inspired someone to act more compassionately towards someone else, and this has made some other person more kind and could possibly prevent a violent action. Smile like you would like to be smiled at and that will bring change. The more good energy you put out, the more results you will see.

Situation in Brazil

The situation in Brazil is always described as being complex. I am sure it is. I confess I am still very young and have got just enough tools to give you an idea of the situation. This will be mainly come from personal observation.

The thing in Brazil is that you have a really bad distribution of wealth. What does that mean? Very simply, you have the country divided in the very rich and the very poor. This means there is a handful of owners: of land, of major companies, of the media and then, you have the people who work for them.

The way politics and media have written history means that the wealthy remain wealthy and the poor remained poor. As long as they kept opportunity of the poor extremely dire, they could not have the strength/voice to pose any threat to the status of the wealthy.

So there it is: the polar society.

Unfortunately, so many of us have been brought up with values that reinforce the alienation of the rich and the poor. It has snowballed and we cannot even be classified as the same species – though we are (in case you forgot). I will definately post some more thoughts I have on the subject and will further explain the nitty gritties of it all.

Thank you so much for reading this far. I will keep you guys posted and would love the support.

Special thanks to my dear friends: Tracy Hinton (England), Sarah Iqbal (England), Zahrah Sharif (England), Alison Elrick (Scotland), Ian Nickels (Essex boy), Eugena Oram (Wales), Ewan Johnston (Scotland), Chris Paine (Scotland), Amber Hayward (Scotland). I really appreciate the love.