Observatório de Favelas – ESPOCC

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Escola Popular de Comunicação Crítica

Youth engagement through community media in Maré

Observatório de Favelas was created in 2001 in the Complexo da Maré, one of the largest favelas in Rio de Janeiro. It began as a civil society organization providing research and consulting services, aimed at developing awareness and understanding about the policies affecting the favelas and concerning urban living.

The ESPOCC (Escola Popular de Comunicação Crítica) began as a project of the Observatório in 2005, aimed at training youths and adults from the favela in the communications field, preparing them as critical thinkers and knowledge “multipliers”. Having acquired these skills, these students have greater employment prospects upon entering the job.

With support from BrazilFoundation, the project will:

• Develop the skills of 90 students in digital and audiovisual media;
• Offer 420 hours of classroom instruction for youths in Rio de Janeiro;
• Produce digital materials such as documentaries and other media for activism.

IMPACT

90 youths trained in digital media
420 hours of classroom instruction
Production of digital materials

“Civil society needs to find its place in public matters. We must stop being spectators, and instead become leaders, organizing and building bridges for a more active citizenry.”- Eduardo Alves, ESPOCC coordinator, Observatório director

You can support this project through the #TEAMRIO campaign!  

Just select ESPOCC from the list next to “Pick your Team” below.