Transcript A Summer In Salvador: - Kellogg Institute for

A Summer In Salvador:
Life Abroad in Salvador, Brazil
Cate Hefele
Outline
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Trip basics
Consequences of education in Salvador
A day in the life of a Brazilian youth
Social norms in Salvador
The Trip
• 8 weeks in Salvador, Brazil
• Funded by Kellogg Institute for
International Studies at ND
• Through ProWorld Service Corps
– Volunteered at local NGO working
with adolescent impoverished
women
– Initially wanted to teach basic
business skills  entire workings of
the NGO
Education in Salvador
Huge socio-economic gap in
Salvador
– Families send children to
private schools from elementary
age
– Wealthy: continue on through
high school and onto university
– Poor: drop out in middle
school or early high school to
work or because of failing
grades
The Result
• Many children/adolescents with very
minimal education
• Boys follow in father’s footsteps at
family business or attempt to find jobs
– If no employment, then drug dealing
• Girls at huge risk because of
vulnerable age
– Often drawn into prostitution, unhealthy
relationships with older men
– Traditional culture automatically
oppresses certain groups
The Solution
• Dida was created as a safe
haven for at-risk young
women
• Provides:
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Place to be during the day
Meals
Classes
Stipend (“bolsa”)
• Goal is to teach
independence and selfesteem in a culture that
makes life for young
women a struggle
A Day in the Life
Wealthy
• School until 3 or 4 in the
afternoon
• Beach or soccer fields
• Home, homework
Poor
• School in morning or
afternoon, not both
• Beach or streets to sell
various items, family
store if applicable
• Soccer in neighborhoods
until late at night
• Hanging out in streets
with friends
• No homework
Adjusting to Salvadorian Culture
• “No worries,” low stress
• NEVER arrive on time
– Schedules are “suggestions”
• Big families, but not
necessarily related
– Official marriage vs. assumed
– Easily welcomed into homes
• Mothers run the home,
fathers contribute to money
or nonexistent
Understanding Brazil: A Mix of
Beauty and Culture
Thank you!