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A Summer In Salvador:. Life Abroad in Salvador, Brazil. Cate Hefele. Outline. 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
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A Summer In Salvador: Life Abroad in Salvador, Brazil Cate Hefele
Outline • 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: • Place to be during the day • Meals • Classes • Stipend (“bolsa”) • Goal is to teach independence and self-esteem in a culture that makes life for young women a struggle
A Day in the Life Wealthy 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 • School until 3 or 4 in the afternoon • Beach or soccer fields • Home, 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