THERE'S AN AWFUL LOT OF COFFEE IN BRAZIL (and that's about all most of us know)

Considering how important an economy Brazil is, that’s pathetic.


Rachel MacBeath is a very bright Scot who’s in Brazil doing very good work for a few months and I’ve asked her to tell us what it’s really like there.

So here it is “Letter from Brazil” part one.

Over a coffee; milk no sugar, I agreed to hijack Richard's blog over the coming weeks and report on working life in Brazil.

I've been here for two weeks now and I'm firmly getting into the samba swing of Rio life. Now, it's time for you to get a taste of my life in the 'cidade maravilhosa'- the marvellous city!

I'm working in a day centre, Casa Sorriso Da Crianca, located in the Iiha Do Governador neighbourhood in Rio. The name of the centre in English translates to: 'Smile Of the Child' and cares for 50+ children between 6 months to 5 years between 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. It was opened 15 years ago by Ana Paula Da Cruz; who still runs it from her home today. After losing three of her own children, Ana wanted to protect children in the community and show them the good things that life has to offer. The children conform to the centre's name and are always smiling and demanding your full attention. Despite the obvious language barrier, I've come to realise that laughter is the language of the world that everyone understands, especially children. Cuddles and smiles are other useful universal tools that transcend all barriers.  

The centre is a way of keeping the children off the streets and away from social pitfalls such as drug abuse and other criminal activities. The children receive three meals a day, play games, partake in educational activities and receive basic health care. The centre solely relies on donations from the public and stakeholders. It welcomes any types of donations including food, clothes, toys, cleaning supplies and the most obvious- money. Ana's uncle was the one of the main donators, contributing 60% towards the centre's overall budget, but recently passed away. Consequentially, the centre is under great financial strain and at risk of closure. As the day centre is not in a politically prosperous area or a district that generates votes, the Government does not invest in projects in the area. Moreover, funding requests have fallen on deaf ears.

Over the next month or so, I endeavour to use my marketing and communications expertise to raise the centre's profile in the media and look into lucrative funding avenues. With the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics rapidly approaching all eyes are on Rio. It's therefore vital that the good work of centres such as the aforementioned do not get overlooked and swept aside. Money should be invested into these worthy causes to help the adults of tomorrow and keep them away from the dangers that are so prevalent in Rio. Hopefully our small team can do a bit to make a difference.

Next time, I'll fill you in on all the touristy hotspots I've been frequenting and give you a sneak peek of the Kodak moments.
 

5 things I've learnt about Brazil thus far:

   1. Rio is a very hilly city therefore there are LOTS of steps. Hello muscles I didn't know existed!

   2. Cariocas know how to dance, really dance. And that's without a cheeky tipple unlike us Brits!

   3. If your Portuguease is failing mid conversation, speak louder and add a few O's at the end.

   4. They love black beans here. Every dish has a hearty helping of beans.

   5. They love to sell products on buses. People hop on the bus at various stops and try to flog brands of biscuits, sweets, shampoo. It really works as well. Sir Alan Sugar would be impressed with their business acumen!