This is the website in Brasil of the organization that runs the Rocinha Project. The web address is www.ongartevida.org.br (you can click on the name above or the site address be re-directed to the site - only in Portuguese at the moment)

Arte Vida & Esporte (Art Life & Sport) was created to give the children of Rocinha an after-school program. The activities consist of Jiu-Jitsu, Soccer (Football) and Surfing. The criteria for the children to participate is that they are a resident of Rocinha and attend school. The program promotes education as well as sports. It is through sports that the children learn to become part of a "team", per se.

Children as young as 4 years old participate in the program. Arte, Vida & Esporte provides these activities to the children during these school years. It is this time in life that children become individuals and are susceptible to outside influences. This is the age where they can choose to lead a life of crime or become part of a team and make something of their lives. They are instilled with values and morals as well as learning outside of school. The program is vital for the children's sake. Without guidance and role models these children could end up being a product of their environment.

Please look at the site - there is a lot of information. Soon the site will be in English as well. If you have any quesitons about the site please feel free to email me and I will get you into contact with Tata.

Enjoy! Thanks for looking and your support!