For the last few weeks, much of the world has been watching the World Cup unfold in Brazil, as national teams from 32 countries compete for the championship.
A massive undertaking for any country, the World Cup is not without controversy. We asked a few of our grantee partners in Brazil to reflect on how this incredible event is affecting their communities.
We found the general sentiment to be similar among the three partners we spoke with: fierce pride for their country and the sport, mixed with disappointment in the government’s actions in connection with the event.
Ricardo Calçado, executive director of GFC grantee Onda Solidaria in Rio de Janeiro, spoke specifically of the Maracanã Stadium, which was heavily renovated in preparation for the World Cup. Common areas around the stadium were demolished, and indigenous people were pushed out, he said.
“The stadium was unique, a football temple,” he said. “I have nothing against modernizing, but they eliminated something very Brazilian, with absurd spending.”
Public funds were used to create “elite” stadiums, Ricardo told us, while children continue to be left behind. “Meanwhile, parents do not see a significant change in terms of education, health, et cetera.”
He also feared that the common Brazilian will not benefit from the new stadiums in the future. “The magic of Brazilian football is this game with children in the slums, beaches, streets, plazas, playgrounds. What about Sundays at the Maracanã, the Minerão? Will everyone now be able to go to these new stadiums?”
Edmilson Silva, director of GFC grantee Consciência, Liberdade, Atitude e Movimento, echoed Ricardo’s thoughts.
“These are improvements for the foreigners to see,” Edmilson explained, speaking of the stadium and airport renovations. “Our hospitals, schools, streets, and security are some of the worst in the world. In my community, Monjolos, we lack basic sanitation and various other necessities.”
He also pointed out that school activities have been canceled because of the World Cup, so children are missing out on their studies.
But Edmilson’s love for the game remains strong. “When the Brazilian team is playing, the heart goes up to your mouth,” he said.
The director of GFC grantee Diaspora Solidaria, Francisco Silva, also reflected on the power of the sport to bring his country together, despite the controversies.
“Even with the protests happening in our country’s big cities, the advantages of the cup is that the people get euphoric and the families get together with friends to watch the games and celebrate the possible victories,” he said.
“There is spontaneous camaraderie among the people in our community when the World Cup is happening,” Francisco added. “It is when everyone forgets of the existing problems and the focus is only football.”
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About GFC’s Grantees
When the World Cup ends this coming Sunday, the tourists will go home, the media will depart, and the spotlight on Brazil will go dark—but GFC’s grantees will remain, continuing their important work serving children and youth in their communities.
Consciência, Liberdade, Atitude e Movimento
Through its programs, CLAM encourages youth from the Monjolos neighborhood in the city of São Gonçalo to choose a lifestyle free from violence and drug use. With a strong musical focus in all its activities, CLAM runs four main programs: a hip-hop program, psychosocial support, tutoring, and cultural activities.
Diaspora Solidaria
Diaspora Solidaria provides youth in the city of Arempebe with a safe space to speak their minds and receive support, guidance, resources, knowledge, and care. The United Brothers and African Dance programs specifically target at-risk Afro-Brazilian youth and young adults to help ensure a successful transition into adulthood.
Onda Solidaria
Onda Solidaria works directly with four favelas and two rural communities in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Geraisand, offering activities such as gender-inclusive sports, job skills training, and environmental education workshops for children and youth.
The Global Fund For Children
