Vila Olímpica da Maré: Preparing Champions for Progress

Front view of NGO, Vila Olimpica da Mare.

Walking into Vila Olímpica da Maré, a non-governmental organization (NGO), I mistakenly suspected it had some connection to the awaited 2016 Summer Olympics to be held in Brazil. Thankfully, upon our arrival we were told the name of this community center was a bit of a misnomer. The services and programs offered at Vila Olímpica da Maré are aimed at helping kids and community members compete not in the Olympic course, but in an athletic, educational, social and cultural road to progress.

University of Nebraska at Omaha group picture with Vila Olimpica da Mare founder, Amaro.

We had the opportunity to learn about the Vila's background, its' goals and mission from Christian, an Argentine born Brazilian. He works extensively with  Vila Olímpica da Maré. Something that really stood out in my mind was what he said about the gang presence within the community. He said that these “bad guys” survive because of the good that they do. They have survived because they served as an organizing force to help the community when the government did not even acknowledge their presence. I felt his comment was an acknowledgement of the important role gangs have played in these communities. It showed his deep understanding of the environment and respect for the community he serves.  

On the other side of the coin, Christian told us about the negotiation between the two rival gangs, found on each side of a creek that runs through the area.  They came to an agreement that the 80 thousand square meters of protected space, which is the Vila Olímpica da Maré, would be respected as neutral territory. In this way all the benefits of the services offered by the NGO could be optimal. This speaks volumes about the power of community organization and development; especially of what an organization such as this can do for a large community.

Festa Junina celebration at Vila Olimpica da Mare

We were fortunate to visit on a day the community was celebrating Festa Junina. This is a feast traditionally celebrated in the Northeast region of Brazil that is in line with Catholic tradition of celebrating Saint Peter, Saint John, and Saint Anthony. The joyful and festive Brazilian atmosphere enveloped us  to the point that it was not enough to just stand back and watch the celebration happening before us. As soon as the coordinators welcomed us to join the next dance we jumped right in. We lived a moment not so commonly experienced back home in Nebraska. We joined hands, clapped and danced and paraded in a circle to the sounds of traditional Brazilian music.

University of Nebraska at Omaha students dancing and celebrating with community at Vila Olimpica da Mare.

Espaco de Desenvolvimento Infantil (EDI)

After being culturally in tune with the Brazilian people of Mare, we walked over to visit the Space for Infant and Child Development (EDI). The EDI was recently built and inaugurated right next door to Vila Olímpica da Maré. Here they will have 250 children under the age of three which they care for and educate. They provide full care starting with feeding, changing, and grooming to social stimulation and basic developmental education. It is much like a child day care and preschool, but not one I had ever seen before. I was completely impressed with their facilities which included child-size bathrooms, sinks, showers, tables and chairs, and drinking fountains.

Brazil has a federal goal to make EDI education mandatory in the country. In this way Brazil plans to build up education for the future of its nation. In line with the federal goal, the Vila Olímpica da Maré has an aim to work with local schools and improve education in the community it serves. They work closely with local schools. Together they strive to achieve accessible quality education in their community from EDI’s to Universities. Much progress has been made and much remains to be done through Vila Olímpica da Maré. Yet, the people's resilient and hopeful spirit is sure to keep success coming.