Tag Archive for: Poverty In Brazil

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Floods in Brazil: Avoiding Another Disaster

floods in brazilThe 2024 floods in Brazil, specifically in Rio Grande do Sul were considered the worst natural disaster in the region’s history. Heavy rain started to pour in April 2024 and did not stop for 10 days, overwhelming the basins of the Taquari, Caí, Pardo, Jacuí, Sinos, and Gravataí rivers. The water eventually overflowed as it reached the cities and ravaged several municipalities in Porto Alegre.

Floods in Brazil

Several neighborhoods and communities in the Rio Grande do Sul had been completely submerged in two weeks. People lost their homes, jobs, possessions, and loved ones, having to find shelter in churches and stadiums or, in the case of more vulnerable communities, under boats and cars. Around 163 people died, almost 600,000 were displaced and more than 65,000 were in shelters.

A recent study by the Metropolis Observatory showed that poorer families were the most affected by the floods in Brazil as they were struggling to rebuild themselves. Neighborhoods like Humaitá, in which the majority of the population earned a minimum wage, suffered the most. Similarly, in the Delta do Jacuí islands, 200 people had to improvise shelter in tents, cars, and under bridges. Floods have always been common in the city and have always affected the low-income population the most.

Volunteers

Alexandre da Silva, who volunteered in Porto Alegre’s shelters, said that it looked like a “war scene.”

“There was a lot of water. There were many volunteers with boats and helicopters—the rescues were non-stop. Hospitals [were full of] with people suffering from hypothermia, fainting and [those] who had ingested a lot of water.”

Overnight, residents from Porto Alegre found themselves in poverty. The unemployment rate could rise from 5.3% to 6.1%, and the investment needed to rebuild the city could cost billions of dollars. Specialists state that, despite a trend of impoverishment in the region, the extent is uncertain.

“People lost their jobs and did not get any compensation. They lost their houses and had no place to stay; they left with just the clothes on their backs because the flood was very fast. Imagine you are in your house and suddenly it starts flooding. Within three hours, the water had taken over”, declared Alexandre.

People Helping

The disaster quickly reached social media as people detailed their stories and asked for any sort of help. What was expected to be a small movement mobilized the entire country. At the time, the most popular content creator was the make-up artist Camila Pudim. In response to the floods and her new-found success, she posted on TikTok to encourage people to donate to Rio Grande do Sul. The video amounted to more than 90 million views, and several other creators followed in her footsteps, promising to donate their content’s revenues to the cause.

The previous 70,000 people in shelters fell to 1,800 by November 2024 in a continuous decline, and efforts are still ongoing towards the complete restructuring of the cities. The Brazilian government has recently authorized the budget to reconstruct 7,500 houses and the regional authorities have allocated 212 temporary residences aimed at providing homes to those awaiting definite housing.

Solidarity Campaign

Additionally, System Fiep organized the Solidarity Campaign, which continues working towards supporting the flood’s victims. Since its beginning in May, it has raised more than 65 tons of donations among them water bottles, food, clothing, bedding, hygiene products, cleaning products and toys.

The state is now implementing a new strategy, “Plano Rio Grande”, for reconstruction, adaptation, and climate resilience – allocating around 2.2 billion reais to the project. The actions taken include the transfers from the Civil Defense to the affected municipalities (which amount to a total of R$148 million), resources for the reconstruction of roads (R$117.7 million), the Volta por Cima social program, which allocated R$251.2 million to homeless and displaced families, and a program for dredging small rivers and streams (R$300 million).

Corporations Involving

SLC Institute, an organization within the agricultural business, helped with equipment, logistics, fundraising, and by donating R$ 500,000 to the Food Bank, an aid campaign. Renner, one of the most popular fast-fashion companies in Brazil, funded boat rentals that, according to its own Public Relations team, made 900 rescues in Porto Alegre and surrounding metropolitan areas. CMPC, a major player in the forest sector, also used trucks, helicopters, and backhoe loaders to assist in rescuing people and animals.

In addition, when combining the efforts, donations from the former and latter organizations summed up to 80,000 pieces of clothing, 75,000 liters of water, 5,000 bedsheets and towels, 14,000 blankets, 14,000 hygiene items, 15 tons of food, 4,000 food bank parcels, dozens of chemical toilets, and 750 mattresses destined to shelters.

– Beatriz Cicci

Beatriz is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Solving the Illiteracy Crisis in Brazil

Illiteracy in BrazilIn a study conducted by Anísio Teixeira National Institute for Educational Studies and Research (INEP), the results from 2021’s National Learning Assessment showed that about 56% of Brazilian students were not literate. Illiteracy in Brazil has become a concerning issue as literacy is a key skill that can facilitate higher education, higher-paying jobs and, in general, an escape from poverty. Nevertheless, there are areas of deprivation in Brazil where education is not as comprehensive as it could be. 

Furthermore, because of the pandemic, which started in 2020, schools in Brazil have been struggling to help their students get up to speed after some years of intermittent attendance. Brazilian schools sometimes suffer from resource scarcity, creating educational inequality. Pupils of schools that benefit from more wealth and allocation of funds generally receive better results than schools with fewer resources, often situated in more deprived areas. 

Though this is typically the case, educators also make do with what they have. All schools have the opportunity to get good results. However, inequality poses a challenge to achieving total literacy in Brazil. 

Adult Illiteracy in Brazil

One issue that is globally prevalent is functional illiteracy. This differs from “absolute” illiteracy in that, while someone may be able to read, they struggle to interpret the information or to read between the lines. The Brazilian Geographical and Statistics Institute (IBGE) states that not finishing 4th grade schooling is one of Brazil’s most significant indicators of adult functional illiteracy.

This means that those who complete at least the 4th grade or equivalent have a much better chance of being functionally literate, a key to being a productive citizen who can contribute even more to the greater society. Nevertheless, in one study, 8% of Brazilians aged 15-64 were not able to read or write, making them absolutely illiterate. Absolute illiteracy in Brazil is a significant factor that contributes to social exclusion and generally worse outcomes in life. Thus, this needs to be addressed urgently. 

The Brazilian Government’s Promise to Reduce Illiteracy

The Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC) has begun to support the ongoing effort to increase children’s literacy using various approaches. These approaches range from funding scholarship programs to providing educators nationwide with additional resources to capacitate students to read and write entirely. The promise intends to get all children to be literate upon completing 2nd grade. 

The MEC can achieve its goal by working with a wide variety of professionals working in the educational sphere, from teachers to experts in universities and municipal representatives.

Lemann Foundation

Supporting the work done by the government to eradicate illiteracy in Brazil, the Lemann Foundation is a charity based in Brazil that aims to reduce the vast inequality by making sure all children can read by the 3rd grade. Its work includes supporting initiatives with partnerships in the third sector that strive for equality, especially for those with illiteracy in Brazil. 

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), there are 754 million illiterate adults worldwide, nearly 10% of the population. Despite this, reading is an essential skill in almost all the most desirable jobs. Literacy opens doors to better education, career and critical thinking. Therefore, it is equally vital that illiteracy is eradicated so that poverty can also be eliminated. With that said, illiteracy in Brazil is part of a worldwide cause for concern about literacy inequality.

– Callum Bennett

Callum is based in Colchester, Essex, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

Global Alliance Against Hunger and PovertyIn 2023, about 750 million people faced hunger globally and emergency levels of food insecurity reached a five-year high due to climate change, conflict and economic pressures. In 2024, the United Kingdom (U.K.) joined Brazil’s Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, announcing new investments in global food security.

At the annual G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024, representatives from 19 countries gathered to address global challenges. While the summit originally focused on macroeconomic issues affecting their respective nations, its agenda has expanded to include sustainable development, health, trade, climate change and anti-corruption efforts.

Key Goals and Objectives of the Alliance

Brazil’s G20 presidency proposed the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, with its finalization and launch following the 2024 summit. The Alliance’s founding documents acknowledge previous efforts to address hunger and poverty but emphasize the multidimensional impact poverty has on children and adults, creating a cycle that requires effective intervention, with a focus on country-level policy action and knowledge sharing.

The Alliance identifies eradicating all forms of poverty as “the greatest global challenge” and reminds governments that social protection is a universal right and a key component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Its primary goals include increasing funding for household and government initiatives, raising awareness of poverty’s effects and solutions and integrating sustainable agricultural development into the fight against hunger and poverty. The push for countries to address these ongoing issues stems from slowing progress toward the 2030 targets.

The Alliance projects that 622 million people will still live in extreme poverty by 2030—nearly double the targeted number. To tackle this, it plans to match countries’ needs with donors and technical support, helping fund and implement solutions to hunger and poverty.

The UK’s role in the Alliance

The 2024 G20 Summit marked Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first appearance, where he expressed admiration for Brazil, stating, “Your culture and your commitment to working people, more than just their right to be free from exploitation, but their right to be lifted, to enjoy greater opportunities and to enjoy life.” Aligning with the Alliance’s goals, the U.K. joined as a founding member and now serves on its Board of Champions to fight hunger and poverty.

The U.K. has announced a £70 million support package to tackle food insecurity and climate challenges. This includes up to £50 million for the new Resilience and Adaptation Fund, which will help food-insecure countries like Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Chad develop sustainable agriculture to strengthen food resources amid changing or extreme weather. An additional £25.5 million will support Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusinesses, focusing on protecting rural communities and agriculture-dependent populations from the effects of climate change.

At the summit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the U.K.’s commitment to “delivering practical support for communities to keep food on the table.” Indeed, these funds align with that promise as the U.K. and the Alliance advance proposals and projects to reduce global hunger and poverty.

Looking Ahead

The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty seeks to drive meaningful progress in eradicating food insecurity and extreme poverty worldwide. Furthermore, by uniting nations, mobilizing funding and prioritizing sustainable agricultural solutions, the Alliance aims to support communities most affected by economic and climate pressures. With renewed commitments and collaborative efforts, the initiative offers a path toward building resilience and improving livelihoods for millions globally.

– Caitlin Mulholland

Caitlin is based in Lymington, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Indigenous Poverty in Brazil: How Has it Improved?

indigenous poverty in brazilAccording to 2022 Statista data, Indigenous poverty in Brazil stands at a rate of 33.2%. This number has declined since 2005 when Indigenous poverty saw a rate of 48.8%. Much of this has to do with government action and cooperation.

Brazil and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

According to 2022 data, Brazil is home to close to 1.7 million people of Indigenous descent, only making up 0.83% of the population. In recent years, the relationship between the government of Brazil and the Indigenous populations has become a topic of conversation. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is the current president of Brazil. He is also a past president of Brazil; he was Brazil’s president from 2003 to 2011.

President Lula’s current administration has the same goals as his previous administration. In the past, much of the focus of his presidency was that of reforming social security, enhancing educational opportunities, particularly for poor individuals, pension, tax policies and combating hunger and poverty. In his time as president before, he would combat poverty in Brazil through three main motions: providing aid to farmers, improving labour and reform pensions, and providing cash-transfer programs to the poor. Much of the work he did back then has been maintained.

Aid for farmers is as much of an issue now as it was in the early 2000s. According to the World Bank, as of November 2024, the World Bank Board of Directors approved the Transforming Brazil’s Agrifood System program. It aims to improve the national agriculture system by supporting farmers and increasing productivity, along with expanding access to markets. With a total budget of $1.6 billion, it could benefit close to 421,000 farmers and over 1.2 million people living in rural Brazil.

Bolsa Familia

Cash transfer programs are still in place in the country. The Brazilian Cash Transfer Program, known as Bolsa Família, is “the largest conditional cash-transfer program in the world” as of 2020. The program has a goal of eradicating poverty and stabilizing food accessibility. It assists 13 million families, totalling about 50 million people.

The program requires families to commit to keeping their children in school and providing them adequate health care, like regular health checks, to obtain the funds. The funds are equal to about $35. About 94% of the funds go to the poorest 40% of the population, according to the World Bank. Evidence shows that people use money for food, clothes and school supplies.

Indigenous Relations with the Brazilian Government

Since the beginning of President Lula’s administration in his previous presidency and now, he has focused on reducing Indigenous poverty in Brazil.

Relations between Indigenous peoples and the government of Brazil have improved since Lula’s creation of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples. Sônia Guajajara became the minister of the program. Guajajara is currently leading the fight over land rights for Indigenous peoples in the country of Brazil. She came from poverty, just as President Lula himself did.

Guajajara has done extensive work trying to make sure that Indigenous voices are heard within the government. She is a member of four different organizations aimed at uplifting the Indigenous population within the country. In 2018, she was a candidate for vice president. TIME magazine named her one of the most influential people in the world in 2022.

Indigenous poverty in Brazil is being targeted through sustainable projects in villages throughout Brazil. As of 2022, the country has invested around R$30 million in rural production, agricultural machinery, technical training and fishing. Internet accessibility has also improved in Indigenous communities through the WI-Fi Brazil Program. The program has led to the installation of 197 internet points in Indigenous communities throughout the country.

Decreasing Steadily

Since 2005, Indigenous poverty in Brazil has decreased steadily, with a short uptick due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2005, the poverty rate was at nearly 50%. Currently, the poverty rate for Indigenous communities stands at 33.2%. Due to President Lula and his fervour to eradicate poverty within the country, that number is where it is.

– Maya Renfro

Maya is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Strengthening Education in Brazil

Strengthening the Education System in BrazilBrazil, South America’s largest country with a population of 216.4 million, shows mixed results in education. Student performance declined in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Despite this, illiteracy rates dropped from 6.1% in 2019 to 5.6% in 2022, indicating some improvement in basic education. The country is experiencing increased outbound student mobility, driven by rising tertiary enrollments. Projections suggest Brazil will rank among the top five nations globally for total tertiary enrollments by 2035 despite an aging population. To address these ongoing challenges, the OECD and other organizations are collaborating to enhance Brazil’s education system.

Brazil’s Education System and Socioeconomic Progress

Education in Brazil is a guaranteed social right under the Federal Constitution, providing free public access at all levels. The education system is divided into basic and higher education. Basic education encompasses early childhood, primary and lower secondary and upper secondary education. Compulsory education begins at age 4 with pre-school and continues for 14 years through the end of upper secondary education. Historically, Brazil’s economic growth has benefited from favorable demographics and robust commodity prices. This growth, coupled with specific policies, has significantly improved living standards. Between 2003 and 2014, these efforts lifted more than 29 million people out of poverty, reduced child mortality by 73% from 1990 to 2011 and broadened access to basic education.

OECD’s 5 Steps to Strengthen Brazil’s Education System

  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Brazil’s Educational Funding. COVID-19 significantly affected Brazil’s economy, resulting in reduced education spending. The OECD criticizes the rigidity of this funding, which merely satisfies spending requirements without addressing effectiveness. The organization recommends a more flexible, outcome-focused approach to funding. According to the OECD, increased investment in education would substantially improve the quality of education that students receive.
  2. Enhancing the Teaching Profession in Brazil. To enhance Brazil’s education system, the OECD recommends upgrading the teaching profession. This upgrade should include better salaries, career progression and working conditions for teachers. The organization also suggests that new teachers pass a licensing test and receive induction support during their early years to ensure they have adequate training.
  3. Improving Teacher Effectiveness and Student Outcomes. Boosting student outcomes involves enhancing teachers’ effectiveness in the classroom. This could include proper teacher training and skill improvements in areas such as classroom management. Providing incentives, such as promotions and performance-based payments, can also motivate teachers.
  4. Creating a Positive School Environment. There is a need for improvement in handling bullying and harassment on school grounds, with appropriate punishments for offenders. Schools should strive to create a positive environment for both students and teachers to improve well-being and learning outcomes, reducing the risk of dropouts.
  5. Supporting Disadvantaged Students and Preventing Dropouts. Disadvantaged students should receive continuous support from early childhood education until they complete their education. To address dropouts, teachers should focus on supporting the weakest and least motivated students, possibly through individual teaching and tutoring. Students at risk should also receive additional funding and support to remain in education.

Looking Ahead

Brazil’s commitment to advancing its education system reflects the country’s efforts to prepare for future socioeconomic challenges. Prioritizing innovation, equity and effective resource allocation can potentially address long-standing disparities in education. By fostering collaborative partnerships and emphasizing strategic improvements in education, Brazil aims to create opportunities for all students, supporting both national development and individual growth.

– Indira Smith

Indira is based in Manchester and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Barriers to Cancer Treatment in Brazil

Cancer Treatment in BrazilAccess to health care in Brazil is fraught with challenges, particularly for cancer treatment, which remains difficult to obtain for many, especially the country’s most impoverished and marginalized populations. Millions of Brazilians live in favelas, where overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure complicate the delivery of health care and the maintenance of sanitary conditions. Similarly, those in remote areas often face lengthy and costly journeys to reach health care facilities for essential treatments. Although Brazilian law mandates that cancer treatment must begin within 60 days of diagnosis, research reveals a stark gap between policy and reality—60.11% of women living with breast cancer patients are still unable to start treatment within this time frame.

While various organizations are working to improve access to life-saving cancer care for all Brazilians, treatment centers remain concentrated primarily in the southern and northeastern regions of the country. This geographic disparity poses significant challenges for those living in more remote areas, particularly in the Northeast and Central-West regions, where health care infrastructure is less developed. As a result, many patients from these regions face the added burden of traveling outside their municipalities to attend appointments and receive necessary treatments.

Interregional Disparities

Significant disparities in cancer treatment access exist across Brazil’s regions and states, with treatment generally more accessible in the wealthier southern states than in the North or Northeast. This disparity aligns with regional economic conditions: the five richest states are located in the Southeast and West, while the five most impoverished are in the Northeast.

More than half of cancer patients in the Northeast and West regions have to travel outside of their home municipality to receive treatment. For patients in more vulnerable areas, this presents a formidable barrier; many lack personal transportation or funds for public transit, making access to care prohibitively difficult. These logistical and financial challenges can have dire consequences—when patients cannot reach treatment centers promptly, they risk worsening health outcomes or even death due to delayed care.

Poverty

Poverty, along with factors such as race and household position, significantly influences whether a woman with breast cancer in Brazil can access the necessary treatment. There is a clear need for broader access to breast cancer care across the country. Research has shown that factors like age, wealth, location and race all play a role in determining how quickly women receive treatment.

In particular, vulnerable, nonwhite women from the Northeast are disproportionately affected, facing greater barriers to care compared to their wealthier counterparts. These socioeconomic and racial disparities mean that poverty remains one of the primary obstacles preventing underprivileged Brazilian women from seeking or receiving timely treatment for breast cancer.

Geographic and Infrastructural Barriers

Indigenous Brazilians face numerous challenges that exacerbate their health outcomes, including living in remote areas with limited access to nearby health care facilities or educational institutions. These geographic and infrastructural barriers, coupled with their overrepresentation in poverty statistics, make it difficult for many Indigenous groups to access cancer treatment. This disparity is starkly reflected in health statistics. Indigenous men from Goiás in the Midwest, for example, are twice as likely to die from liver, stomach and colorectal cancers compared to the general population. Similarly, Indigenous women from the same region are 30% more likely to die from cervical, stomach or liver cancer.

Fundação Laço Rosa

In Brazil, numerous campaigns aim to raise awareness about cancer risks and advocate for patients’ rights, with organizations like Fundação Laço Rosa playing a crucial role. This nonprofit supports breast cancer patients through educational and empowering initiatives. It runs campaigns that educate underprivileged women about their rights as breast cancer patients, providing valuable information on navigating treatment and health care systems. 

Additionally, Fundação Laço Rosa offers support through acts of kindness, such as donating wigs to women undergoing chemotherapy, helping restore their dignity and confidence during a challenging time. Fundação do Câncer is also responsible for many educational campaigns that aim to educate people on preventing cancer. Some of these campaigns include showcasing the dangers of vaping and awareness of multiple types of cancer, such as skin and breast cancer.

Conclusion

Access to cancer treatment in Brazil remains a critical challenge, exacerbated by regional disparities, socioeconomic inequality and racial barriers. While efforts by organizations like Fundação Laço Rosa provide much-needed support, significant gaps persist, particularly for marginalized groups such as women in poverty and Indigenous communities. Greater investment in health care infrastructure, transportation and equitable policies is essential to ensure that all Brazilians, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, can access timely and life-saving cancer care.

– Callum Bennett

Callum is based in Colchester, Essex, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Brazil’s Waste-to-Energy Conversion Systems

Brazil's waste-to-energy conversionBrazil is making significant strides in waste-to-energy technology, which turns waste into energy and addresses both urban waste management and renewable energy demands. Cities like São Paulo, Curitiba and Rio de Janeiro are leading the way, implementing projects that transform organic waste, sewage, and landfill gases into biogas and ultimately electricity. These waste-to-energy systems help keep cities clean and provide renewable power, reinforcing Brazil’s commitment to sustainability and urban development.

Urban Waste as an Energy Source

With rapid urbanization and increased consumption, Brazil faces mounting waste disposal challenges. The nation produces approximately 79 million tons of waste annually and managing this output has long been a complex issue. While traditional landfills have been the mainstay for waste disposal, they come with environmental costs, such as methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Recognizing this, Brazil has started investing in waste-to-energy projects, using organic waste and other municipal refuse to generate clean, renewable energy.

These waste-to-energy projects follow a relatively simple process. Organic waste, which includes everything from food scraps to sewage sludge, undergoes anaerobic digestion—a process where microorganisms break down waste in an oxygen-free environment, according to Global Recycling. This decomposition releases biogas, a combination of methane and carbon dioxide, which can be converted into electricity. By transforming waste into energy, Brazil not only diverts a substantial amount of refuse from landfills but also reduces its carbon footprint.

Landmark Projects Leading the Way

In São Paulo, one of Brazil’s largest and most densely populated cities, a pioneering waste-to-energy plant exemplifies the potential of the Brazil waste-to-energy conversion system. This facility transforms various organic waste types, such as food scraps and biodegradable materials, into biogas, Global Recycling reports. This biogas is then distributed locally, helping reduce waste and reliance on fossil fuels. São Paulo’s waste-to-energy project underscores the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and urban resilience, offering a model for other cities to follow.

Curitiba, known for its eco-friendly efforts, has launched a large-scale composting project that further enhances Brazil’s waste-to-energy conversion strategies. This project primarily turns organic waste into compost for agriculture and green spaces, yet it also captures methane for modest energy production, showcasing that diverse approaches can strengthen Brazil’s waste-to-energy conversion efforts.

Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro is making headway with biogas initiatives aimed at capturing landfill gases. The city’s main landfill, the Seropédica Landfill, is one of Latin America’s largest and includes a biogas recovery system that extracts methane emissions and converts them into energy. Rio’s biogas initiatives provide enough electricity to power thousands of households, highlighting waste-to-energy’s potential to meet urban energy needs sustainably.

Economic and Environmental Impact

These projects represent more than just waste disposal solutions—they contribute to economic growth and energy security. By tapping into waste-to-energy technologies, Brazil can reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, foster local employment in green technology, and promote innovation in renewable energy. The environmental benefits are equally substantial, as waste-to-energy systems drastically reduce methane emissions from organic waste, a critical factor in the fight against climate change.

Moreover, the success of Brazil’s waste-to-energy conversion initiatives could encourage other Latin American countries to explore similar strategies. Brazil has become a regional leader in green energy solutions, showing that waste-to-energy systems can be both economically viable and environmentally beneficial. This leadership extends beyond borders as Brazil collaborates with international organizations to improve its waste-to-energy capabilities, drawing on global expertise to optimize local projects.

A Sustainable Future for Brazil

Brazil’s commitment to waste-to-energy conversion solutions showcases the country’s forward-thinking approach to sustainability. By converting waste into energy, Brazilian cities are cleaning up their streets, reducing emissions, and powering communities—all while supporting a circular economy. As these projects expand, Brazil is not only addressing today’s waste and energy challenges but also paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

– Laila Alaya

Laila is based in Abuja, Nigeria and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Sawré Muybu: A Landmark Win for Indigenous Peoples in Brazil

Sawré MuybuIn 2022, the Statista Research Department reported that 33.2% of Indigenous peoples in Brazil live below the poverty line, subsisting on less than $2.15 a day. This statistic highlights the many systemic barriers that Indigenous communities in Brazil face. Among the most pressing is the ongoing encroachment on Indigenous lands: miners and loggers increased their invasions from 109 in 2018 to 305 in 2021.

These incursions threaten the livelihoods of Indigenous communities who rely on the land for farming, fishing and hunting. One egregious example of the detrimental effects of these invasions is the use of toxic mercury by gold miners to extract gold. This contaminates rivers and endangers both community health and cultural traditions like fishing. Furthermore, the resulting food scarcity and deforestation have driven many Indigenous people to relocate to cities, where they face discrimination and have limited access to health care.

Conflict Over Sawré Muybu

Within the heart of the Amazon lies the Sawré Muybu, an Indigenous land inhabited by the Munduruku people for generations. Rich in diverse plant and animal life, safeguarding this land is essential to preserving an ancestral way of life that connects deeply to the forest and is grounded in cultural and spiritual harmony. However, frequent land invasions by miners and loggers threaten the Munduruku people’s livelihoods and their ability to sustain this ancestral way of life. Leaders of the Munduruku community have endured violence and death threats for defending their territory, highlighting the severe risks they take to protect their land and heritage.

Demarcation establishes the legal process of officially defining and protecting Indigenous lands, creating clear boundaries to recognize and safeguard the rights of Indigenous communities to their ancestral territories. This process is crucial for preventing incursions by external parties, such as miners and loggers and preserving Indigenous livelihoods and culture. The demarcation process for the Sawré Muybu territory began in 2007 but saw long delays due to the economic sway of the mining industry in the region.

In 2014, the Munduruku people took control by self-demarcating their land, marking its borders and driving out intruders. This act carried significant political weight and inspired other Indigenous communities across Brazil to assert their rights in similar ways.

The Demarcation of the Sawré Muybu Territory

On September 25, 2024, Brazil’s Minister of Justice officially decreed the demarcation of the Sawré Muybu territory, achieving a major victory for Indigenous peoples in Brazil. This 17-year struggle for the Munduruku’s ancestral land highlights the power of solidarity and persistent advocacy in influencing political decisions on Indigenous rights. With this demarcation, incursions on the land are now illegal, placing a duty on the government to enforce the decree, remove land invaders and prevent any acts of violent retaliation.

The Path Ahead for Indigenous Rights

This victory marks a pivotal step toward Indigenous dignity and rights amid the numerous pressures affecting Indigenous peoples in Brazil. Indeed, it stands not only as a landmark in the fight for land rights but also as a triumph for human rights, poverty reduction and environmental preservation. Furthermore, it demonstrates that Indigenous voices possess strength—and, if ignored, will find ways to be heard.

Chief Juarez Saw of Sawré Muybu village aptly expressed this sentiment upon the decree’s signing: “Yesterday was a victory for all of us who depend on the forest, which means the whole world. For forest defenders, the minister’s signature was very important in helping us to guarantee the preservation of nature and the standing forest. When I speak of our victory, I speak of our collective victory.”

– William Pickering

William is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Brazil

Charities Operating in BrazilBrazil, the largest nation in South America, boasts a population of more than 200 million and a GDP of more than $2 trillion. However, despite such a promising economy, it remains an extremely unequal nation in terms of income, with Oxfam citing that the richest 5% of the country have as much income as the remaining 95%. Factors such as lack of access to housing or education have only served to widen the gap between rich and poor. Poverty disproportionately affects women, Afro-Brazilians and Indigenous communities due to wage inequality. Here are five charities operating in Brazil that work to combat the various social problems facing the country.

The Lemann Foundation

Limited access to education is a problem that affects a significant proportion of Brazil’s population; 48% of the nation’s children reach age 10 without ability to read, whilst total illiteracy rates reach as high as 80% in the most deprived areas. The Lemann Foundation combats “learning poverty” by working to ensure children and young people in Brazil have access to high-quality education. It collaborates with more than 15,000 schools, provides teachers and local governments with relevant resources and helps produce online learning material to ensure those in deprived areas are still able to achieve strong academic qualifications. The Lemann Foundation also notes the particular educational exclusion of Indigenous and Afro-Brazilian communities and stresses the importance of quality education in building a progressive and equal society.

The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)

Founded in 1960 as the official aid department of the English and Welsh Catholic Church, CAFOD’s work in Brazil focuses on providing aid to those dealing with homelessness in São Paulo, the country’s most populous city. With an estimated homeless population of up to 50,000 in 2023, the number of residents sleeping rough has increased by 31% since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CAFOD combats this by supporting those living in unsanitary housing conditions by ensuring they have access to clean water and basic health care. It also recognises the disproportionate impact poverty has on Indigenous groups in Brazil, so works to ensure these groups have access to education and employment opportunities.

The Favela Foundation

Favelas are slums or impoverished areas often located on the outskirts of Brazil’s larger cities. The Favela Foundation is one of the charities operating in Brazil that focuses its support on the residents of these neighborhoods. The organization raises money for local NGOs that provide educational opportunities such as English lessons, as speaking English can often ensure access to better employment.

Revive International

Founded in 2012, Revive is one of the charities operating in Brazil that works in the North East of the country, focusing on supporting children who have been victims of abuse or trafficking. As poverty and homelessness put young people more at risk of exploitation, Reviva runs safe houses for those in unsafe domestic conditions, alongside a fostering service for younger children to ensure they receive a safe upbringing.

ActionAid

This U.K.-based charity has been working in Brazil for more than 25 years and supports a wide range of communities and initiatives across the country. The organization’s principal goal is the support and protect young girls from exploitation, for example through organizing educational services or sports activities. However, ActionAid also assists those facing other issues, such as providing resources to rural Brazilians in drought-stricken areas to ensure they can still grow food. In total, it has worked with over 300,000 people to help improve lives in the country.

Although the country faces disproportionately high levels of poverty and inequality, these charities operating in Brazil are working to improve the lives of its impoverished citizens. Both local and wide-ranging international organizations provide support within the country to support those dealing with a vast variety of issues such as homelessness, learning poverty, gender-based violence and environmental changes.

– Izzy Tompkins

Izzy is based in Leeds, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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ChildFund in Brazil

ChildFund in BrazilBrazil is one of the largest and most populated countries in South America; it has more than 200 million people within its population. Yet, Brazil scored 48.9 on the Gini index for economic inequality and a significant proportion suffers from discrimination, and income inequality and around 24% of people live below the poverty line. ChildFund is a global charity that focuses on supporting children suffering by providing education, better access to health care or improving the cleanliness of drinking water where possible.

Education and Youth

Due to the effects of COVID-19, the education system was in dire need of support, UNICEF stated that, in 2022, 2 million children from the ages of 11 to 19 had not completed basic education and had not returned after the closures from COVID-19. ChildFund in Brazil have been persistent in trying to eradicate the education system to make a more positive environment; it has started introducing awareness workshops within the community schools. Additionally, more than 12,000 young people took part in ChildFund’s “Skilled and Involved Youth” projects in 2015. The organization conducted several workshops focusing on natural disasters and violence.

There are several campaigns that ChildFund runs and networking sessions to get more young people involved in current affairs which also, opens more avenues for young people to be involved in decisions directly relating to them. ChildFund is working alongside local partners (OSPs) to encourage children to have a routine to stick to and they have several social groups that support children in several activities, such as dance and judo. OSPs have also created several play kits to support the children with art supplies and they supply the correct age-appropriate items. All of these initiatives help support the children of Brazil.

Health Care

Brazil has purposefully attempted to rebuild the health care system after the devastating disaster of COVID-19 and the government’s focus has been on achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Although there are several improvements to health care and being more available there are still shortages in public funding, suboptimal resource allocation and weaknesses in health care delivery persist. Those who are most vulnerable to these issues are children, the elderly and those with terminal illnesses; thus, ChildFund aims to improve the health care systems for children. In 2015 ChildFund in Brazil created a “Taking Care of the First Years of Life” program which has benefitted more than 8,000 children in 31 different areas in Brazil, according to its website.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was very difficult to support people physically however, ChildFund partnered with local staff who could help them connect with families virtually and provide at-home kits for caregivers and educators. It also hand-delivered food to more than 7,700 families including baby supplies such as baby cribs and clothes.

Safe Drinking Water

There have been several severe droughts in the southeastern areas of Brazil and these conditions have created a shortage in water for agriculture and clean, drinking water for people, according to ChildFund. ChildFund in Brazil has constantly worked with local partners and organizations to have a better monitoring system in place for when these events occur and in particular making sure the water quality is clean for drinking.

According to ChildFund, it collects regular samples and tests for bacteria and any other pollution and it has created a backup system to be more prepared and also, encourage others to be aware of these issues and raise awareness. The World Food Programme (WFP) Centre of Excellence against Hunger and ChildFund in Brazil signed a partnership to promote food and nutritional security for children and find solutions to fight hunger. ChildFund has always tried to defend children’s rights and they are an important asset to building sustainable solutions for children.

– Charlotte Johnston

Charlotte is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr