SOCIAL PROJECTS

This section is devoted to projects that are making a difference to people around Brazil. Any interesting stories about programs or organisations having a positive influence especially in local communities is valid for being divulged here.  Many NGOs, known as ONGs in the Portuguese language (Organizacão Não Governamental) operate in the area of social services due to the lack of direct government funding. A lot of the ONGs that exist in Brazil receive support from various corporations or operate through volunteers in local communities.

The PAC (Programa de Aceleração de Crescimento) or Growth Acceleration Program is an economic plan implemented by the Brazilian government. Launched January 28, 2007, the program includes economic policies planned for the following 4 years with the objective of accelerating economic growth in Brazil as a result of a total R$503 billion of investment;  infrastructure being the priority. The R$170 billion allocated specifically for social and urban infrastructure will  be spent on housing, sewerage and public transport. A lot of the financial resources allocated as part of this plan will see their way into poor communities.

The most visible aspects of the PAC for the majority of the population will  be in large favelas where the social and urban infrastructure is currently lacking. Large urban slums in Rio de Janeiro such as Rocinha, Manguinhos and the Complexo Alemão which can be seen on the journey to Rio’s international airport, will be directly benefitted.  The Brazilian government has allocated much capital to these areas as part of the PAC to compensate for the lack of investment over many years.  Brazil’s economy is developing rapidly after waiting many years and experiencing many turbulent times struggling with hyper-inflation and unstable or corrupt governments. The PAC seeks to provide the country with modern infrastructure in an accessible and inclusive manner for citizens throughout the country, thus improving the standard of living of the poor majority.