As Brazil prepares to host the Olympic Games next year, people in Rio de Janeiro are witnessing change at a rapid pace. But in the city’s sprawling favelas, promises of rapid urbanisation and economic injections are yet to be realised.
In the lead-up to the Games, we’re hearing from Rio locals about the issues that affect them, in our Rio Voices series.
In the latest instalment, three bloggers share their diary entries of life in their communities. In Alemão, Daiene Mendes writes about pervasive gun violence and an unrelenting police presence around her home.
In Maré, Thaís Cavalcante describes the strong community bond in the favela, with food festivals, campaigning and photography exhibitions bringing people together. And in Brazil’s largest favela, Rocinha, Michel Silva describes how the Olympic hype is overshadowing ongoing violence, and questions the role of policing in the favelas.
If you live in Rio’s favelas, or have ties with them, we’d like to hear what daily life is like for you. Is your community changing because of preparations for the Olympic Games? Share your photos of what you love most about where you live, and also what you’d like to see improve.
Your contributions will help us to present a well-rounded view of life in Rio to add to photos and stories we’ve already collected from readers via GuardianWitness. Below are some of the responses we’ve received so far.
a protester in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, 2014
Welcome to Brazil
Police patrol the streets of Rio
Football in the Favela 6
Kids play in the favela streets about the sugar loaf mountain.
If you would like to contribute your photos, videos or stories, click the “Contribute with GuardianWitness” button at the top or bottom of this story. You can also submit your comment from the GuardianWitness smartphone app or the Guardian app by searching for “GuardianWitness assignments”.
-
GuardianWitness is the home of content created by Guardian readers. Share your video, pictures and stories, and browse contributions submitted by others. Posts will be reviewed prior to publication on GuardianWitness, and the best pieces will feature on the Guardian site.
