Community development - making a real difference

Working for 3 weeks in the favela has been a fabulous way to realy help the locals and make life a little better for the kids, teenagers, their parents and the staff in charge.
We were 3 volunteers to help out Cleidy, a dynamic and wonderful woman, who runs (almost all by herself) a place that provides a safe learning place for kids. There are basic English classes, computers (without internet connexion), books to read, a room to practice samba or ballet and a court yard to play outside (in a depressing state). Throughout all activities, the key message is always "study and use birth control if you want to have a better life!"
When arriving the first day with our local coordinator Vivi, it was clear that a lot of work had to be done. While the enthusiasm of the staff and the very warm welcome were great, we were overwelmed by the limited infrastructure. We decided to take it step-by-step and make sure that walls got cleaned and painted, rooms were cleared and the court yard freshened up by plants and flowers and a friendly, huge, educational wall painting. While doing this, the kids (between 5 and 18 years of age) and the staff were most of the time around, chatting to us, helping or just observing :-)
What I liked most is the fact that we have been able to make a small contribution that realy makes a difference. Things go slow in Brazil and priorities are different in the Favela but the enthusiasm and gratitude is the best gift we could receive!