Casa Cruzeiro

Casa Cruzeiro is a community centre located in Providência, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The centre is situated at the top of the favela, in the shadow of a chapel described variously by historians as Oratório do Cristo Redentor (Oratory of Christ Redeemer) or Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls). Today, the chapel is better known by residents of the community simply as O Cruzeiro (The Large Cross) and it is from where the community centre gets its name.

Facilities

The centre offers those in the community an escape from the often violent and fractious social context in which they live, including:

  • A community vegetable garden where locals can plant and harvest flowers, fruit and vegetables
  • A school reinforcement program dedicated to boosting reading and writing skills as well as community awareness among young people
  • A mothers' support group aimed at helping identify and support young mothers who may need an extra helping hand
  • A football training program for children and adolescents, involving inter-community tournaments aimed at improving relations between favelas
  • Counseling, tutoring (including English lessons) and vocational preparation

Values

Casa Cruzeiro is staffed by a non-denominational group of volunteers who are passionate about serving the community. The team aim to serve not only the individuals who visit the community centre itself but also their families in the wider social context. The centre has strong links with local churches, health providers and other groups that provide additional support for those in the community.

References

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