In Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, vast slum areas known as favelas are often described as «cities within a city». Built by the poorest members of society, they’re made out of scrap and have their own rules. Drug gangs wield the most influence in favelas; the disadvantaged youth here are easy targets for recruitment to the cartels. To keep local children away from the violence, various clubs have been set up, some with police backing. A judo club gives the kids much needed relief. Its students are inspired by the success of Rafaela Silva, a judo gold medallist who grew up in a Rio favelas known as the «City of God». Favela children hope that following their dreams and working hard might help them build a better future.
FavelaLive
