Mãe Luíza: Building Optimism

On the transformation of a favela--an urban success story on the Brazilian coast This illustrated volume documents the transformation of the favela Mãe Luíza, as an example of how to build community, create citizenship and identity, and promote initiative and participation. Alongside a story by Brazilian author Paulo Lins, short articles and essays trace the history of Mãe Luíza from the point of view of local activists, as well as invited authors from various fields. With roughly 15,000 inhabitants, Mãe Luíza, located near the ocean in the Brazilian city of Natal, is a favela with all the familiar grievances. In 1984, Italian transplant Padre Sabino Gentili founded the Centro Sócio. With community participation, the Centro created much-needed social infrastructure. After Padre Sabino's death, the Ameropa Foundation further invested in the infrastructure--efforts that culminated in the construction of a sports arena and a music school designed by Swiss architects, facilities usually lacking on the Brazilian peripheries.