Photo of the month: October – Brazil

The picture
“They act tough, eyeing the visitors up and down with a cool glance, proudly showing the tattoos commemorating their first homicide. But in their lonely hours, these young men with bulging muscles craft little swans of blue and white paper. Are they hardened criminals or lost children of the favela? What does the future hold for these under-age youths in crowded cells? Such questions mount up within the thick walls of the detention center of Sao Luis in Brazil. So that these walls do not become the end of their journey, Tdh bets on giving a last chance: reintegration through a professional apprenticeship and detention in an open environment.

The author – Odile Meylan
After a first training as teacher and before becoming a press photographer, Odile Meylan attended a three-month course at the International Center for Photography in New York, then went to the Centre Romand in Lausanne for training as a journalist. She is employed at the daily newspaper 24heures since 2002. Working regularly for the MedAir organization, her trip to Brazil was her first photo mandate in the field for Tdh. Previously, Ms. Meylan was contracted by Tdh for photo reports concerning activities in Switzerland. See her pictures on Flickr or on SuperLocal.ch

The project – Brazil
Alternatives to the streets – Tdh helps children living in the streets to reintegrate socially. The children take part in socio-educational and artistic activities.
Perspectives for the future – the activities, the places for self-expression and individual follow-ups by Tdh strengthen and develop the children’s abilities. With improved self-confidence they are able to envisage new perspectives for the future, such as schooling or job training.
Advocacy – On one hand Tdh works directly with the children, their families and the community. On the other, Tdh lobbies the Brazilian authorities to facilitate their access to health services, education and job training.