The identity of INGOs and Vida Brasil

Today Latin America’s organisations and social movements have their origins in:

• the resistance movements of indigenous and black populations • the work of the Catholic Church • workers’ movements

• the resistance movements during the dictatorship

• globalisation…

Identity of INGOs

Poverty and injustice are not simply social problems, but racial and ethnic problems too.

Latin America’s organisations and social movements are influenced by the resistance movements of indigenous and black populations

E.g.: The quilombos, the cultural resistance Evo Morales in Bolivia…

With the exception of Cuba, all the countries are forced to adopt radical measures such as:

• Market liberalisation • Opening of foreign investments• High exchange rates• Heavy tax constraints• Privatisation of public production

enterprises and services (notably within the social sector)

Neo-liberal globlisation of the 1990s

However social benchmarks for the workers continue to worsen…

Neo-liberal policies of the 1990s

NGOs are seen by the neo-liberal regimes as capable of assuming functional costs from the State, which in turn sees its role diminishing. It is the paradigm of the third sector.

However numerous organisations, in many countries contest this role. They fight for :

• the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights

• the democratisation of democracies, through the implementation of public policy based on participation

• a new model of development

The association of VIDA BRASIL is an NGO created in 1996, in Salvador and in Fortaleza, two main cities in the north east of Brazil, a region with the highest rate of socio-economic exclusion in the country.

The Association of VIDA BRASIL

To promote and build capacity

as a means to education and participation,

of socially vulnerable and excluded groups and individuals,

contributing to the construction and development of a society which is

sustainable, inclusive and democratic.

Mission Statement

Social objectives 

1. To contribute to the reduction of inequalities, affording access to fundamental rights

2. To build the capacity of civil society organisations with whom we share the same principles, values, and objectives, ensuring the quality of actions

3. To contribute to the creation and reinforcement of public forums in order to develop and implement public policy at local, regional and national levels

4. To develop and distribute knowledge and good practice in the area of human rights

The Association of VIDA BRASIL

Public : Children, young peopleDisabled people

WomenSemi urban population

Representatives of Vida Brasil

Programme areas / Themes

1. Accessibility and disabled people's rights 2. Inclusive Education 3. Income-generating activities and solidarity trading 4. Food security / Food rights5. Consumer organisation and education 6. Capacity building of communities

An example : Accessibility Project

Projects development

Implemented by the network secretariat

COCAS Network

Accessibility project: Training

Rights and participation in political action courses

Accessibility course in the physical environment

Raising Awareness

ConferencesSeminars General public events

Campaigning activities

www.vidabrasil.org.brRua da Mouraria 74, Nazaré

Salvador – Bahia CEP 40040 – 090 BRASILsalvador@vidabrasil.org.br ( 55 – 71 ) 33 21 43 82 / 46 88

Rua Antenor Rocha Alexandre 320,Parque Manibura / Fortaleza - Ceará

CEP 60833-590 BRASILfortaleza@vidabrasil.org.br( 55 – 85 ) 32 71 38 26 / 27