From a tourists vision of Brazilan society and culture, there is a whirlwind blur of stereotypes….. Carnaval in Rio, dental-floss bikinis, Cachaca rum, salsa, beautiful beaches and not to forget the beautiful beach bodys. But beyond this one-dimensional mirage, as travellers our knowledge of what truly constitutes this vibrant nation is a harphazzard perception.

With approximately 150,000 residents, Rocinha is Rio de Janeiro’s drug-ridden working-class district that is buried amongst the hill sides of the elegant city. Although infrastructure is relatively developed with both electricity and cable TV available, a fundamental concern facing its impoverished youth is that joining organized crime is often the most suitable and achievable lifestyle alternative.

This leads to the question, as to whether the energy and sense of sheer hope that sparks behind these smiles, will soon fade due to the confined options society places on these children.