Lazer: “Because this is my street”
The Lazer project began as a way for the new Belém city government to attack the capitalist idea that man is only work, but it also remembers that capitalism has able to use leisure as yet another way to control people. Lazer works to teach people other ways to think about work, leisure, and human nature.
The project has two parts. First, Education Department trainers give three day courses in leadership, culture, and community resources. Lazer understands that there will be little money for activities, so local leaders must learn to make do with what they have in their neighborhoods.
Once they know about the resources in their communities, educators go into the streets every Sunday with “leisure suitcases” full of board games, balls, musical instruments, or anything else that might be fun. By December of 2002, there were 1000 organizers and 20,000 participants ever weekend.
Community resources can be anything -- if there is a group of old men who play music, they’re invited to play for a dance in the plaza. Young footballers are trained as coaches for boys, girls, or the elderly. If there is a DJ in the neighborhood, Lazer can provide a sound system so she can give a concert.
The results have been superb. Fewer children become street children, because they have things to do in their own communties. Family ties become stronger, because parents and children can do more together and see each other in different lights. Young leaders feel that they are contributing, so they don’t join gangs.
Lazer
Secretaria Municipal de Educação, Coordinação de Esporte, Arte, e Lazer
Avenida Almirante Barroso 2174
Marco, Belém, PA 66060 230
91 276 3493
Contacto: Fátima Monteiro (“Macapá”), macaesport@bol.com.br
