Let's be honest, the media has been quite nit picky about Rio de Janeiro ever since it got the Olympic bid. Sure, we had a little issue a couple months ago that was quite dramatic and upsetting. Yes, we have some stuff to work on. But really, it was good to see a pause in the Debbie Downers.
Brazil has a lot of poverty but people are trying to do something about it. Could they do more? Of course they could. But when couldn't people do more.
Bolsa Familia is something I really support. For those of you who don't want to read the article (but you should because it is a good read), bolsa familia is basically the government giving out some money to the poor.
Before you go and get all 'teach a man to fish' on me, give me a minute. We are talking really poor families here. And this program is not handing over bundles of money or anything. It's more or less $40 per family per month, plus an addition $16 or so for kids under 16 in school.
This is nothing you say. Well, every little bit helps and it's very true in this situation. Add to it that, to get this money, the family must get regular medical check ups and their kids have to go to school. I bet you see the sneaky plan now, don't ya!
They are breaking the cycle here! Or trying to anyway. Kids are staying in school longer and people are learning about better nutrition. My only suggestion is that they offer an additional $10 for each year a child stays in school after middle school. Give that extra incentive to get the kids through high school.
I bet a bunch of you out there have a thought or two on this one. I have heard that politicians do this to buy elections. I really don't care why if people are getting some help. And I'm sure that some of you will consider me naive. Am I ? What are your thoughts on the program?
