About

We want to:

• Give HOPE to hurting children, broken families and those who feel forgotten.
• Provide education (Prevention from human trafficking, basic learning, sustainability, sports and the arts.)
• Provide identity and a sense of belonging. (Many in the favela slums do not have access to identification papers.)
• Provide aid for those living in poverty. (Housing in the favelas are made from bricks, scraps, and garbage. Crime and disease is high and most favelas don't have sewage systems.)

Our name, Passport 2 Freedom stems from learning that many children born in the favela slums do not have identification papers. We believe that every child should have the right to be protected, and know who they are.

Our Program Leaders

Our program is ran by our dedicated leaders Pedro and Nadia Barbazza. They have been working for over 20 years in the favela's on community development. P2F understands clearly the importance of investing in sustainable programs that create independence and growth for the families and children in the favela's rather than investing in activities that in long term perspectives do create a dependence on the structure and resources of a NGO.

The program consists of many different aspects: Education, arts, sports, helping residents in the favela's obtain identification papers, running recycling projects to help favela residents understand the importance of re-using materials. The recycling program also provides jobs for the residents.

Child rehabilitation is in the center of our work strategy and our primary focus is on the individual (Physical, Intellectual and Social Development).
Rehabilitation and development is a planned evolution of all aspects of community well-being that brings improved life quality to the members based on change. We realize that more, bigger, richer or faster is not always better. Real development always means transformation. It always means more justice. But how can a community become just when it's roots are not stemmed in justice? How can life quality, peace, dignity and equality grow in our communities when injustice, gender inequality, irresponsibility are the roots? Where citizenship for the poor means only duties but no rights and where justice can be bought?
Transformation can only happen based on values and principles that are just. It means that the community has to understand it's rights and it's duties based on education, health, gender equality, protection and human rights. Once the favela residents understand their rights and duties toward their own communities, growth and transformation will happen. Change includes initiatives, courage to change from an individual to a collective point of view. It always includes an increase of responsibility as a key value to build on. It always means a positive look towards the surrounding and transformation as an outcome of learning and growing through the diversity. It always means a pro-active community. Only when the community understands this responsibility, sustainable change and transformation is possible.

Staff:

Hanne H Fellers (Founder)
LaTianna Williams (treasurer/staff)
Kelly King (advisor/artist)
Rohini Sen (artist/creative marketing)
Bianca Miraglia (photography/graphic design)
Sasha Stark (Photography/advisor)
Katharine Smith (secretary)
Vanessa Caldera (volunteer)