Hello, I am Moises. I was born in the city of Valente, which is in the semiarid region of Bahia. I live in the Minação neighbourhood. Since I was a kid, I always had a keen interest in social causes, being an activities helper in Aurelina Lopes school. At the moment I am one of the directors of the Minação Neighbourhood Community Development Association.

Noting the absence of young people among those engaged in community activities, I helped to create the Minação Youth Group, so that the local youth could organise themselves and discuss community interests.

Most of the young people talked about some problems such as lack of jobs, courses, cultural activities within the community, the question of drugs; sports and leisure.

Based on the difficulties encountered, several cultural, sports and leisure activities were developed.

Cultural: a Community Integration Gymkhana, a Saint John Festival, an Itinerant Cinema, a game called “Solidarity Clothesline”.

On the part of sports we have: Sports Day, Soccer Classes, Handball.

We had several courses and lectures so that the young people could acquire a trade and get jobs.

Seeking to strengthen local commerce, the Minação Popular Movement was set up aimed at integrating the enterprises and making residents aware of the importance of conscious consumption and the traders themselves to help with the activities carried out.

Despite the difficulties encountered, I intend to continue encouraging young people to be helpers in events held in the neighbourhood; contributing to the development of the community itself without depending on the government.

Theory needs to be in tune with practice. Be you yourself the change you want for your neighbourhood--the youth and the community I desire.

This English translation has been possible thanks to Michael McLaughlin, an independent translator from Brazil.