About the project

The name "Karanba" comes from the phrase "Caramba", a Portuguese word used to express a strong sense of surprise or to reinforce a statement. There is no equivalent word in English, but similar expressions include: “Oh my Gosh!” "Wow!" and “Darn!”.

I chose the name “Karanba” to express my strong feelings about the deeply unfair class divisions in Brazil. Caramba - what an injustice!

Brazil is rich in natural resources and has a booming economy, but unfortunately the benefits are extremely unevenly distributed. The country's poor are left to fend for themselves without access to decent housing, sanitation and healthcare, and with no hope of obtaining a worthwhile job or education.

Favela is a term used to describe the slums in Brazil. The word is derived from Morro de Favela- a mountain in Rio de Janeiro, where in the 1890s, newly freed slaves established the first favela. The favelas in Rio de Janeiro are among the poorest and most vulnerable areas in Brazil.

The 2002 film City of God, and the subsequent television series City of Men, each give a decent portrayal of the poverty, violence and desperation thriving in the slums of Rio de Janeiro.

Rio is famous for its favelas, many of which are located in the mountains surrounding wealthy neighborhoods. This creates a stark contrast in architecture and highlights the enormous gap between rich and poor.

People living in Favelas are often deprived of the simple conveniences and resources many of us take for granted, including electricity, proper sanitation and even street names. In addition, most favelas are rampant with gang and drug related violence. This generates a constant feeling of imminent danger, and only intensifies poverty and its inherent problems.

Karanba exists to provide disadvantaged youth from Rio’s favelas a chance to escape their adverse circumstances, and create opportunity for a better life. We use football as an instrument to do so.

Football ignites a passion and sense of camaraderie that brings people together. Karanba strives to use sports to strengthen and build community relationships. Scoring goals and winning matches are by no means our top priorities. Instead we focus on encouraging personal development and promoting positive attitudes.