Rebuild lives building stadiums

Within a few minutes of jump to the field next to Bebeto, who was part of the team in the 1994 world champion, to play a friendly match between representatives of FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee of Brazil, Jonathan Rodrigo, construction worker, it recognizes that I would have never thought for a moment that would form part of the preparations for the most important football tournament in the world. It is the emotion that is assumed to be of someone who just have the opportunity to play football with one of his childhood idols; in the case of Rodrigo, in addition, their words evoke a particular situation.

This young man of 25 years is one of the 60 inmates and exreos elected to work with regular personnel in six World Cup stadiums as part of the national programme of rehabilitation "Started de Novo".

Launched in October 2009 by the National Council of Justice (CNJ), this project offers participants the possibility of resuming their lives with the help of a decent job. In January 2010, he received the ultimate accolade when Local Brazil Committee Organizer 2014, the Ministry of sports and the twelve offices and their respective States signed a declaration of intent to include participants from "Novo started" in the construction of the stadiums of the world.

"The principle of the right to work of the convicts has been part of the criminal legislation of Brazil since 1984, but what did the 'Novo started' program was to institutionalize this concept and at that time were several companies that did not hesitate to join the initiative - explained Luciano Losekann, federal judge and coordinator of the Department of the CNJ responsible to control and supervise the penitentiary system in Brazil-." "With the addition of the World Cup to the program were evidently many jobs that will allow in the future restore dignity to these convicts and reintegrate them in society".

The pride of the Pantanal
It shows pride and dignity when Rodrigo describes his role in the construction of the Pantanal Cuiabá Arena, the new multi-use stadium that will host four matches of the group stage of the world.

"Working in the environmental Department - explains before thoroughly describe their work with words clear but accurate, as if it were one of the engineers in charge of the design of the ambitious plan to eliminate any emissions of carbon of the stadium-." Our goal is to save and reuse of energy, as well as reduce pollution levels. In addition, I oversee the work and often take the initiative; "I have to reduce it and pick up any residue generated for example when any engine exceeds its emission of fuel allowable,".

Rodrigo eloquence in a very technical topic realizes good the training is an essential part of the program. Since he joined the Group of companies that build sand Pantanal, the exrecluso has surpassed a training period of six months, which includes eight weeks of theoretical and practical classes as a member of the environmental team. "Then I understood what we wanted to achieve with the stadium - explains Rodrigo-." "It's a beautiful way of looking the construction."

A different prison
The builders of the stadium not only Cuiabá are example of a respectful approach to the environment, but they have also moved one step further within this programme with inmates to incorporate another social reintegration project. In May 2011, the city approved adopted the "Integrated action" initiative that offers 25 workers who have suffered imprisonment otherwise decent conditions (vocational training, adequate work, a monthly salary and accommodation): slavery.

It may seem unusual to talk about this topic today day, 124 years after the abolition of slavery in Brazil, but, according to the statistics Ministry work Brazil, were "released" more than 2 600 people in 2010 working conditions could hardly be described in another way that wasn't as slavery; Many worked in farms away in northern regions and Central-Western Brazil.

Nivaldo Inácio da Silva is one of 25 workers sand Pantanal were rescued by "Ação integrated". All picked cotton or cut cane by poor pay - or no pay-living in subhuman conditions on farms.

"I remember when we first carried the so-called housing, where there were no beds, drinking water or food - tells Inácio-." The next day we were told what would be our daily task: collect 3 600 m cotton to win eight Brazilian reales. After a week, we decided we rebel against the owner of the farm and ask for better working conditions. "Took us all to the city with 200 reales in his pocket and told us that we return home."

More than a job
Luckily for Inácio, when he and the others returned to the District of Nossa Senhora do Chumbo, 45 km west of Cuiabá, "Ação integrated" people had begun to recruit workers for the Pantanal sand. With a wife and four children who maintain, desperately seeking any work, and at the end and the place got much more than just that.

"Now I have not only work, but also one that gives good meals, good accommodation and respect my rights - joy - explained." "In addition, have given me the opportunity to realize one of my dreams: learn to read and write".

Knowing the famous passion for football in Brazil, it was clear that the FIFA ™ World Cup organization become an unforgettable moment for millions of Brazilians. However, that sometimes goes unnoticed in daily preparations for the extravaganza is how many lives are being transformed into the gestation of the great football event.

"I know that my work in the stadium of the world will end one day - says Rodrigo-". But the training and experience gained, in addition to the changes in my life, all that always accompany me. This project means more than a unique opportunity in my life. "It is the key that will open other doors in my future."