During my contact with the Guarani people, I was constantly bewildered. Many of the Guarani who sell their crafts on the roadside at night come from the tribe of approximately 400 Guarani Indians of Bracuí village in Angra dos Reis, situated approximately one hour from the coastal historic town of Paratí in the state of Rio de Janeiro; too far to get back to their village at night.For their sustainability, the Indians produce a variety of artifacts, commercializing their products along the narrow, cobbled streets in the town of Paraty. They often come to stay for shorter periods in the town to catch the busy tourist season or special events like Carnival. It is a common but sorrowful sight to see many of the Indians sleeping the nights out on the stone-paved streets after a long day in the town. Also many of the children who accompany their families on these trips end up roaming the streets begging for money and other “goodies” from the tourists to pass the long waiting hours. This is surely a trajectory in the opposite direction of what their proud ancestors had in mind but unfortunately all part of the survival game “played” by many underprivileged citizens of our society.

All Photos Copyright Children At Risk Foundation – CARF (www.carfweb.net [1])