Questions and Answers (February 22, 2005)

Q: [from Abigail and Mike] Do you have a wife and kids?

A: Not yet!

Q: [from Chris] What is your favourite food?

A: In Brazil, I had to like cheese, because they put it on everything.

Q: [from Jane] Do you like Brazil?

A: Yes, it is fantastic. There is so much to do and see, and the people are all so friendly and fun.

Q: [from A.B yr6] MY QUESTION IS HOW COULD WE HELP THE PEOPLE WHO ARE REALLY POOR AND WHO NEED OUR HELP?

A: ActionAid have local projects in communities that suffer from poverty and marginalization. The projects are run through local partner organizations, who really know and understand what help is needed – they do not try and push ideas onto the community, but enable the community to help themselves.

It is a massive task to help the people, especially as there are so many poor people in Brazil. But with local projects directly helping people on the ground, combined with larger-scale political lobbying, positive changes can be made.

Q: [from Roecroft Lower School Year 4] What do the children do for fun?

A: The children in Rio are very lucky because they are surrounded by the sea. Many people go to the beach and enjoy the sun and sand.

Of course, some kids are not so lucky as they come from the slums – often they are not allowed down to the beaches. But they have many ways to have fun – they play many games, including football, fly kites, and most other things kids do!

Q: [from Jonathan] Where do you live?

A: I normally live in Devon and London in the UK, but in Rio I lived up on a hill called Santa Teresa. Apparently it is the artistic district, which is safe and a lovely place to live and socialize. It has an old tram that you can jump on and off – I take it to work, and if you stand on the sides, you don’t even have to pay!