2. The identity of INGOs and Vida Brasil Today Latin America’s organisations and social movements have their origins in: the resistance movements of indigenous and black populations the work of the Catholic Church workers’ movements the resistance movements during the dictatorship globalisation…

3. Identity of INGOs Poverty and injustice are not simply social problems, but racial and ethnic problems too. Latin America’s organisations and social movements are influenced by the resistance movements of indigenous and black populations E.g.: The quilombos, the cultural resistance Evo Morales in Bolivia…

4. With the exception of Cuba, all the countries are forced to adopt radical measures such as: Market liberalisation Opening of foreign investments High exchange rates Heavy tax constraints Privatisation of public production enterprises and services (notably within the social sector) Neo-liberal globlisation of the 1990s However social benchmarks for the workers continue to worsen…

5. Neo-liberal policies of the 1990s NGOs are seen by the neo-liberal regimes as capable of assuming functional costs from the State, which in turn sees its role diminishing. It is the paradigm of the third sector. However numerous organisations, in many countries contest this role. They fight for : the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights the democratisation of democracies, through the implementation of public policy based on participation a new model of development

6. The association of VIDA BRASIL is an NGO created in 1996, in Salvador and in Fortaleza, two main cities in the north east of Brazil, a region with the highest rate of socio-economic exclusion in the country. The Association of VIDA BRASIL

7. To promote and build capacity as a means to education and participation, of socially vulnerable and excluded groups and individuals, contributing to the construction and development of a society which is sustainable, inclusive and democratic. Mission Statement

8. Social objectives 1.To contribute to the reduction of inequalities, affording access to fundamental rights 2.To build the capacity of civil society organisations with whom we share the same principles, values, and objectives, ensuring the quality of actions 3.To contribute to the creation and reinforcement of public forums in order to develop and implement public policy at local, regional and national levels 4.To develop and distribute knowledge and good practice in the area of human rights

9. The Association of VIDA BRASIL Public : Children, young people Disabled people Women Semi urban population Representatives of Vida Brasil Programme areas / Themes 1. Accessibility and disabled people's rights 2. Inclusive Education 3. Income-generating activities and solidarity trading 4. Food security / Food rights 5. Consumer organisation and education 6. Capacity building of communities

10. An example : Accessibility Project Projects development Implemented by the network secretariat COCAS Network

11. Accessibility project: Training Rights and participation in political action courses Accessibility course in the physical environment

12. Raising Awareness ConferencesSeminars General public events

13. Campaigning activities

14. www.vidabrasil.org.br Rua da Mouraria 74, Nazaré Salvador – Bahia CEP 40040 – 090 BRASIL salvador@vidabrasil.org.br ( 55 – 71 ) 33 21 43 82 / 46 88 Rua Antenor Rocha Alexandre 320, Parque Manibura / Fortaleza - Ceará CEP 60833-590 BRASIL fortaleza@vidabrasil.org.br ( 55 – 85 ) 32 71 38 26 / 27