Fazenda Sao Sebastiao gains internet access

In August this year, with support from the NGO El Puente, internet access was installed at Fazenda Sao Sebastiao, on the Igarape Mapia, home to about 80 people.

It was a major step forward for the community, since communication there had until then been limited. The internet is available for the school, the local association, work matters, and emergencies. Its use is regulated by agreements established among the residents themselves.

In addition, since last year the Fazenda has had solar power in its community facilities. The local school also received improvements: it was renovated with funds from a campaign led by Frei Betto and now runs through a partnership between the Escola Estadual Cruzeiro do Ceu, in Vila Ceu do Mapia, the Pauini city government, and the Instituto Socioambiental de Vicosa.

Fazenda Sao Sebastiao still needs support to improve housing and community infrastructure. There's no basic sanitation or electricity for the community's homes. Health care also needs ongoing support.

To access health services, people have to travel by river to the nearest city, a trip of about four hours.