TO CHANGE, TO DREAM

and to hope again

By Sr. Lalang Nunez, OLM
Summer 2001

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The moment I heard that the Philippine people had won the Nobel Prize for their heroic nonviolent revolution, I was brought back in time to my high school years in the Philippines when we were taught to obey without complaining. All students were required to take Citizen Army Training and through this program we were led to believe that to question was being disloyal to the country.

Back row L-R: Graciela, Luan, Cristiano, Bruno, Francisca, Raimundo.
Front row L-R: Bruna and Sr. Lalang Nunez, Planalto Pici, Brazil.

This was how the Philippine people were silenced during the 20 years of the Marcos dictatorship. For this reason, it seems like such a miracle that today millions of people in the Philippines are willing to confront the civil authority with strength and courage, going out into the streets to seek justice and freedom in a nonviolent way.

However, I realize that the struggle is not over because I see the same face of injustice in Brazil where I now work in mission. I see the effects of globalization which, in its present form, increases poverty and oppresses many, especially the youth. This is why I feel the urgent need to work with young people.

My work in the community of Planalto Pici helps me to understand how young people survive in dire circumstances. Last June I began teaching them crafts such as making bead bracelets or pen holders. This activity not only gave them some income but also diverted them from street fights and drugs. Their involvement in this creativity protected them from being an easy target for the police who frequently pick up youth as suspects whenever a crime happens.

Education here is not a priority for the government, and is allocated a very low budget. Disadvantaged youth have difficulty competing and succeeding in the current educational system. As a result, increasing numbers of youth are unable to attend university and pursue their dreams.

As a further step in my journey with these young people, I attended a computer course with them for five months. As days passed, they began to allow me to hear their hopes for the future, and we discussed their possibilities of living a life of dignity. They began to realize that they are rightful citizens of the country. They sensed the need to change, to dream, and to hope again.

Of the 26 who began the course, half of them chose to do something constructive to better their lives. Every morning they work with graphic arts at a community centre in our area, and take skills and training courses in the afternoon. At night they continue with their primary and secondary education. What a full schedule!

I find it a great privilege being with these young people and journeying with them in their vulnerability and powerlessness. As my own people in the Philippines through their solidarity with each other gained a victory over the oppressor, so too, I believe that as we journey together here in Brazil, we can be all that God calls us to be.

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