Searching for Eldorado took place in the community of Eldorado on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, an urban area with one of the biggest populations in the world. Eldorado is a shanty town like many others that exist on the margins of urban centres all over Brazil and in numerous other countries around the world. On the periphery of the major financial centre of South America, the area suffers from high levels of unemployment and extreme poverty. Migrants from the North-east and the rural interior of Brazil have arrived in Sao Paulo over the years, attracted by the wealth that undeniably exists there, and made the best they can of the opportunities that they find.

The community of Eldorado has grown up, since the 60’s, on vacant land in the water-catchment area around the Billings Reservoir, absorbing both migrant populations from poor rural areas and families displaced in the periodic destruction

of slum settlements in the centre of Sao Paulo by the authorities. It is now home to over 45,000 people. The region was the summer recreation area of Sao Paulo’s wealthier residents in the 50’s and there still exists a contradictory mix of grand old summer houses with extensive grounds and boatsheds, secluded gated communities, and middle class houses amongst which shanty towns have developed. However, overall, the area is characterised by poor housing and infrastructure and minimal basic services. Education, health and police services are inadequate, the area has no bank or post office, many areas do not have reliable sewerage or electricity supply, and roads are frequently unpaved and unlit at night.

With limited access to education and fewer and fewer opportunities for skilled work available, unemployment and menial, poorly-paid, work in the informal market are the reality for most

of Eldorado’s residents. Even those who are lucky enough to have some form of work are often unable to meet their family’s basics needs and in many cases children are expected to work and contribute to the household income. In this environment, domestic abuse, crime, violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and drug trafficking are common responses to frustration and lack of realistic opportunities and their presence further impacts on the whole community’s, and particularly it’s children’s, wellbeing.