The most recent tour was a visit to the Technical Reserve in Mariana
According to conversations with the elderly of Bento Rodrigues and Paracatu, in Minas Gerais, the Renova Foundation began to develop an important work to fill the idle time. “We met with them [elderly] in April and we found out some issues, such as lack of leisure activities, idleness, distancing of neighbors and relatives and the impossibility of cultivating the land”, explains Lucimar Ferreira, from the Resettlement team of the institution.
From this diagnosis and from the suggestions presented in meetings, which are now monthly, some actions began to be organized. Sightseeing tours, setting up a community garden and sharing information about resettlements are just a few examples. “It is rewarding to work, enabling to keep the bonds and well-being of this public”, says Lucimar.
The most recent action was a guided visit, on June 13, to the Technical Reserve of Mariana, where sacred images recovered from the impacted churches are stored and from places between Mariana and Candonga. “Some pieces and fragments were recognized by the elderly. It was very interesting”, said Antônio Betinho Viana, responsible for the technical reserve. For the coming months, cultural tours are planned and they will start working in the community gardens, among other activities.
Elderly visit the Technical Reserve in Mariana, Minas Gerais. | Photo: Release