NETWORKS AND PARTICIPATION EXTENSION PROJECT IN THE NORTHWEST OF SANTOS

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a university extension project that is being carried out by teachers and students of Unifesp Baixada Santista in the northwestern region of the city of Santos. This region of great social vulnerability is home to about 120 thousand inhabitants, and is characterized by many inequalities. The main goal of the project is to articulate and enhance health promotion activities in the northwest area, starting with the identification of leaders and organizations able to work with and for the local community. In 2009 and 2010, a study of the social structure was conducted that led to the identification of local leaders. The next step consisted of constructing these leaders’ portfolios, by recording their life history, political career, desires, and insertion into the network of local institutions, together with their actions and involvement in local problems. In 2011, participatory workshops were held that had the goal of providing a space for discussion and exchange, and stimulation of dialog amongst the various interested parties. The topics identified by the participants included the relationship between the leaders/activists and the public authorities, as well as organization for citizenship, and collective identification of the main problems that affected all. The results indicated the existence of a discourse that highlighted the desire to participate, although in practice the consolidation of spaces for participation and conflict negotiation remains a major challenge. Nonetheless, it was also shown that individuals were not inactive in relation to the problems of their daily lives. Many local players in the northwestern region have, for some time, been participating transversely and in networks to promote projects in education, health, and housing. These are people who are striving for social causes and who believe that changes can be triggered from such participation.