St. Terezinha’s Island

Not far from the center of Recife, this island – once called ‘Hell’s Island’ –  was a strip of marshland periodically flooded, plagued by malnutrition, poverty and violence.

An association of islanders was established. It managed to obtain electricity for the area, paved roads, a school and health center staffed by teachers and medical workers.  Many local youths have now become community leaders.

The island underwent such a transformation that the inhabitants changed its name to ‘Island of Santa Terezinha’