Infrastructure is tops, then education and health

Last week the Getúlio Vargas Foundation presented the results of a pioneering study that aims to leapfrog community improvement into the twenty-first century. Using information and communication technology, or ICT, the Melhora Comunidade (Improve Community) study drafted 658 respondents to answer an online survey, by offering prizes and working with local partners. The study was funded by the Ford Foundation and the World Bank.

Home to 60,000, City of God received the city’s second police pacification unit, in February 2009. Made notorious by the 2002 movie that showcased the community’s early years, it ranks 113th out  of 126 areas in Rio in terms of the Human Development Index, at only o.751. Per capita income is R$ 648 (US$ 324 equivalent) and average life expectancy is 66.6 years.

The Center for Technology and Society Director Ronaldo Lemos told reporters that the study hoped to prove it’s possible…