Community members play key leadership roles in the process of strengthening and increasing social capital in their favelas and to this end, the institute ensures continual training of its local members.

Founded in 2008, one year prior to police pacification, the Museu de Favela - muf (Museum of Favela) is an NGO which brings together residents from the communities of Pavão, Pavãozinho and Cantagalo at the Maciço do Cantagalo, between Ipanema, Copacabana and the Lagoa.

It is one of the very first territorial and living museums of a favela in the world, divulging the memories and testimonials of around 20 thousand residents. It looks to showcase the history and origins of Samba, Northeastern migrants, afro-brazilian culture and the visual arts.