A Step in the Right Direction

These young men make irresistible subjects, full of strength, energy and banter as they trudge up and down Copacabana beach all day, all week, all month and all year long.   I wonder what goes through their minds about their situation and their future.  All will live in the favelas, so being here, earning something away from the drug cartels in their criminal fiefdoms is a step in the right direction . . . but what does the next one look like, and when?