While I never confirmed it, I wasn't sure about the access to education for many of the young people, especially since I noticed children often out and about during the day. I met a local woman who often sold savory treats to help fund a church, and although she didn't want me to help with making the treats, I often went by to buy snacks to help the funding.
While the city of Belem is somewhat popular as a gateway to exploring the Amazon, there isn't enough civic engagement to address the citizens' concerns. I noticed that much of the country's attention for development is focused on communities in southern Brazil, in places such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro that are more industrialized and attractive to tourists.
I don't really know enough to say whether the needs of people in Belem are being met (or how). While I was only in the area for a month, people there are still struggling to find decent employment to help support themselves and their families. While there are trash collectors, there aren't nearly enough workers or routes to help keep the more industrialized areas clean. In the rural areas, people tend to burn whatever trash is around, so you might say that people have found ways to solve some of their own problems that aren't being addressed by the government or community.
