Memórias do trem que nunca chegou: um estudo acerca da obra inacabada da Linha Férrea Salgado/Paulo Afonso nas matas de Paripiranga-BA (1950-1957)

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the impacts of the unfinished construction of the Salgado/Paulo Afonso Railway Line (1950-1957) in the forest of Paripiranga (BA). The study is based in the memories of local residents who witnessed the period and of workers’ family members who settled in the region. The relevance of the research lies in recording the stories of the inhabitants of the forests (rural area) of Paripiranga, who felt the impacts of a railway project interrupted before its completion. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of these memories for the teaching and learning of History. The central question of the research is: what are the impacts caused by the unfinished construction of the Salgado/Paulo Afonso railway line for the inhabitants of the Paripiranga forests (BA)? The dissertation also attempts to show how this work can contribute to the teaching and learning of local history. The overall objective was to identify the impacts caused by the unfinished construction of the Salgado/Paulo Afonso railway line for the inhabitants of Paripiranga (BA) forests and how this work can contribute to the teaching and learning of local history. To this end, the specific objectives were: (01) To revive the memories of the rural residents of Paripiranga who experienced the implementation and abandonment of the railway; (02) To learn about the stories of the Leste workers who settled in the region and the impacts of their arrival on the rural communities;(03) To understand the unfinished construction process of the railway line in Paripiranga; (04) To produce local history booklets, based on collected memories, for 9th grade History teachers in Elementary School II, in Paripiranga. The theoretical foundation is based on authors such as Ecléa Bosi (2023), Jöel Candau (2011), Tenório (1996), Silveira (2009), Correia (2018), Paul Thompson (2002), Bueno (2024), Schmith (2014), among others. This exploratory study, using a qualitative approach, ideal for investigating the subjectivities and memories of those involved. Regarding procedures, a case study was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were the main instrument for data collection. Laurence Bardin's (2016) content analysis was used to interpret the material.The results highlight changes in the social dynamics of the communities and feeling of frustration from residents; the economic impact, mainly regarding the loss of property, non-payment of compensation, and labor rights; as well as the environmental impact, which persists to the present day. Finally, as a final product, an Open Educational Resource (OER) is presented, composed by booklets of local history aimed at 9th-grade teachers from schools of Paripiranga (BA), with the objective of disseminating and valuing local history.