Population Survey of the Morro da Liberdade Neighborhood in Manaus-AM: An Experience Report on Territory, Community, and Public Security

Abstract

This article presents an extension experience report carried out in the Morro da Liberdade neighborhood, located in the South Zone of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, with the objective of understanding demographic, socioeconomic, and community perceptions regarding local issues. The study was developed through the integration of school, community, and scientific research. Bibliographic and documentary research, analysis of census data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), territorial observation, and questionnaires administered to residents were conducted. Data collection involved 8th-grade students, who acted as research mediators within their families. The results revealed changes in the neighborhood's demographic structure, characterized by a decline in the young population and an increase in the elderly population, indicating a process of demographic aging. Regarding residents' perceptions, public security was identified as the main local concern, followed by issues related to urban infrastructure, sanitation, and health care services. Therefore, this study highlights the potential of university extension activities as a means of connecting scientific knowledge with social reality, strengthening community participation, students' civic education, and the critical understanding of territorial dynamics in urban spaces.