Description

Global Citizens Network (GCN) seeks volunteers to participate on our trips to Pernambuco, Brazil. The state of Pernambuco is one of nine that make up the Northeastern region of Brazil, an area commonly referred to as the Nordeste. The area's abundant natural resources and beauty make it an ideal place to inhabit. The region is home to Brazilians whose identities intertwine as a mix of Portuguese, African and indigenous roots. The Xukuru people live in the hills of Serra do Ororuba, in the municipality of Pesqueira, in the state of Pernambuco, and in the country of Brazil. They have farmed and lived in villages on the land for over 300 years. Through the years, the Xukuru worked very hard for very little, serving the area's large estate owners. In 1988 the Brazilian government declared that the land belonged to the Xukuru, but it took over 10 years until the Xukuru people left the villages and occupied the farmland. In 2001, after years of organized protest and legal efforts demanding that the law be implemented, the title to the land was officially transferred from the large land owners to the Xukuru nation.

The Xukuru people, led by their head Cacique Marcos Xukuru have invited GCN to collaborate with them in the growth of their nation. The Xukuru land is made up of 23 villages. Trip participants will have the opportunity to live in home stays with members of the community, learn about traditional farming practices, visit community schools and participate in the daily life of the community.

GCN sends small teams of participants to rural communities around the world where they are immersed in the daily life of the community. Trips to Brazil last about two weeks; each team is led by a trained GCN team leader. The team works on projects initiated by people in the local community, for the benefit of the community. Such projects could include setting up a library, teaching business skills, building a health clinic, or planting trees to reforest a village. Projects may not be decided upon until shortly before the arrival of a GCN team. Participants should be aware that everything is subject to change.

As worthwhile and fulfilling as the work you do will be, the true rewards come from the cross-cultural learning which takes place on these trips. A unique and integral component of your experience includes daily activities of cross-cultural learning. You may test your skills making local food, visit a nearby tea factory or the family farm, learn a local dance, and discover the history and rich traditions of the area.

When you have the chance to learn first-hand about people from other cultures, you will feel connected to others in ways you may have never experienced before.

Highlights

The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area for an occasional day trip. There is much to explore in and around Recife. In the immediate area are the beautiful beaches of Recife. The city of Olinda, located just north of Recife, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 for its historic value.

Recife is easily connected by air to other major attractions such as Salvador, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo.

Qualifications

No specific skills are required, only a willingness to appreciate and accept other cultures. We believe everyone has skills -- some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what s/he can If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,050

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• Medical insurance
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The program fee covers in-country travel and lodging, most meals, orientation materials, medical and emergency evacuation insurance (not for US/Canada sites), on-going program costs and a donation to the community development project. Airfare is additional. All trip-related expenses are tax-deductible in the U.S.

Many people ask why they have to pay to volunteer. GCN receives primary financial support from program fees and individual donors, while relying heavily on volunteers to make our work successful. Also, while individuals may be able to travel for less to many of these places, GCN provides the entrance into a village and exposure to a culture that one could not receive if traveling solo to these places. Through the long-term partnerships that GCN has established with communities around the world, participants immerse themselves into the daily life of villagers and gain a unique perspective, while making a contribution in the lives of others.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Participants range in age from 8 on upwards, and come from the U.S., Canada and beyond. Students, nurses, computer programmers, social workers, teachers, families, individuals and retirees... these are just some of the people who join our trips.

Age Range

8-88+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 6-12

Scholarships are Available

Global Citizens Network scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial & circumstantial need. Because our Scholarship Fund is very limited, we generally award scholarships to those who would otherwise not be able to participate without financial help; please keep this in mind when you are applying. Scholarships are awarded for up to USD 250 (domestic), USD 400 (international) per individual, USD 500 per family per year.

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Global Citizens Network's Mission Statement

In partnership with people of diverse cultures, GCN promotes cross-cultural understanding and interconnectedness through authentic immersion experiences.

Year Founded

1992