Description

Want to work with the brightest kids on the planet?

You need sunglasses in Brazil even when the sun goes down. The primary colors of the city are sandwiched between lush green jungle and golden yellow sands, and just when you think it cant get any brighter, you meet the kids on your community project. We work with a number of groups in Rio de Janeiro which all offer a wide range of support services which aim to open up educational and social opportunities. Rio being Rio, there is a great emphasis on the arts and the project provides workshops on percussion, circus skills, capoeira (a mix of martial arts and music) and even graffiti.

Project details:

We work with a number of groups in Rio de Janeiro which all offer a wide range of support services, as well as educational and social opportunities for the young people of the urban slums, known as the favelas. There is often great emphasis on the arts and many projects will include working with the community to provide workshops on percussion skills, boxing, circus skills, capoeira and also graffiti. They all aim to provide focus for the people in the community away from life on the streets and gang crimes associated with the slums towards boosting their quality of life.

Why the project needs volunteers?

All of these projects have limited funds and resources, and are always trying to reach more members of the local community. To do this, and to continue with the work they are already undertaking, they need assistance from volunteers, especially those from overseas who can also contribute through cultural exchange.

Highlights

* Making a positive impact on the lives of the people you work with
* Learning from the enthusiasm and passion for life of the people at your project
* Getting to know Rio - one of the world's most incredible cities

Qualifications

What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
Basic Brazilian Portuguese and/or Intermediate Spanish is strongly recommended, otherwise volunteers may find communication difficult. Enthusiastic, hardworking and committed volunteers are needed. If you wish to teach a class in any given field, experience will be required. You can undertake extra Portuguese lessons when in country alongside the project, these are highly recommended.

Your role as a volunteer:
There is a wide range of activities that volunteers can expect to get involved with while assisting in the cultural projects, from music, dance, sports, photography, and language tuition.

Languages

• English
• Portuguese
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 2,199.00 for 4 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

Program Fees Include:

What's Included

* Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse
* Food: Food is not included; you will need to purchase your own food (budget approximately USD 50 per week)
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994