Description

As a volunteer on a Care project in Brazil you will have an important role to play, whether you are a trained professional offering the benefit of your experience or on a gap year or career break looking for some experience of development work. Everybody is welcome, provided you are willing to work hard and be committed to the role, your work-colleagues, and the children you are there to help.

Brazil may now be the eighth largest economy in the world, but it is also a country with one of the largest disparities between rich and poor. At Projects Abroad we are attempting to get right to the heart of this problem. Though we don't pretend we can solve the social problems of this incredible country, we can work to make a difference to the lives of a good number of these children. But we cannot do this without the help of our volunteers.

In whichever volunteer Care project you find yourself, you need to be ready for a challenge. Many of the children have had very difficult lives and may be desperate for attention. There are likely to be some who have health problems or who require special attention due to disabilities. Your job is to help to improve their lives in whatever way possible. This will be quite varied; it may involve playing games with them or helping with their homework. You may even want to take a group out on a trip. Projects Abroad will support you in any way that we can.

Our Care placements are based in Niteroi in the State of Rio de Janeiro. We work with orphanages, day care centers, and community centers with children aging from young children through to teenagers. Volunteers are placed there they can best help the children. The placements are spread throughout the city and are normally within walking distance or a short bus ride from your host family.

The orphanages we collaborate with are relatively small, allowing you to build strong relationships with each child and have an impact on their daily lives. You will be working alongside committed local staff to provide practical help and friendship to the many children who are in need of support.

Highlights

Working at a day care centre for young children you'll assist the local teachers. The children will be aged between 2 and 14 years old. You will play games, but may also be asked to ensure the younger ones are washed and dressed and help with their meals.

Some volunteers work at community centers for older children and teenagers. In addition to arranging games and activities you may also be required to help with homework, personal and social education, or support. It may also be beneficial if you can provide informal English tuition.

The schools and community centers have their main holidays from mid-December to mid-February, with a shorter holiday in July. Volunteers are able to travel or enjoy the festivities with their host family over the Christmas period, then from the second week of January we organize a variety of special programs for volunteers to continue to help in the community.

Qualifications

None.

Languages

• English
• Portuguese

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Orphans
• Social Services, Social Work

Age Range

16-80

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992