Why did you decide to apply for an international volunteering program?
It was my gap year after high school and I didn't want to waste it! I wanted to travel abroad, but I didn't want to just tour around the globe.
Why did you choose Project Favela?
English is my native language so it's a skill I knew I could use. I had just finished high school so I wasn't qualified in anything else. I also chose this program because I wanted to go to Brazil!
Rio de Janeiro
What was your favorite part about Brazil?
It was close to everything! A 15 minute walk to the beach, a 10 minute walk to the supermarket/bank/chemist, and a few steps from local convenience stores with fresh fruits and veggies! It was also a short bus trip from Ipanema and central Rio de Janeiro.
What made your volunteer experience unique?
I was teaching kids in a favela. These are kids who haven't got a lot, and who, had it not been for Project Favela, may not otherwise get an education. I had the unique opportunity to teach English to these kids and give them and their families a second chance.
What surprised you most about the location of your placement?
I was definitely surprised by how safe I was in Rocinha (the favela I worked and lived in). Rocinha is the largest favela in South America, which sounds super intimidating and dangerous, but I was able to walk around the streets of Rocinha alone, as a young, Caucasian woman, without any heightened fear for my safety. I felt about the same as I would walking around the streets of Sydney. As a traveller, it's vital that you take extra precautions in regards to personal safety, but I didn't feel like I was at any extreme risk. The community know you're there to volunteer and they are welcoming to that.
What is one thing you wish you would have known before volunteering abroad in Brazil?
I would have liked to know about the workload. The day to day teaching and operation of Project Favela is run entirely on volunteers, so when you volunteer as a teacher, you are the teacher. You run the classroom and manage behaviour. For the time you are there, it's your job to make sure the students are learning, developing, and enjoying their time at Project Favela.
For some of these kids, you are they're only access to education and the English language, so it's important that you prioritise their learning and your teaching. You and the other volunteers will work together to create lesson plans and to teach classes. When I was there, there was a volunteer who was a Zumba teacher, so she ran a dance class for the kids. A personal touch is welcomed.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
They were great! On my first day of volunteering, I was given an orientation. We were taken through the streets of Rocinha and shown how to get to significant places. I was given the opportunity to choose my class and there was relative flexibility in my timetable. If I had any questions, I was greeted with thorough and clear answers, quickly and kindly. I felt well supported throughout my experience.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wish I had learnt more Portuguese prior to departing Sydney. Whilst it isn’t necessary, I would have benefited greatly from a basic understanding of the language. I picked up key phrases here and there which helped me teach the classes, but I would have been able to make a greater impact with a broader knowledge of Portuguese. I speak Spanish, which helped, but it's is still a different language.
In general, how difficult was it to communicate with locals?
Some of the locals spoke very basic English, but knowing a little bit of Portuguese and having access to a translation app is essential. Portuguese is Latin based so you can usually pick out the key points and can use hand signals, but general communication is difficult if it's strictly English. Your experience will be so much more fulfilling if you can speak some Portuguese.
Describe a day in the life of your program.
As I volunteered in a relatively busy period, I started classes at 9 a.m. and finished around 2 p.m. I then had the rest of my day to explore Rocinha and Rio de Janeiro. I volunteered Monday to Friday and had the weekends off, but I also spent a few hours every Sunday night preparing for the week, planning lessons with the team.
What did you enjoy doing outside the classroom?
I loved venturing into Ipanema. There were huge markets on Sundays and I was able to buy a whole bunch of uniquely Brazilian gifts for myself and my friends/family. Ipanema has a beautiful beach and a lively culture. There is always something to see and do!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
There are a few locations for accommodation. I shared a flat with three other volunteers about a 10 minute walk from Project Favela. It was small, but it was spacious enough for us all. We didn't spend much time there anyway. In the kitchen, we had unlimited access to a fridge, freezer, storage cupboard for food, and a stove. There were pots and pans available as well as cutlery and plates, bowls, etc. We also had a shared bathroom and a line to hang our clothes/towels. The house owner washed our clothes for us and gave us access to the WiFi so I was able to contact my family which was great. The only downside was that the water needed to be boiled before you drink it as it wasn't safe to drink straight from the taps. But that was hardly an effort!
Do you have any packing tips for volunteers headed to Rio de Janeiro?
It sounds strange, but whilst your flip flops and beach towel are essentials, so are gumboots. You stay in a Favela, so when it rains, all the mud and rubbish on the street falls down the mountain and it can get pretty messy.
Also, it's important to bring some cash (Brazilian currency) with you for food, etc. when you get off the plane. You may not have immediate access to an atm or bank, and street food is cash only so it's best to come prepared.
I'd also recommend packing some teaching resources that you can use and donate.
Now that you're home, how has your time in Brazil impacted your life?
I loved teaching English so much that I have begun studying a teaching English as a second language course and would love to do this for the rest of my life. Coming back from the developing world has made me appreciate how lucky and blessed I am; it has changed me forever.
If you could volunteer abroad again, where would you go?
As much as I want to travel the rest of the world, I totally fell in love with Brazil, so I'd probably go back there. Not only was Project Favela fantastic, but the culture of Rio de Janeiro is so rich. There is always something new to do or see, and I felt like my job as a volunteer teacher was definitely utilised. I was guided along the way and had access to help throughout my time there, but I was also left alone enough to grow and learn from day one.
Would you recommend Project Favela to other individuals interested in volunteering in Brazil?
Absolutely! If you volunteer with Project Favela, be prepared to work hard and play hard. You have heaps of time and opportunity to explore the city, but just remember you're there to volunteer first.