Crèche and Childcare Project

Product Details

What could be a more rewarding placement than working with some very deserving pre-school children...?

Do you fancy teaching the ‘little ones’ - Who could really use your time, energy and affection?

You decide whether your placement will be based in the modern town of Foz do Iguaçu, where you can enjoy soaking up the sun in the looming shadow of its neighbours, Argentina and Paraguay. Both countries can be found sitting just across the river from you, Along with the simply awesome presence and power of the world’s largest waterfall - the grand Iguaçu Falls.

Or, you decide whether to be located in the heart and soul of Brazil, in one of the world’s most talked about cities, Rio de Janeiro. Both destinations have similarly deserving centres & children all much-in-need of your assistance, and each with bundles of girls and boys all with magnificent spirits. Which is even more amazing when you realise that most of the children are coming from poor families with far less than ideal home life’s - although you would never know it as all the children are an absolute joy to be with!

Or, why not get an insight into both and spend time in both Rio de Janeiro and Foz. It’s not as expensive as you might think - most flights to Foz do Iguacu come with the option of a stopover in Rio de Janeiro; either on the leg going out or perhaps if you preferred stopping off on the way back before continuing on home.

For several years Travellers volunteers have been assisting at a number of crèches which provide day care to children between the ages of 3 - 6. These crèches are run by the government to enable parents from poor families to seek employment without the burden of childcare.

Many of the children at government run crèches live in nearby shanty towns, so the stable environment provided is incredibly important and worthwhile - it provides a sense of solidarity, education and fun for young children who are often from broken homes where survival is a full time job.

Each crèche is in desperate need of both voluntary and financial assistance - your involvement on this programme will help to fulfil these needs. You really can make a difference in a truly magical part of the world!

At Travellers we are particularly passionate about these placements and, in particular, helping one of the crèches which has been forced with closure, to stay open. If the crèche was forced to close, it would be such a pity as it is extremely important to young children whose lives are a lot tougher than many of us could understand. At the moment our volunteer project is helping the crèche stave off closure.

Placement Profile - Apmi Creche, Foz Do Iguacu
APMI crèche takes approximately 230 children with around 45 per class. The children range from 3-6 years old. With the current waitlist standing at over 250 children, the centre is in great need of help and assistance. The crèche is partially supported by government funding and they receive 17 Reais per child per month ... that is just £3.10 per child. This centre is run by three nuns, but each class is supervised by the ‘tias’ or auntie, the affectionate nickname given to the staff. Your role will be primarily to assist the 'tias' with the class. As your placement develops so will your role in the classroom. The centre is open Monday to Friday with the children arriving around at 7:30 am, receiving breakfast at 8:00 am. Classes begin by 9:00 am with an hour off for lunch at midday. The children then also enjoy an hour off for a siesta mid-afternoon, common among children of such a young age. The children are then picked up from the centre leaving at around 5.30 pm.

The kids of APMI love having the volunteers there, and they learn remarkably fast with them. APMI is in urgent need of donations now. Having recently been informed by the School Government Department that the crèche is responsible for rebuilding the school before the end of this year, otherwise they will have to close it down. The building is 70 years old and such structural building work is highly expensive. The government won't help with these costs.

You will walk to the crèche from your accommodation each day. The crèche has a playground, a video recorder and a cassette player which you can utilize. They do not have access to anything more sophisticated such as internet or a library etc. Football and games of any sorts are appreciated within the lessons and will make you even more popular amongst the kids! You will work approximately 4 hours a day Mondays - Fridays, 9:00 - 11:00am & 2:30 - 4:30pm.

Your role within the centre may vary through the academic year, and may be dependent upon your overall project length; the longer you are with the crèche the more freely they will increase your responsibilities.

But this is just one of the crèches we support - they all need your help!

Just get in touch for more information or to join us on the project.