Community Work

Product Details

Volunteer in Brazil with i-to-i and you will gain a unique insight into this spectacular country: you’ll live in locally-owned accommodation, work alongside local community groups and gain access to a world that backpackers and package tourists never get to see. With four different projects all in need of your help, there are a world of ways you can help needy communities in Rio.

Programmes range from guiding children through innovative courses in graffiti, to dance and sports. As well as helping on a practical level you can also give youngsters an insight into different cultures through your own experiences. Resources are often limited, so there are plenty of opportunities to put your creativity to the test!

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:

Dan a pra Galera - Established in 2002 is an organisation that encourages young people to find alternatives to a life of violence and crime and gives them the opportunity and facilities to see this through. The project also gives the individuals the chance to consider positive ways in which they can influence their local community and other young people. In three years more than 150 people from the communities of Prazeres, Escondidinho, Ontoni, Fallet, Fogueterio and Guararapes have taken part in the organisations activities.

Rede de Desenvolvimento Humano - The Community Centre of Julio Otoni promotes the integrated development of the favela, through entertainment, cultural activities and generation of income programs. These projects are aimed mostly to the youngsters of the community. This community has approximately 400 families and 2,000 inhabitants. Nowadays a new community centre is being built. This centre will be the headquarters to host training and cultural workshops, such as: bakery, capoeira, percussion and literacy for adults.

O Nosso Papel - Was established in 2001 as a non Governmental Organisation, to provide people from underprivileged backgrounds with an opportunity to generate an income through training and support to create and use recycled paper to make handicrafts and office supplies. In this way ONP addresses environmental issues, employment issues and poverty, all of which are crucial areas for social development.

SAMP - SAMP (Sociedade de Amigos dos Morros Prazeres) is a Non-governmental organisation - NGO; established by members of the local community in Morro dos Prazeres. Since 1962, SAMP has been running many activities and programs to boost development in the quality of life of people within this low-income community.

Projects will be allocated with regards to the skills of the volunteer.

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.

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.

Where the project is based:
The projects are based in a number of community, recreational, and child day care centres.The project is based in Rio where you will be living and work in the local communities. Rio is a diverse and cultural city with lots to see and do in your spare time. The main attraction is the annual carnival where the streets are lined with people who come to the city to see the elaborate costumes and join in the dancing. As well as this you can go to see major sports games.

The cultural diversity of Rio de Janeiro, with its more than 400 years of history, has been the reason for it to be main choice of visitors who come to Brazil. It is a big city, privileged by its geography which grants its title "Cidade Maravilhosa" ( Gorgeous City).
It is located in one of the most beautiful places of the world, where the sea, mountains, forests and lakes blend in amazing traces.When the lights turn on, the city acquires a new life and rescues the dream with the people who always have a smile in their faces and with an eternal belief that the most unreal of plans can come true.

You will need to arrive at Rio International Airport (RIO) on your specified arrival date.

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Our users say:
"We believe that the role of the volunteers in any social project is of fundamental importance. The House of Children with cancer is fulfilling a big dream with our partnership. The IT room that we set up provides information technology training and our English courses provide new possibilities for the children. We take this opportunity to thank i-to-i for all the support dedicated to our project and look forward to receiving more volunteers soon."
Project Leader: Community Work in Rio de Janeiro, Brazi