| Overview of the Project
Orphanages in Brazil strive to offer a stable, loving and learning-conducive environment for children to call home. Assistance is greatly needed in various areas – especially with educational opportunities for these children. While always rewarding, these projects also require a good bit of hands-on help where volunteers assist the orphanages already-existing staff members in such daily tasks as feeding and caring for these abandoned and forgotten Brazilian children. These children need the support and encouragement of volunteers who are willing to serve as both a role model and an example of hope. In addition to being an all-around companion for these orphans, volunteers will primarily teach English, introduce the children to creativity-based activities (painting, drawing, dancing) and assist the kitchen staff in preparing and serving meals as well as washing dishes and occasionally clothes. Volunteers with a knack for story-telling often prove to be oh-so-useful contributors in both inspiring and motivating these children who are so eager to learn and listen.
Role of the Volunteer
This volunteer project in Brazil is the perfect fit for volunteers who are eager to share their love and compassion for orphans and small children. Activities are related to facilitating the proper care for these children and volunteers are reminded that flexibility, patience and a proactive attitude go a long way in ensuring the success and enjoyment of these projects. Volunteers' duties include (but are not limited to):
- Helping children with homework and teaching basic conversational English
- Supporting recreational and artistic activities with the objective of educational learning
- Reading stories, caring for and simply playing with the children
- Organizing and developing sports/recreational activities
- Supporting the kitchen/helping to serve meals
- Participating/assisting in location-specific duties – routine maintenance, construction, etc.
Skills/Qualifications/Requirements
There are no specific qualifications required since Global Crossroad's local coordinator and project staff members provide any necessary orientation and training to adequately perform volunteer activities. However, beginner to intermediate knowledge of Portuguese is preferred as well as individuals who are enthusiastic about caring for others and compassionate to the often unfortunate situations of these children.
NOTE: Global Crossroad's offer Portuguese classes (15 hours per week) in conjunction with volunteer projects. Portuguese classes are mandatory and ensure the success and maximum level of involvement for volunteers.
Room/Food/Supervision
In collaboration with its local partners, Global Crossroad arranges living accommodations in a nearby volunteer house located in a beautiful and peaceful neighborhood located in the sprawling city of Rio de Janeiro . Within walking distance, participants will find the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, the “sambadroma” (location where samba schools compete), pristine beaches, numerous restaurants, supermarkets, bakeries, a health clinic as well as easy access the city's public transportation. Volunteers staying in the volunteer house receive cable television, use of the kitchen, internet access, as well as laundry and cleaning services. Additional details pertaining to living accommodations will be included in participants' details prior to their arrival in Brazil .
Location Description – Rio de Janeiro
The once-capital of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro (also know as ‘Cidade Maravilhosa' or ‘gorgeous city') is famous for it amazing art-filled streets, cosmopolitan characteristics, passionate people, the beauty of its surrounding terrains (ocean, mountains, forests, lakes), the annual vibrancy of “Carnival,” and the iconic looming figure of Jesus Christ the Redeemer (‘Cristo Redentor') atop Corcovado mountain (one of the New Seven Wonders of the World). Offering a multitude of luminous beaches, there are also a number of natural and man-made attractions, including: Sugar Loaf Mountain (offering a completely panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay), the Rio-Niteroi Bridge , and the landscape-hugging mountains surrounding the legendary beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
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Volunteer
in Brazil
