Work with Disadvantaged Children/Children at-Risk in Brazil

Project at A Glance

Location:  Salvador Start/End Point:  Salvador Duration:  2-12 Weeks  Hours:  20-30 Hours per week  Food:  Local meals, three (3) times a day Room:  Local host family  Date:  First and Third Monday of each month

Project Summary

In South America, hundreds of poor children are living lives full of disadvantages and challenges. Many live and sleep on the street and are far from home, seeking a “better” life. Brazil children at-risk volunteer projects focus on helping these children get off the streets and inspiring them to seize opportunities for a better life through education and often by returning home to their families. Support projects provide them with shelter, food, education and emotional support. There are many established educational, recreational and health projects to support these unfortunate children.

IFRE places volunteers in Brazil to support this massive and ever-developing social problem. We try to prohibit the numerous tragedies, resulting from a lack of a safe and positive home environment, which threaten children on the street: starvation, inhuman labor and the sex industry.

Volunteers willing and able to aid to Brazil's disadvantaged children are very welcomed in these projects. These street children have needs beyond just support and attention. They learn a great deal from our volunteers in terms of real-world life skills, pertinent information regarding behavior, personal hygiene and English literacy. Volunteers are both a positive AND a motivating factor in these children's lives. Participants are often a driving force and shining example for these deprived children as they tackle the opportunity for a brighter future.

Skills/Qualifications Needed

No specific qualifications are required to join the disadvantaged children/children at-risk projects in Brazil. However, interested individuals should have a passion and eagerness to help less fortunate children, as well as have a strong personality to deal with these children's often-unfortunate situations and demeanors. While basic Portuguese fluency is preferred, it is not required.

Volunteers with skills and/or a background in child psychology and Portuguese fluency have an amazing advantage – ensuring the highest level of contribution and effective interaction. Yet, while these skills are welcomed, they are not required of volunteers wanting to participate in this particular project.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers in our Brazil disadvantaged children/children at-risk projects help in the following ways: teaching basic English, supervising/creating games, assisting with creativity-based activities (painting, art classes, etc.) and homework, as well as acting as special companions to the children. Volunteers may also be asked to assist in daily routines within the designated center, possibly including cooking, cleaning, routine maintenance, laundry, etc.

Room/Food/Supervision

IFRE manages living accommodations and meals with host families for the entire duration of the volunteer program. Our host families are all carefully screened, well educated and have experience with hosting international volunteers. Accommodations are clean, simply furnished rooms, which may be occasionally shared with other same-gender volunteers. Volunteers will receive three (3) local meals each day consisting of delicious local cuisine. Occasionally, if volunteers are away from their host families during lunch, they may be required to pack their own “to go” lunches. Our in-country staff offers supervision for the extent of the volunteer program.