Cancer is not picky in whom it chooses to attack. It doesn't care about gender, age or social class. However, ones you have the disease some have more options than others, since the treatment of this disease is very costly. Despite economic growth and jobs, poverty is still entrenched in Brazil. For the poor, when their kids have cancer they face a daunting task of not only coming to terms with the disease but also affording treatment. The parents also struggle to give their kids the quality life that a normal kid will have. A poor and unbalance diet, often many times living in a polluted environment, and other factors affect the treatment of these children and consequently affect the family. This project works with the kids with cancer who are having treatment and our volunteers will help them to get to grips with life. They will organize games, tell stories, teach English and hold debates and discussions to lift the mood and make the children feel positive.

No specific qualifications are required to join the working with children with cancer project. However, interested individuals should have a passion and eagerness to help less fortunate and sick 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.

IFRE arranges room, breakfast and supervision for volunteer for the entire duration of volunteer in Brazil program. In Brazil, our volunteers will stay either in a hostel or with a local host family. The hostel accommodation is located in the downtown area and is in a safe and secure neighborhood. The neighborhood is called Santa Teresa and consists of picturesque views, charming shops, and a bohemian culture. Our volunteers will find it easy to travel to the project site as well as to other places in Rio famous for visitors, like the beaches and other attractions. Our host families all have experience of hosting international volunteers before. They will offer a safe and secure place for our volunteers to stay. Staying with host family will also give opportunities for our volunteers to immerse in local culture.

In the hostel, our volunteers will have to share the room with other volunteers of same sex. Breakfast will be served in the hostel but volunteers will need to eat lunch and dinner outside. Good food is inexpensive in Brazil and readily available.

During the project, our supervisor and project will be in touch with you. The volunteer coordinator lives minutes away if you need anything. If you need any advice or have any issue you need to discuss you can talk to them or call the coordinator.