Dear Partners, Greetings from Brazil! Volunteering is facing adversities, considering obstacles as proofs of your capability to deal with real problems. It is taking as yours the commitment the organization has for the ones it assists, feeling responsible for its victories and defeats. Volunteering is giving your time and expecting certain returns. The basic returns are thanks, recognition of what you have achieved, work you enjoy and a sociable atmosphere. Volunteering in Brazil, as in any part of the world, is not an easy issue at all but you may have a rewarding return for the job you do here. Thinking about that and also thinking about the improvement our civil society would acquire with a foreign perspective of the problems it faces, CI Experience and its local partners idealized a program of volunteering that has been developed and is getting stronger as years pass by.
What does the volunteer program consist of? CI volunteer program consists of receiving foreign students from any part of the world who are eager to cooperate in one of the NGOs that work with us. We measure our students not for their previous experience with volunteer projects, but for their will to change things, to involve themselves within the organizations' purposes and values, and to exchange their knowledge with the professionals who are able to better guide
them in carrying on their plans and wishes. Communication is a strong point and influences a lot on the result of the work as other points, such as, organizations' timetables, rules, social and behavioral codes. That’s why we offer many options of volunteering projects always combining Portuguese lessons (if the student has none or basic Portuguese level) and volunteering placement in an organization the student thinks that better fits his/her needs or is suitable for the project he/she wants to develop. After adapting to your new environment and having learned some basic Portuguese, it is time now to roll up your sleeves and give something back by working side by side with community members on a project designed by local people. Our Coordinator will be in touch with you and the host project periodically during your community service and you can contact him/her at the office to report and discuss any concerns. The accommodation must be arranged with CI Experience prior to the student’s arrival. Who is our ideal volunteer? There is no formula for a perfect volunteer, but we could say our ideal volunteer is a flexible and creative person, with positive attitude, without prejudice, open minded to new cultures and diversity.
A person with an overall view of the country's problems and political environment attached to his/her beliefs, seriously encouraged and ready to show there are no horizons too far away and boundaries are only in your mind. Expectations Our volunteers are very important to us, and we want the work to be as rewarding and meaningful for the volunteer as it is for the community projects. It is important to understand that most projects work with very few resources. For this reason, we ask volunteers to consider certain circumstances before beginning their work. • Students may specify a project preference, • Some organizations cannot offer their services every day, therefore some volunteer schedules will reflect this limitation. • It´s difficult to find English speakers working at the NGOs but communication runs in a smooth way when both parties are open and flexible. • Volunteers will be also very helpful to the organizations as English teachers and as support to teachers and assistants already working with the project. • Students with specific specialties are welcome to offer their services as well. • IMPORTANT: Drinking or smoking is forbidden in any volunteer work provided by ABIPE / CI Experience.
Choose a project that better fits your wishes and needs! PROJECTS IN SÃO PAULO – SÃO PAULO Those who are willing to help will find many interesting possibilities in the biggest Brazilian city, Sao Paulo: working to help refugees from many countries who come to Brazil and need to rebuild their lives or through social programs dedicated to support local needy communities.
INSTITUTO DE REINTEGRAÇÃO DO REFUGIADO – ADUS
Adus is a third sector non-profit Civil Association of juridical private law, with no political, party membership or religious commitments. It was founded in October 10, 2010, aiming at supporting people who seek asylum in Brazil looking
for
refuge,
regardless
of
their
nationality, social class, sex, race, color, ethnicity or religious belief. By achieving its social objective, Adus aims to carry out the full process of integration, valuation and social, economic, cultural, educational and work insertion. Today, there are around 6.000 refugees declared in Brazil, but the number of people who requires the refugee status can be almost 12.000 foreigners coming from all different countries. Only in São Paulo, there are about 2.000 refugees recognized by
the government, being 5.000 people that demand this status this year in the city. The refugees come from more than 80 countries, being the majority from Africa (60%). The most
common
nationalities
can
be:
Colombia, Angola, Congo, Syria, Mali, Iraq, Pakistan and Palestine.
The activities inside the projects are related to three different main fronts to which we have established specific work centers. They are: culture, work and income creation and housing. The project works to bring different cultures of the refugees closer to the local culture and spread out the real figure of the refugee to the nationals; by the second, to insert the refugees in the work market; by the third, to provide them with decent housing.
Volunteer possibilities - working with refugees The association offers Portuguese classes and support for the refugees from all over the world. Social campaigns, cultural events and professional consultation are organized for the families. Volunteers are more than welcome receiving and giving support to the refugees, organizing cultural events and social campaigns or helping on administrative tasks.
What is included? •
Application processing, interview and pre-departure information;
•
Pick up transfer;
•
Cross-cultural orientation meeting;
•
One city tour in São Paulo;
•
2 weeks of Portuguese classes for candidates who have no Portuguese knowledge;
•
Placement in community service project;
•
Ongoing support by local volunteer coordinator;
•
Accommodation at hostel or home stay (individual or shared rooms may be arranged under different costs);
•
US$ 100: contribution to the host project.
What is not included? •
Flights and transfers;
•
Extra activities not on itinerary;
•
Public transportation to the project;
•
Meals;
•
Travel insurance.
Application process The required documents for the application process are: • CV • Application Form
• Passport copy • Cover letter
Cross cultural orientation During the first week in São Paulo, you will meet one of CI Experience’s staff for a cross-cultural orientation; to discuss your first impressions of the lodging and the life in Brazil. Other topics like health and security measures, Brazilian cultural aspects, transportation systems and conditions, staff to contact in case of emergencies, volunteer work, do's and don'ts will be covered in this meeting.
City tour One city tour around the most famous spots in São Paulo with 5 hour duration will be organized also during the first week. The best of São Paulo tour visits 12 main spots of the city, including the Mercado Municipal (Central Market), Mosteiro de São Bento (São Bento’s Monastery), Theatro Municipal (Municipal Theater), Museu do Futebol (Soccer Museum) and Parque do Ibirapuera (Ibirapuera’s Park).
Portuguese classes The Portuguese course will take place during the first two weeks of the program in order to give to the volunteers a basic and functional knowledge of the language. The objective of the course is to learn practical communication and create a base to build on for further language studies. It’s a 16 hour course normally divided in 4 days a week (2 hours per day), in individual classes. The course includes the application and the didactic material fees.
Accommodation The accommodation during the first 2 weeks will be in a hostel 500 meters near the Portuguese School, the volunteers can stay in shared or individual bedrooms, with shared bathrooms. The hostel services of the hostel includes: breakfast, free Wi-Fi internet access, shared kitchen and TV room, luggage room and currency exchange. During the other weeks, the accommodation can be either inside the same hostel or in a student residence in individual or shared room, with free Wi-Fi internet access.
Travel medical insurance It is mandatory that all volunteers come to Brazil carrying an international insurance. We highly recommend that the insurance has an unlimited coverage for doctors and hospital care, such as medication.
FUNDAÇÃO JULITA Fundação Julita is a non – profit organization with the mission of support children, teenagers and families in social vulnerability situation, through socioeconomics actions, promoting the development of citizenship. It was founded in December 1951 and is located in a very beautiful green area of more than 47.000m2. Besides the main buildings that held the NGO offices, classrooms, library, labs, sports courts and dining rooms, there is also a small farm with different animals living there
as cows, horses, ducks, sheep and rabbits. Taking care of the animals and preserving the nature are part of the NGO´s routine. The positive vibe and energetic atmosphere may be felt since you enter this unique place, in the middle of the huge capital of Sao Paulo. The Foundation assists every day about 1.200 people, aged 4 months to 60 years or more. It has 110 paid employees and a few volunteers.
Working as a volunteer The activities offered through the volunteering projects are related to four different main areas with specific work centers: child education, complementary and vocational education for teens / adolescents and elderly community center. The project´s aims are to develop the cultural education, the exercise of citizenship and promote the life quality to needy communities. International hands on volunteers are more than welcome to share experiences and contribute with specific and non skills. Volunteers may choose in which area they want to work and a plan of activities will be developed and followed by a supervisor. All volunteers are asked to work 4 hours a day from Monday to Thursday. The projects that need more help are those related to prepare adolescents to their entrance to professional markets: an IT lab, a fashion design course, bakery & gastronomy courses and a radio studio are some of the interesting options. We strongly recommend at least 4 weeks of volunteering but shorter and longer terms may be discussed according to the volunteer´s and NGO´s needs.
What is included? • 2 weeks of Portuguese classes for candidates who have no Portuguese knowledge; • Placement in a 4 weeks community service project; • Ongoing support by local volunteer coordinator; • 4 weeks accommodation: 2 first weeks at a hostel (shared room) and other 2 weeks at home stay (individual or shared rooms inside Brazilian families who live in the neighborhood of Fundação Julita – simple but clean and safe accommodation); • Breakfast at hostel and host family • Lunch at Fundação Julita from Monday to Thursday • US$ 100: contribution to the host project.
What is not included? • Flights and transfers; • Extra activities not on itinerary; • Public transportation to the project; • Lunch on Fridays / Dinner meals ; • Travel insurance.
Application process The required documents for the application process are: • CV and presentation letter • Application Form
City tour One city tour around the most famous spots in São Paulo with 5 hour duration will be organized also during the first week. The best of São Paulo tour visits 12 main spots of the city, including the Mercado Municipal (Central Market), Mosteiro de São Bento (São Bento’s Monastery), Theatro Municipal (Municipal Theater), Museu do Futebol (Soccer Museum) and Parque do Ibirapuera (Ibirapuera’s Park).
Portuguese classes The Portuguese course will take place during the first two weeks of the program in order to give to the volunteers a basic and functional knowledge of the language. The objective of the course is to learn practical communication and create a base to build on for further language studies. It’s a 16 hour course normally divided in 4 days a week (2 hours per day), in individual classes. The course includes the application and the didactic material fees.
Accommodation The accommodation during the first 2 weeks will be in a hostel 500 meters near the Portuguese School, the volunteers will stay in a shared bedroom, with shared bathrooms. The hostel services of the hostel includes: breakfast, free Wi-Fi internet access, shared kitchen and TV room, luggage room and currency exchange. If the candidate wants to stay in a private room, please check the extra amount to be paid.
AES – ASSOCIAÇÃO ESPORTE SOLIDÁRIO The project accepts foreign volunteers from any part of the world who are eager to cooperate with the NGOs that work with us. Candidates are evaluated not on previous experience with volunteer projects, but on their desire for changes, willingness to involve themselves within the organizations' purposes and values, and to exchange their knowledge with professionals who can guide them in carrying out their plans and wishes. Communication is a key element to making the program a success for everyone, as well as respect for organizations' schedules, rules, and behavioral codes. The mission of this organization is contribute to the integral development of children and adolescents, providing assistance and health, encouraging formal education, access to culture and awakening talents. They have three different projects in São Paulo: - Correndo para o futuro (running to the future) – Athletics. The volunteer will work with kids from 09 to 15 years old. - Mergulhando para o futuro (swimming to the future) – Swimming. The volunteer will work with kids from 09 to 15 years old. - Basketball - This project is further from the city center, but it is also a great project! The volunteer will work with kids from 10 to 18 years old.
What is included? • 4 weeks of Portuguese classes (only for 8 weeks programs); • Placement in a 4 weeks community service project; • Ongoing support by local volunteer coordinator; • Accommodation at host family during the whole stay;
• Breakfast and dinner at host family.
What is not included? • Flights and transfers; • Extra activities not on itinerary; • Public transportation to the project; • Lunch meals ; • Travel insurance.
Portuguese classes The first four weeks are devoted to Portuguese classes at Fast Forward Language Institute, if the volunteer has either no previous experience or a low level in the language. It is important for the volunteer to achieve a certain level of Portuguese to get the most out of their volunteering. The program offers 20 group classes per week. The next four weeks are spent on-site in a placement at the organization.
Accommodation The volunteer will be hosted by Brazilian host families (half board) during the entire period of his/her program. Accommodation must be arranged with the school prior to the student's arrival.
PROJECTS IN SALVADOR - BAHIA You are invited to live and work in this multicultural place of creative, vibrant and warm people influenced by African, native American and European. We hope this will be a unique experience in your life.
PROJETO IDEOLOGIA CALABAR The social project Ideologia Calabar is the evolution of the Youth in Action Group of Calabar, which was founded in 2005 and began with 37 young people who performed volunteer work to help the community Calabar. In mid-August 2007 the group changed its name to Quilombo in Action. In early 2008 the Quilombo Action Group started to work only with young people who were part of the Youth in Action. Because of this, the group decided to act again with the old name also think the name Youth in Action was more representative and recognition in and out of the community Calabar. Several members of the group left it to find other projects where they could develop a work, mainly because we do not have sufficient financial support. Only 4 remaining members of the former Youth in Action Calabar are still working at the project. Since then, three new people were invited to join the group thinking of keeping it active in Calabar drafted a constitution and formed an official NGO.
The Association was founded on February 26th, 2009 and it aims to monitor and pursue growth of the Calabar Community Library, encourage the habit and taste for reading and writing, train young people who are at social risk multipliers of educational and community, work on issues of ethnicity, health education and human rights, discuss the various forms of violence inside and outside the community, change the image of the community through culture, art and education; promote exchanges with other similar institutions, national or international. Volunteering possibilities Develop activities with Arts - dancing, music, capoeira / Develop activities related to education and reading / Organize the library of the Project / Help the children with home work. PROJETO ESCOLA DIDĂ (Volunteering in this project depends on the time period of the year) DidĂĄ dance and percussion school in UN World Heritage Site Pelourinho works with women, girls and young children. It was formed to instill dignity and self-esteem in, and otherwise serve, black and mixed-race women and girls.
These have traditionally had to bear unjustifiable burdens in Brazil and as “exotics” from poor communities are targets of sex-tourism. Didá was formed by Neguinho do Samba who, as co-founder and drum master for the Olodum children’s drum corps, performed with Paul Simon and Michael Jackson. He has been important in the resurgence and further evolution of AfroBrazilian rhythms. Didá is housed in a building donated for this program by Paul Simon, it mentors the women and girls on many issues important to them, provides health services when doctors volunteer their time and in a Wall Mart sponsored program currently focuses on teaching trade skills. Volunteering possibilities Anything related to current offerings (percussion & dance, informatics, costume making, audio production, constructing drums and silk-screening T-shirts), health and nutrition, and foreign language or arts and crafts instruction or projects. Or you can ask Didá what it needs help with, and Didá is open to defining an opportunity in another area if you have a special other interest. Understandably, only females can volunteer here. COMMUNITY BASKETBALL GROUP (Volunteering in this project depends on the time period of the year)
Founded on September 1995 this project aims to foster the development of healthy, positive, self-confident youth by using the sport of basketball to teach life-affirming values. Juvenile delinquency is also combated by directing the youth into wholesome activities, and they act with any existing organizations devoted to the furtherance of youth welfare. The benefits for members include improved physical fitness; learn leadership skills; learn life skills – communication, decision-making, conflict management; travel throughout the city to competitions; meet and interact with new peers from other areas; foster´s responsibility & empowers youth; increased personal safety & security thru organized, team sport. In order to be an active member of the group and participate in competitions, all members must be attending school on a regular basis. They must also be making academic progress. The director monitors grade reports and makes in-person visits to meet with school personnel to verify this information. Failing grades and/or excessive absenteeism will result in temporary suspension from all games. Regular attendance to practice for training and games is required for all members. Participation in the Community Basketball Group of Calabars and nearby areas, gives members access to other community-based projects for low-income youth such as those funded by UNICEF, and cityfunded job-training programs for students 16 and older. The organization survives on donations from the public, raffles, and bazaars.
Volunteering possibilities Help children improving physical fitness, recreational activities and helping with homework; organizing the trips during the competitions.
What is include? •
Pre-departure information;
•
Accommodation: host family (including breakfast) or student residence;
•
Ongoing support by local coordinator;
•
Language classes in group (20 classes per week) - Monday to Friday, 9 am to
12:30 pm;
•
Placement in a community service project;
•
Cultural excursions once a week, accompanied by a guide;
•
Samba/Forró dancing and Capoeira lessons once a week;
• Intercultural meeting with Brazilian students every two weeks.
What is not included? • Flight tickets to and from Brazil; • Passport and visa issue; • Transportation to and from school and volunteer project; • Health, accident and travel insurance; • Personal expenses including international phone calls; • Pick up transfer and laundry service.
Arrival If you requested the pickup service, you will be welcomed at the airport by our guide, who will take you to your accommodation address. If you didn´t request this service you can take a taxi or a bus (until 6 pm). Should you arrive on a Saturday or Sunday, you will spend the weekend getting a taste of Brazilian life. On the following Monday you will be introduced to your language teacher and begin the program orientation.
Orientation Classes and orientation will take place on the next weekday, at Diålogo School. On the first day classes, the student will be introduced to the staff. One teacher will do the placement interview to know the proficiency level and after that the language classes will start. After the classes the new students will participate on the Welcome Meeting and receive more information about transportation, procedures regarding classes; volunteer work; do's and don’ts and home stay issues.
Language classes Communication is a key element to making the program a success for everyone, as well as respect for organizations' schedules, rules, and behavioral codes. The first four weeks are devoted to Portuguese classes, if the student has either no previous experience or a low level in the language. It is important for the student to achieve a certain level of Portuguese to get the most. The language classes will take place during the first weeks of the volunteering program to help the students to gain a functional knowledge of the language as quickly as possible.
The classes contain Grammar and activities applying and practicing new language knowledge. The goal is to communicate and create a base for further language study. Classes are from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 12:30 pm with a 10-minute coffee break.
Home stay During the Program, the student will live in a student residence or in a home stay together with another Brazilians- an excellent way to learn and to practice the language. “Bahians” native ones have a reputation for being warm and fun-loving, making it easy for the student to feel right at home.
Further information: For further information contact our team, we will be glad to help you: Paula Prado - Executive Manager - pprado@ci.com.br Nayara Lopes - International Mobility Supervisor– nlopes@ci.com.br
CI Experience Brazil - Tel. + 55 11 3262-4012 / Fax. + 55 11 3141 1277 *Please contact us for further information and price quotation*
Av. Paulista, 726 | CJ 601 S達o Paulo/SP | Brasil Tel.: 55 11 3262 4012 | 3141 1277 contact@ci.com.br www.cibrazil.travel
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