Recycling & Culture in Brazil

  Brazil

• Rio de Janeiro: 
Rio de Janeiro

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: Volunteer in Brazil and lend a hand to cause a very positive impact in a recycling project founded by one of the most famous Brazilian musicians.

OndAzul Foundation was founded in 1990, brain child of Gilberto Gil - one of the most expressive and well-known Brazilian artists, who is also an environmental activist and Minister of Culture (Brazil) in the Lula Administration. The main objective is the creation of job opportunities, the generation of income, and the recycling of plastic bottles for use in the production of furniture frames The Vigário Geral community was identified as an ideal space to serve as model for this development project, which associates the social subject to environmental issues. In addition, the Foundation regularly edits publications and performs events and programs linked to ecological themes.

Brazil produces six billion two-liter plastic bottles type pet a year and less than 2% are recycled. The numbers show a negative result, taking into account the serious environmental and social problems caused by this entire residue.

Vigário Geral was the community identified as a ideal space to serve as model for this project development, which associates the social subject to the environmental issue in a perfect harmony of interests.

Vigário Geral community water groups are basic contributors of Guanabara Bay, and there is a very close relationship between the accumulation of this kind of trash and the problems generated by its impact on the environment.

The project has as the objective the generation of job opportunities and income, besides creating alternative solutions to the plastic residues destiny problem, especially for the two liters plastic bottles type pet, through the implantation of a recycling Plant, using the bottles to produce furnitures internal structures.

The Plant performance is aimed to commercialize the products manufactured by the project, seeking the proposal sustainability through the production of pet furniture and the execution of mobilization activities, focused in Environmental Education, to provoke behavior change with the garbage. It generates 14 direct jobs for the community and qualifies ten people more in cooperatives management through Fundacao OndAzul partnerships.

Two years after beginning the project, the Vigario Geral community could verify a sensitive reduction on the problems caused to the environment by the plastic residues accumulation, becoming a reference in the art of transforming garbage in citizenship.

Volunteers will get to know all of the production apprenticeships and they should participate in these activities to evaluate options for better productivity. Research and new products design development can, and should be motivated.

Highlights: The programs are formatted according to our volunteers' abilities and interests and the partner organization necessities, in a way it is very rewarding and productive to both parts

Qualifications:
- Volunteers must be open-minded.
- Volunteers must be willing to adopt to a new culture.

Cost in US$: 780

- Development of the volunteer placement together with the partner organization;
- Initial support to locate public transportation means to and from the project;
- Program management and administrative fee;
- Donation to the partner organization (50% of the NET placement fee);
- Orientation and information about the city, guides, listings, tips, maps, health issues and safety;
- Airport pickup by an Iko Poran representative;
- Lodging in one of our comfortable volunteer houses (first 4 weeks);
- Assistance in the case of emergencies.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: In most of the programs it is not necessary to have previous experience or specific abilities. The disposition to adapt in different realities and to exchange experiences is indispensable. The volunteers act in programs developed and operated by their own organizations and community councils. They have a unique experience of participating actively in developing communities of a fairer world, while they create a rich personal opportunity for cultural exchange It is the ideal travel experience for those who want to go beyond the ordinary. It is aimed at people who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the complex realities of the Brazilian population, as well as have the satisfaction of sharing, learning and helping in the construction and visualization of a fairer world for all.

Age Range: Must be over 18

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Brazil Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Iko Poran Association's Mission Statement: To implement volunteer programs and projects that make a positive impact on the projects in which they take place, promoting a wide experience exchange between cultures and strengthening a constant and growing number of NGOs in Brazil.

Year Founded: 2002