Escola da Amazonia (Amazon School)

  Brazil

Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: The Escola da Amazonia - EA, activities were prepared based on the notion that our attitude in relation to nature is based on feelings, ethical and esthetical values and subjectivity's, rather than objective information like numbers, names and facts. Therefore, the EA focuses on children sensibility in relation to nature and not simply information.

At EA the children learn on a active manner, exploring and discovering the Forest by his own means and thus creating a different perception of the it, a more accurate one, getting emotionally involved, differently from what they do at a typical environmental class where they passively receive information.

Academic information is also a part of EA's activities, although it is not used to dictate what is ecologically correct or incorrect. On the contrary, the academic information serves to allow them to appreciate the complexity, the fragility and the beauty of nature and so undertake an attitude of admiration and respect that we just talked above.

Highlights: The EA is composed of two components: the first one is to bring children from all parts of Brazil and abroad to learn about the Amazon Forest through Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation Workshops. A share of the workshops income helps to finance the second one, which is Environmental Education to children and youths from Alta Floresta and other districts around Cristalino State Park.

Qualifications: The desirable qualifications are: open head, motivation, flexibility, cooperation and enthusiasm.

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.

Age Range: Must be over 18

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Brazil Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Post 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