Afro Reggae - Circus and Music

  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: Experience Brazil from the local perspective and help to cause positive impacts. We have our operations linked with more than 38 partner organizations in Rio de Janeiro and 12 in Salvador. Besides the group programs that we run in which we sail the Amazon River attending riverside communities.

The goal of Afro Reggae is to have a direct intervention close to the Afro-Brazilian population and offer a cultural and artistic education that reinforces positive interests, in an effort to help young favela (urban slum) residents escape from the drug traffic or under-employment. Music has been the main tool used to attract youth to participate in GCAR. The success of the band AfroReggae led other youth to follow the same path, and today there are several groups that are maturing. AfroReggae has been working to bridge the abyss that separates black from white, rich from poor, certain that this is the only alternative that might build a long lasting peace.

Currently, Afro Reggae offers various programs that work towards this goal. In the Vigário Geral neighborhood, for instance, Afro Reggae trains youth in traditional African-Brazilian music and dance. Additionally, in the Cantagallo neighborhood Afro Reggae trains youth in circus performance. The organization is sponsored by such organizations as CARE-Brazil and the Ford Foundation.

Your placement will be specially formatted according to your abilities and interests and Afro Reggae necessities, in a way it is productive and rewarding for both parts. They are ideal for those who are willing to become a partner and understand a different reality from inside.

Activities That Can Be Done By The Volunteer:

Volunteers can teach or assist in teaching any of the following skill sets at beginner and/or advanced levels:

- Dance
- Acting
- Physical Training
- Gymnastics
- Manipulation
- Balancing
- Acrobatics
- Aerials
- Clown
- Juggling
- Music
- Choreography
- Martial Arts

In addition, Afro Reggae is open to suggestions from potential volunteers that are interested in formatting a unique project that cater to the volunteer's unique skills and fulfills Afro Reggae's objectives. Such projects will need to demonstrate formative progression for the students at Afro Reggae.

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 flexible.
- 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 World Wide 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 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