Organic Farming: Help in Managing and Developing our Farm

  Brazil

• Rio de Janeiro: 
Rio de Janeiro

Durations of Program: 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: ongoing

Description: Short History

In February 2007, our new organic farming project was initiated thanks to a few sponsors and the arrival of Juan Bautista, an Argentinean agriculture practiser who brought enthusiasm, a lot of ideas and the hard working example, which made each and everyone enthusiastic about the project. Within 2 months he realized a running organic farm and the involvement of staff, volunteers and children of Casa do Caminho.

Long Term objectives of the project:

1. Provide quality food for the children and teenagers
2. Provide farming education to children and teenagers
3. Make the project self-sustaining and guarantee continuity
4. Pass on knowledge to the surrounding impoverished farmers

We are looking for a Project Leader to take over the responsibility of this project to help with continuity and development, plus enhance the involvement of the kids and the community. You need to be able to efficiently manage the project and to coordinate the other organic farming volunteers. As the project is still evolving, we are open to new ideas and suggestions.

We are also looking for Volunteers willing to gain farming experience by providing daily farm maintenance. Organic farming skills are very welcome since our project is young and our team is still learning. However, this is not a must and you will learn quickly the basics of organic farming.

Open to volunteers willing to work approximately 6 hours a day in a team of Brazilian staff and international volunteers. We need enthusiastic, hardworking, nature loving, volunteers who like to work on our farm. We are situated at the outskirts of the Tingua reserve, which means that you will be surrounded by beautiful green mountains. This is a fantastic experience; an opportunity for you to see Brazil, the people, the way of life and yourself as well at a whole different level!

Highlights: You will be living and working in a community of Brazilians and international volunteers surrounded by children of the orphanage which creates a family atmosphere and incredibly rewarding job. The beautiful area surrounding the farm land and a real chance to get to know the Brazilian culture makes the experience complete.

Qualifications:
* Organic farming skills are preferred but we would consider people who enjoy working farm land
* Experience in working with children and teenagers
* Basic Portuguese skills
* 6 months - 2 years volunteer/trainee period

Cost in US$: 0

Credit Available: yes

Salary / Pay: You receive food, accommodation and airport pick up as a compensation for your services.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Enthusiastic, motivated, flexible, hard worker that loves to hang out with children and helps out where necessary. Patience is an important factor for working in Brazil.

Age Range: 21 and older

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 in Groups of 2

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Comunidade Rural Casa do Caminho's Mission Statement: Casa do Caminho is an orphanage situated in the middle of the Tingua rainforest, outside of Rio de Janeiro. Casa do Caminho aims to take the children away from aggression, drugs & criminality in Rio de Janeiro and surrounding suburbs. In the orphanage Casa do Caminho provides children with shelter, health care, education and a lot of freedom to play!

Year Founded: 1982