Youth Shelter Project in Brazil

  Brazil

• Rio de Janeiro: 
Rio de Janeiro

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Brighten the lives of at-risk children and teenagers when you volunteer with our Youth Shelter Program in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In the favelas (shantytowns) perched on the hillsides of Rio de Janeiro, poverty prevails around every dilapidated rooftop. With many families lacking the resources to feed, clothe, and educate their children, some youths are forced to work, some have been abandoned, and many lack basic services. Other children leave homes of domestic violence and emotional trauma. These kids have sought refuge at a youth shelter created for those at high social risk. Established nearly 25 years ago, the shelter is home to children ages six to 14.

This unique children's shelter is structured with the same routine as a typical home; it is a safe environment where children are given three meals a day and the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and educational activities conducted by teachers, psychologists, and social workers.

As a volunteer in Rio de Janeiro, you will help to assure the youths' physical and mental well-being, and provide a healthy environment for their personal development. Volunteers can accomplish this through various educational and recreational activities including art, dance, music, sports, and English classes. Your time and devotion will have a positive impact on the children's self-esteem, as well as provide them with encouragement and positive role models.

Highlights: As a volunteer you can:

*Conduct dance, art, and music workshops
*Plan and coordinate sports activities
*Help children with their schoolwork
*Assist with the shelter's daily chores
*Teach English classes

Cost in US$: See website

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteer Adventures makes it easy to live your dream of volunteering. Anyone can volunteer, as long as you have the desire to help others and an open mind.

Age Range: 18 and older

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Brazil Independently

Volunteer Adventures's Mission Statement: The mission of Volunteer Adventures is to create and promote volunteer opportunities that improve the lives of others and the environment in which we live. We seek to achieve this goal by connecting worthy local projects with volunteers around the world. Many local organizations are doing great work in their communities, but don't have the resources required to recruit international volunteers. Volunteer Adventures serves as the link between these organizations and the volunteers needed to make these projects a success. All volunteer programs depend on the skilled coordination of a variety of elements: enthusiastic volunteers, meaningful work, organized projects, and supportive staff. It is our goal at Volunteer Adventures to orchestrate this process for you. We use our global experience and resources to provide volunteer experiences that bring pride and satisfaction to everyone involved.