Creche Projects - Work with and Care for Underprivileged Children in Brazil

  Brazil

• Rio de Janeiro: 
Rio de Janeiro

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Dates: Available all year round

Description: Do you fancy teaching little ones who could really use your time, energy and affection? In Iguaçu Falls and within inner city areas of Rio de Janeiro, there are many 3-6 year old girls and boys with magnificent spirit and from very poor families, waiting for volunteers to share their joy with!

One particular creche that we work with desperately needs voluntary assistance because they are in danger of being shut down by the Government due to a lack of funds to pay for essential building repair work.

On this project you'll be working in one of our many crèches in either Foz do Iguaçu or Rio de Janeiro, depending on which area you'd like to visit. If you can't decide, why not try both....?

For several years Travellers volunteers have been assisting at a number of creches which provide day care to children between the ages of 3 - 6. These creches are run by the government to enable parents from poor families to seek employment without the burden of childcare.

Many of the children at government-run creches live in nearby shanty towns, so the stable environment provided is incredibly important and worthwhile - it provides a sense of solidarity, education and fun for young children who are often from broken homes where survival is a full time job.

Each creche is in desperate need of both voluntary and financial assistance - your involvement on this programme will help to fulfill these needs. You really can make a difference in a truly magical part of the world!

At Travellers we are particularly passionate about these placements and, in particular, helping one of the creches which has been forced with closure, to stay open. If the creche was forced to close, it would be such a pity as it is extremely important to young children whose lives are a lot tougher than many of us could understand. At the moment our volunteer project is helping the creche stave off closure.

Creche Placements in Rio De Janeiro:
We have a variety of crèche placements in Rio de Janeiro and you'll be allocated to one or more placements. This placement is an all-round experience of volunteering throughout Rio. All projects are within 45 minutes of your hotel accommodation and you'll live and play with all our other Travellers Rio-volunteers!

Below is a brief description of one of the projects that we are currently working with - if you would like any more information please don't hesitate to contact us.

CIEP:
This is a school that also has a Creche for the younger children. CIEP is home to just over 500 children who are split down into more manageable groups of around 35 kids. The Centre caters for all ages and extends its care to include children suffering from mental disabilities. Centres caring for children with disabilities are sadly a rarity - making this centre very important.

As with many of the centres we work with, CIEP provides a wide range of activities and lessons to children of a wide range of ages. The centre accommodates children as young as three years old upwards. Just like any other centre caring for children of such a young age, the key is to keep things interesting and varied. A typical day may include activities and lessons that may sometimes require you to use your initiative and creativity - one minute you may be teaching the children to paint and the next lesson may need you to find your rhythm as you help with a music lesson.

The centre is great fun to volunteer with - be prepared to get involved with a broad range of activities including music, art, fun & games, and other recreational activities. Educational and developmental lessons are combined in with recreational activities to provide a combination incorporating as much physical and mental stimulation for the children as possible.

Creche Placements in Foz D Iguacu:
We have a variety of crèche placements next to the mighty Iguacu Falls in Foz do Iguaçu and you'll be allocated to one or more placements. Below is a brief description of one of the projects that we are currently working with.

APMI:
APMI crèche takes approximately 230 children with around 45 per class. The children range from 3-6 years old. With the current waitlist standing at over 250 children, the centre is in great need of help and assistance. The crèche is partially supported by government funding and they receive 17 Reais per child per month ... that is just £3.10 per child. This centre is run by three nuns, but each class is supervised by the 'tias' or auntie, the affectionate nickname given to the staff. Your role will be primarily to assist the 'tias' with the class. As your placement develops so will your role in the classroom. The centre is open Monday to Friday with the children arriving around at 7:30 am, receiving breakfast at 8:00 am. Classes begin by 9:00 am with an hour off for lunch at midday. The children then also enjoy an hour off for a siesta mid-afternoon, common among children of such a young age. The children are then picked up from the centre leaving at around 5.30 pm.

The kids of APMI love having the volunteers there, and they learn remarkably fast with them. APMI is in urgent need of donations now. Having recently been informed by the School Government Department that the crèche is responsible for rebuilding the school before the end of this year, otherwise they will have to close it down. The building is 70 years old and such structural building work is highly expensive. The government won't help with these costs.

You will walk to the crèche from your accommodation each day. The crèche has a playground, a video recorder and a cassette player which you can utilize. They do not have access to anything more sophisticated such as internet or a library etc. Football and games of any sorts are appreciated within the lessons and will make you even more popular amongst the kids! You will work approximately 4 hours a day Mondays - Fridays, 9:00 - 11:00am & 2:30 - 4:30pm.

Our Users Say:

Paul White, Teaching Consultant, Travellers Worldwide:

"As a teaching consultant for Travellers Worldwide I am privileged to visit a great number of schools in many countries. Rarely however have I seen a more worthwhile project than Creche APMI. I was immediately impressed by the happy smiling faces of the children who were obviously enjoying their lessons. It is clear that the children are receiving valuable education and pastoral care whilst at this crèche. I also noted how pleased their parents were. I was further impressed by the staff who showed that they are dedicated to the community they serve.

Later I visited the shanty town where many of the children live. I realized that the crèche has a wider role within the community and that the staff continue their hard work long after school finishes for the day. I have therefore been very saddened to hear that a facility that is so essential to the wellbeing of these children and their families may be forced to close. I urge anybody who can, to do whatever is possible to prevent such a tragedy from occurring."

Highlights: Support and Guidance form the Travellers at Creche.

You'll receive lots of care and assistance from our very friendly and helpful UK staff, from the first stage of applying all the way through to the end of your placement. We are also available 24 hours a day for any urgent matter during your time on our placement.

Travellers will send you our extremely comprehensive information pack with details on everything - ranging from where to go on your weekend travels to what to pack and extensive safety tips. We will also provide you with a selection of coaching manuals that will be very useful on your project.

In Brazil you will have the support of our Brazil Manager who will be on call 24/7 from meeting you at the airport and will be around frequently to ensure you are settled and happy on your placement. You will also find that the teachers at the crèches where you work will be very happy to help you throughout your days.

If you speak some Portuguese (or even Spanish), you will find it very beneficial on this project. But don't be put off if languages aren't your thing! You're sure to pick up some of the basic words whilst you are there, and will find other ways to converse without language becoming a barrier. Don't forget that we can also arrange some Portuguese Lessons for you during your programme in either Rio or Foz, if you would like.   

Qualifications:
No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit Sports enthusiasts who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative.

Cost in US$: Varies depending on length. Starts from 1,195 USD

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required: yes

No experience required only a good dose of enthusiasm and a desire to help children and families in the less advantaged and developing world.

Typical Volunteer: This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range: From 17 years old up to 70+

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Brazil Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995