Volunteer Work with Children in Brazil

Kids in Brazil

As a volunteer on a Care project in Brazil you will have an important role to play, whether you are a trained professional offering the benefit of your experience or on a gap year or career break looking for some experience of development work. Everybody is welcome, provided you are willing to work hard and be committed to the role, your work-colleagues, and the children you are there to help.

Brazil may now be the eighth largest economy in the world, but it is also a country with one of the largest disparities between rich and poor. At Projects Abroad we are attempting to get right to the heart of this problem. Though we don't pretend we can solve the social problems of this incredible country, we can work to make a difference to the lives of a good number of these children. But we cannot do this without the help of our volunteers.

In whichever volunteer Care project you find yourself, you need to be ready for a challenge. Many of the children have had very difficult lives and may be desperate for attention. There are likely to be some who have health problems or who require special attention due to disabilities. Your job is to help to improve their lives in whatever way possible. This will be quite varied; it may involve playing games with them or helping with their homework. You may even want to take a group out on a trip. Projects Abroad will support you in any way that we can.

Volunteering in Care Centers and Orphanages in Brazil with Projects Abroad

Our Care placements are based in Niteroi in the State of Rio de Janeiro. We work with orphanages, day care centers, and community centers with children aging from young children through to teenagers. Volunteers are placed there they can best help the children. The placements are spread throughout the city and are normally within walking distance or a short bus ride from your host family.

The orphanages we collaborate with are relatively small, allowing you to build strong relationships with each child and have an impact on their daily lives. You will be working alongside committed local staff to provide practical help and friendship to the many children who are in need of support.

Volunteer ProfileWendy Mawson

I had an amazing time, was very grateful to have been given the opportunity to experience Brazilian culture and I learnt a great deal about myself in the process! I think my 3 months in Brazil was everything I had wanted it to be. I feel more confident after undertaking my project and would jump at the chance to do something similar in the future. I used to think that people like me didn’t do things like this but I’m so glad I proved myself wrong! Read more...

Working at a day care centre for young children you’ll assist the local teachers. The children will be aged between 2 and 14 years old. You will play games, but may also be asked to ensure the younger ones are washed and dressed and help with their meals.

Some volunteers work at community centers for older children and teenagers. In addition to arranging games and activities you may also be required to help with homework, personal and social education, or support. It may also be beneficial if you can provide informal English tuition.

The schools and community centers have their main holidays from mid-December to mid-February, with a shorter holiday in July. Volunteers are able to travel or enjoy the festivities with their host family over the Christmas period, then from the second week of January we organize a variety of special programs for volunteers to continue to help in the community.