Embrace the passion and colour of Brazil when you visit this country of heartbreaking beauty and exotic wildlife. Relax on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro where locals and tourists alike bathe and surf in the warm waters and embrace the scintillating night life. Brazil is without a doubt one of the most bewitching destinations for travellers seeking something special as it provides vibrant culture with great opportunities to assist worthwhile community development and conservation programs. 

Despite the significant progress made in women’s rights in Brazil over the past century women still face gender inequality, particularly in impoverished communities. This project gives you the opportunity to help empower these women by volunteering to teach handicraft classes. The handicraft classes provide a positive social outlet for women by enabling them to learn a new trade, boosting their self-esteem, and instilling a sense of community. You will find the work deeply rewarding as you get a chance to build positive and lasting relationships with the women, and make a tangible difference to their lives.

 

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?

The Women’s Empowerment Project in Rio de Janeiro project provides much needed support to local women. This is achieved in various ways: women are taught valuable and tangible skills that can be used to generate income such as sewing, sandal design, painting, pottery and candle making. However, these classes also provide an important safe haven for women to support each other discuss personal issues in a community where many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or similar conditions adhered from their everyday life in Rio.  

This program is invaluable for many women who are unemployed since it promotes entrepreneurship and independence. Numerous women have transitioned from participating in the project as students to now serving as teachers, and many have been successful in selling their products upon completing the courses.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING? 

Throughout this placement, you will make an active contribution to the support and empowerment of women within the local community. As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to provide your unique perspective and use educational tools based on your own background and knowledge. You will lead classes as well as prepare and develop lesson plans for the sessions. These may include: 

  • Sewing classes
  • Sandal design classes
  • Painting classes
  • Pottery classes
  • Candle making classes

In addition to promoting creativity and entrepreneurship, your classes will provide a safe haven for these women where they can develop their self-esteem and independence in a supportive environment. By joining this project you will gain valuable work experience, easily transferable to future careers and/or educational opportunities, whilst making a valuable, positive and lasting contribution to women’s empowerment in Rio de Janeiro.