This wonderful project was created with the goal of helping to improve the English speaking abilities of the residents of one of Rio de Janeiro’s largest favela (shanty town) communities: Complexo do Alemão.
As is common in many of the worlds poorer communities, an ability to speak English unlocks a new world of possibilities for children and opens up many professional opportunities for the working-age, often within the service and tourism industries. Unfortunately, access to English tuition is limited for many residents of the Complexo do Alemão community, so this project offers free short-term intensive English classes to enable favela residents to prepare for the job market, school exams, and to simply improve their future prospects.
Goals of this Project:
-
Provide free English language classes to the residents of Complexo do Alemão – one of Rio’s largest favelas,
-
Improve the future prospects of some of Rio’s most impoverished people, and help them to break the poverty cycle,
-
Expose non-English speakers to native English speakers in order to improve pronunciation and conversational skills,
-
Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both residents and international volunteers alike.
Start Dates
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for children through the power of education. This project best suits those with experience and/or qualifications in the field of childhood development and education, though volunteers who simply wish to explore an interest in this field are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist in the classroom. Whist not mandatory, completing a TEFL course prior to joining this project would prove to be highly beneficial.
Volunteers on this project will need an understanding of Portuguese (or Spanish) in order to communicate effectively with staff and students. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team! Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation: Emergency contact, Police check & Resume.
