This fantastic project was created with the goal of providing the residents of one of Rio de Janeiro’s largest favela (shanty town) communities - Complexo do Alemão, with nutritious food.
It aims to teach them the skills to garden and supply fresh, healthy food for their families and community.
Sadly, the residents of Rio's favelas are being targeted by the door-to-door selling of cheap processed food options, an easy option for residents when there are is no vehicle to get to the supermarket and public transport is expensive. Most people in the poorest communities are also under-educated, making them more vulnerable to advertising from the major food and beverage companies.
As a result, unhealthy processed foods high in fat and sugar have become prevalent in favelas, and health issues have soared. It is imperative that favela communities have access to nutritious food and learn how to develop and grow healthy food for their families.
Goals of this Project:
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Provide access to nutritious food to the residents of Complexo do Alemão – one of Rio’s largest favelas
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Improve the health and long-term future of some of Rio’s most impoverished people, helping in local schools and the community
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Raise awareness of healthy eating and teach planting techniques so residents can continue the gardens and create more
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Learn and teach about tropical urban gardening, medicinal plants, nutrition and conservation
Start Dates
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week 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 assist in the creation and maintenance of urban garden spaces in some of Brazil's most marginalized communities. This 'hands-on' project is best suited to those who have a passion for gardening and/or environmental studies, or who simply wish to explore an interest in these fields. However, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by your local project leader.
Volunteers on this project will need a basic understanding of Portuguese (or Spanish) in order to communicate effectively with the children and the local project team. All applicants must of course display a genuine willingness to help, be fit and active, 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.
