Famous for its prowess in football, Brazil is the largest country in South America. From world famous cities to the tropical beaches that line the Atlantic, to the Amazon rainforest in the north, not forgetting the vibrant metropolises of the south east and Pantanal wetlands, there are numerous places you can volunteer in Brazil.
About Brazil
Brazil is the 5th largest country on earth (both by population and land size) and occupies almost half of the South American continent. The magnificent rainforests of the Amazonian basin comprise almost half of all the rainforests on Earth, while the long eastern seaboard contains some of the world’s most beautiful beaches including the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches in Rio de Janeiro.
Prior to European discovery by the Portuguese in 1500, it is believed that indigenous peoples had been living in the area for 50,000 years, after following the migration route from Russia to Alaska and then south. However, unlike the Inca and Mayan populations to the north, no evidence of large civilizations have been discovered. It is thought that up 4 million people, consisting of between 1000- 2000 tribes, were living in the region when Europeans arrived.
Brazil is a mixture of races and ethnicities, resulting in rich diversity. Unlike many other Latin American countries where there is a distinct Indian population, Brazilians have intermarried to the point that it sometimes seems that almost everyone has a combination of European, African and indigenous ancestry. Many original Portuguese settlers married native women, which created a new race, called ‘mestizos’. ‘Mulattoes’ are descendents of the Portuguese and African slaves.
In general, people with darker brown skin tend to be more economically and socially disadvantaged. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries Italian, German, Spanish, Ukrainian, Polish, Arab and Japanese immigrants settled in Brazil and played an important role in its culture, creating a multicultural and multiethnic society.
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, and is the only language used in schools, newspapers, radio and TV. Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking nation in the Americas, giving it a national culture sharply distinct from its Spanish-speaking neighbours.
How to Volunteer in Brazil
There are an abundance of volunteer programmes in Brazil to choose from: working with street children, teaching English, building houses for the underprivileged, contributing to the health care system, or conducting after-school programmes.
If you have any sporting skills, you can even consider coaching children. The vast majority of programmes service the urban areas of Brazil, but you can find volunteering opportunities in the rural communities as well. You can even enrol for a project in the Amazon, by contacting the World Wildlife Fund.
Finding a placement is quite easy. You can opt to contact a volunteering agency in your country and discuss your options. Some agencies are overseen by renowned international organisations, such as UNESCO or the United Nations Volunteers, so checking the trustworthiness of the various agencies and programmes is more than feasible.
If you plan on finding a volunteering program on your own, your safest route would be to contact a local Brazilian non profit organisation. These organisations usually charge you significantly smaller fees, but you will be required to do much of the legwork on your own. In addition, you might be required to speak a little Portuguese so as to facilitate communication.
Programs can last anything from one week to a year, so regardless of the amount of free time you have at your disposal, you will surely find a perfect project for you. Whatever you end up choosing, be certain that your experience in this South American nation will be unforgettable.
Locations
Brazil is notoriously vibrant and you can expect one hell of an experience. You can join programs throughout the country in places like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Salvador and the Amazon. Apply to volunteer in the big cities and get in the thick of the action or travel to remote locations to help conservation initiatives.
Popular Projects
Education and teaching
Help out the littlest citizens of the favelas. You’ll find yourself assisting at local programs and doing any number of things that kids love to do. Locate your inner child and share your passions with the next generation of Cariocas!
Football and sports coaching
There are few nations in the world as passionate about football (futebol) as the Brazilians. With a record 5 World Cup victories and host of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the beaches and favelas of Rio de Janeiro are full of vibrancy. Why not join the fun by volunteering with coaching sports to local kids and helping them hone their skills? You’ll be helping and organising and working up a sweat with the most motivated kids in the world!
Arts
Do you paint? Take photos? Dance like a dervish? In our art program you can do all these things plus whatever else you may want to share. This program brings the magic of art to the favelas of Rio and you will be involved in providing artistic programs of all kinds. Do you have a pet project in mind? Let us know and we can help you make it happen. Volunteers in this program will work with kids to fire their imaginations and get the creative juices flowing.
Surfing
The beaches of Rio de Janeiro are legendary. Now you can have an excuse to hang out all day as you help the kids of Rio’s favelas learn the art/sport of surfing. You’ll be there to make sure they are safe and stoked as they tackle the waves of Rio’s gorgeous coast.
IT
Are you tech-savvy? Rio is a well-connected city and our partner has plenty of opportunities to put your IT skills to good use. Giving children and their families the web skills to explore the online world opens up a brave new world of opportunities and educational outcomes. Maybe you’ll create a new social network called FavelaBook while you’re there!
Music
Got rhythm? Bring your boogie to the favelas of Rio and help kids learn to play music. You’ll be living in the land of samba and bossa nova and you’ll have the chance to teach and inspire a new generation of music fans. Brazilians are passionate about music so you’ll be welcomed with open arms and ears.
Martial Arts & Capoiera
Capoiera is a Brazilian martial art that comprises elements of dance, acrobatics and music. You can be involved in helping some of Rio’s most disadvantaged children learn this free-flowing activity – and learn what the locals have to share!
Volunteer in Salvador Bahia
Brazil has the largest population of African descendants living outside of Africa. Bahia, the cultural capitol of Brazil, was for many years the main entry port for enslaved Africans transported to Brazil. The country has a rich cultural legacy that is rooted in the African traditions brought there during the more than three hundred years of trans-Atlantic slavery.
Today, Bahia is a vital center for many contemporary cultural manifestations and political movements created by African Brazilians. Bahia remains a rich and essential repository for African derived cultural practices
There are specially designed programs for individuals and groups interested in the African presence in Brazil – particularly Bahia. The programs’ goals are educational and engaging. All programs are based in the magical city of Salvador with its stunning, rich, natural beauty, and spiritual energy. From there, the programs move out into the surrounding region. Trips are well suited for high school and college students, researchers, artists, dancers, musicians, and community cultural organizations.
FAQ
Requirements
For most programs you must be 18 years or older to volunteer. There is no upper limit for volunteers – the only requirement is that volunteers are in good health and able to manage the workload required.
What languages do I need to be able to speak to volunteer in Brazil?
You must be able to speak enough English to communicate with staff. Program staff will also speak English but be aware that the vast majority of Brazilians do not speak or understand much English. Otherwise there are no strict requirements although, of course, the more Portuguese you can speak or understand, the richer your experience will be. We recommend learning some basic phrases that cover the range of who, what, when, where.
Are programs available year round?
Yes, although some school programs will be affected by holidays etc.
What is the climate like?
You’re likely to see plenty of sun during your time in Brazil. On average, the temperatures are always high (25-30C). Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in January, February, March and April. On average, the warmest month is February (25-35C). On average, the coolest month is August (15-25C). April is the wettest month. December is the driest month.
As in many countries, foreigners are perceived as wealthy in Brazil. Although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by volunteers, not every individual is the same. We work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. However, as in any situation at home or abroad, there is no way to erase all potential threats.
Is Brazil safe?
In Rio de Janeiro and other major cities in Brazil it is important to be wary of crime and pick pocketing, especially in crowded areas. Volunteers will be given further safety advice in their orientation session.
Is there opportunity to take classes such as language or cultural activities?
Yes you can be put in touch with Portuguese classes and teachers before you go or once you arrive!
What hours am I expected to work?
Volunteers can expect to work at their placement for 3-5 hours per day. Volunteers typically work half a day and have the other half off to explore or just kick back at the beach.
What kind of volunteer work is available?
Programs are unique in that you can have access to a wide variety of programs or even design one yourself. Options include Sports (football, surfing, martial arts), Arts (painting, dance, photography etc), Teaching English, Community Development, Early Childhood Education, Music or IT Projects. You are also welcome to enquire about a personal project passion that you would like to share with the people living in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.
How are volunteers chosen?
Each program has different criteria depending on partner’s requirements. Every application is reviewed to ensure that the minimum requirements (as set out on the program page) are met. Next skills or experience are evaluated to see how compatible to programs you are. Organisations are also interested in any previous volunteer experience you may have (either local or international), travel experience, and your particular interest in the program.
Am I able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?
Yes. Volunteers have their weekends free for travelling and we do recommend that you take advantage of being in Brazil to see some other places of interest.