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One particular crèche desperately needs voluntary assistance because they are in danger of being shut down due to a lack of funds to pay for essential building repair work.

For several years Travellers volunteers have been assisting at a number of crèches which provide day care to children between the ages of 3 - 6. These crèches are run by the government to enable parents from poor families to seek employment without the burden of childcare. Many of the children at government-run crèches live in nearby shanty towns, so the stable environment provided is incredibly important and worthwhile - it provides a sense of solidarity, education and fun for young children who are often from broken homes where survival is a full time job.

We have a variety of crèche placements in both Rio and Florianópolis, and you'll be allocated to one or more placements. Generally due to the age and number of children per class you may asked to assist the class’s regular teacher, with conversational English and general classroom activities, however for other schools you may be in charge and expected to lead the class. Below is a brief description of two of the projects that we are currently working with – if you would like any more information please don’t hesitate to contact us.

--> CIEP:
This is a school that also has a Crèche for the younger children. CIEP is home to just over 500 children who are split down into more manageable groups of around 35 kids. The Centre caters for all ages and extends its care to include children suffering from mental disabilities. Centres caring for children with disabilities are sadly a rarity – making this centre very important.

As with many of the centres we work with, CIEP provides a wide range of activities and lessons to children of a wide range of ages. The centre accommodates children as young as three years old upwards. Just like any other centre caring for children of such a young age, the key is to keep things interesting and varied. A typical day may include activities and lessons that may sometimes require you to use your initiative and creativity - one minute you may be teaching the children to paint and the next lesson may need you to find your rhythm as you help with a music lesson.

The centre is great fun to volunteer with – be prepared to get involved with a broad range of activities including music, art, fun & games, and other recreational activities. Educational and developmental lessons are combined in with recreational activities to provide a combination incorporating as much physical and mental stimulation for the children as possible.

--> APMI Crèche:
APMI crèche takes approximately 230 children with around 45 per class. The children range from 3-6 years old. With the current waitlist standing at over 250 children, the centre is in great need of help and assistance. The crèche is partially supported by government funding and they receive 17 Reais per child per month ... that is just £3.10 per child. This centre is run by three nuns, but each class is supervised by the ‘tias’ or auntie, the affectionate nickname given to the staff. Your role will be primarily to assist the 'tias' with the class. As your placement develops so will your role in the classroom. The centre is open Monday to Friday with the children arriving around at 7:30 am, receiving breakfast at 8:00 am. Classes begin by 9:00 am with an hour off for lunch at midday. The children then also enjoy an hour off for a siesta mid-afternoon, common among children of such a young age. The children are then picked up from the centre leaving at around 5.30 pm.

The kids of APMI love having the volunteers there, and they learn remarkably fast with them. APMI is in urgent need of donations now. Having recently been informed by the School Government Department that the crèche is responsible for rebuilding the school before the end of this year, otherwise they will have to close it down. The building is 70 years old and such structural building work is highly expensive. The government won't help with these costs.

You will walk to the crèche from your accommodation each day. The crèche has a playground, a video recorder and a cassette player which you can utilize. They do not have access to anything more sophisticated such as internet or a library etc. Football and games of any sorts are appreciated within the lessons and will make you even more popular amongst the kids! You will work approximately 4 hours a day Mondays – Fridays, 9:00 - 11:00am & 2:30 - 4:30pm.

Your role within the centre may vary through the academic year, and may be dependent upon your overall project length; the longer you are with the crèche the more freely they will increase your responsibilities.

These are two of the Crèches we support - they all need your help! Each crèche is in desperate need of both voluntary and financial assistance - your involvement on this programme will help to fulfil these needs. You really can make a difference in a truly magical part of the world! At Travellers we are particularly passionate about these placements and, in particular, helping one of the crèches which has been forced with closure, to stay open. If the crèche was forced to close, it would be such a pity as it is extremely important to young children whose lives are a lot tougher than many of us could understand. At the moment our volunteer project is helping the crèche stave off closure.

"The placement has incredible job satisfaction, unrivalled by that of teaching teenagers or older students, as a bond develops between us and the children. As many come from broken homes and/or are stricken by poverty, they look to us as father figures. For instance in a week we are taking them to the local zoo, somewhere they may never have been able to go. We are also trying to take them to the Falls, yet this will be very complicated so may not happen, also obvious safety issues are a concern. However, normally safety issues are not that much of a concern at the crèche compared to the dreadful 'sue culture' coming about in England. They hurt themselves playing football or jumping about on the concrete, yet they pick themselves up and learn not to do it again. It is actually quite refreshing to be able to see kids play properly again". Chris Bodych on his placement

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AND ... CARNAVAL!
The main school holidays are from approximately

* 15th July until the 10th August and
* 10th December until the end of the last week in February.

If you are unsure about how seasonal breaks may affect your placement, please ask us!

Carnaval is celebrated all over Brazil. The most famous is, of course, held in Rio, but the authentic versions of Carnaval are found outside that city. Carnaval begins at midnight on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and lasts for five days, but the whole country stops for about two weeks.

"Carnaval - The planet's most spectacular annual cultural pageant, where the ancient world's spirit of chaotic collective delirium and abandonment of self to the impulses of the body and a greater collective spirit is unrivaled."

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure
• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
• An entry on your CV or résumé that demonstrates your initiative andwill put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
• As well as the enjoyment of coaching your sport and passing on your skills, you’ll have the enormous satisfaction of helping underprivileged refugee children and knowing that you made a difference to them
• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE FROM TRAVELLERS AND THE CRÈCHES:

You'll receive lots of care and assistance from our very friendly and helpful UK staff, from the first stage of applying all the way through to the end of your placement. We are also available 24 hours a day for any urgent matter during your time on our placement. Travellers will send you our extremely comprehensive information pack with details on everything - ranging from where to go on your weekend travels to what to pack and extensive safety tips. We will also provide you with a selection of coaching manuals that will be very useful on your project.

In Brazil you will have the support of our Brazil Manager who will be on call 24/7 from meeting you at the airport and will be around frequently to ensure you are settled and happy on your placement. You will also find that the teachers at the crèches where you work will be very happy to help you throughout your days.

If you speak some Portuguese (or even Spanish), you will find it very beneficial on this project. But don't be put off if languages aren't your thing! You're sure to pick up some of the basic words whilst you are there, and will find other ways to converse without language becoming a barrier. Don't forget that we can also arrange some Portuguese Lessons for you during your programme if you would like.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Call +44 (0) 1903502
Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
It’s as easy as that.

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £795 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.