Volunteer in this School Project, Camacari, Bahia, Brazil, teaching English to children
COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Project Name: PROJETO CAMAÇARÍ
Location
Camaçarí is a city of about 220,000 people in the metropolitan area of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. It has the largest industrial capability in the north east of Brazil, with several factories, including a Ford automobile factory, and petrochemical plants. In contrast, within an hour’s drive, it also boasts around 42 miles of beaches, which offer both lagoons and surf.
As with all Brazilian cities, it has its very poor areas with families struggling to feed their children and, for some children, the food that they are given in the project will be their only meal of the day. Local companies already face a severe skills shortage because of poor educational standards versus the high technological demands of factory work.
The Project
Margarida, originally from Switzerland, started this community school in a very poor neighbourhood of Camaçarí. The school provides places for 150 children aged between 3 and 8 years who attend either in the morning or the afternoon. There is an outdoor area for physical/sporting activities.
They are looking for volunteers to teach the children English in an animated and interactive way. This does not have to be through formal lessons; in fact it is better if the lessons are fun and full of activity. English can also be taught informally through other activities such as drawing, singing, painting, dancing, playing, acting etc. The youngest children require assistance with eating, going to the bathroom, etc.
There is a requirement for volunteers to work with the existing teachers to improve their English pronunciation.
The project is also open on Sundays for older adolescents to come in and have help with their school work and participate in different activities. It provides a safe place off the streets. It would be very much appreciated if you were able to plan one Sunday workshop during the month with these young people.
The young children are lively and affectionate. If you love being with children and are patient and compassionate, you will gain immense satisfaction from the work you do here and, as a volunteer, you will make a significant difference to their lives mostly by virtue of the fact that you are prepared to give them your time and attention and make them feel special.
Skills Needed
Whether your skills and abilities are professional or practical, you can be sure that you will be able to apply them to good effect in this project. Volunteers with education, childcare or TEFL experience will be especially welcome but everyone with a willingness to organise activities with the children will be warmly received.
Volunteers’ assistance will be able to benefit:
• Pre-school and primary classes for introductory education, English, care and nourishment.
• All age groups for activities such as drawing, painting, singing, dancing, sport, handicrafts etc.
• Small enterprise development with women’s groups to teach handicraft and skills to help them increase the family income.
• Marketing the products made by local groups
• English and training for adolescents to help them find jobs in the tourist industry
• Any help required with organisation and administration
Costs
All our placements are tailor made. Costs will vary according to the level of accommodation you require and your preferred length of placement. As a guideline, our charges for a 4-week placment in Camacari in a homestay start from £1380.
Duration of Stay
Ideally 2 to 3 months but placements can be arranged from 4 weeks to 6 months
Accommodation
Volunteers will live with a member of staff from the school in her house. Accommodation is offered on a bed and breakfast basis and the volunteer will share the cost of the evening meal with her. Any meals out are taken at their own expense. Lunch is included and is taken at school.
What is Included
Volunteer accommodation in local homestay, breakfast, lunch in the placement, transfers from the airport on arrival in country to accommodation, 2 days orientation course in Sao Paulo, pre-departure briefing in London, project management and supervision, transfer on arrival in Salvador from airport to placement, services of our in-country Representative, local orientation, project contribution.
What is Not Included
Your airfares, travel between the city of arrival in Brazil and location of placement, travel to the airport in UK, costs of insurance, visas, inoculations, personal expenses such as medical, phone calls, travel, meals other than those specified above, other activities.
Support for the Project
BVB will ensure part of your charge is spent in Brazil for the direct benefit of our projects there. Again, the amount will vary according to each client's placement duration but will never be less than £200. You will be fully involved in the decision on where your contribution will be spent on your return to UK.
