YOUTH WORK, WILDLIFE PROJECTS
Explore stunning beaches, tropical rainforests and vibrant nightlife in Brazil, a country famous for the city of Rio and the Carnival celebration. Jump aboard the cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, or chill out on Copacabana beach. As a GapBreak volunteer, you have a chance to see the wide variety Brazil has to offer, with our projects located in the wildlife sanctuary near Curitiba, as well as the beautiful beach of Florianopolis.
VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
Wildlife Project: Curitiba
Assist in conservation projects at a jaguar breeding ground located near the city of Curitiba. A not-for-profit sanctuary encouraging the preservation of endangered species, the breeding ground was created in 2003 and now cares for over 1000 species. Volunteers can take part in this unique project by assisting in the following activities:
- Feed the animals
- Treat and take care of species
- Clean the enclosures
- Assist the biologist
- Help replant endangered plant species
- Weed control
- Maintenance of walking track
Youth Work: Florianopolis
In Florianopolis, you have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects at the local children's centre, designed to give children between the ages of 8 and 17 additional education and activities out of school hours. The centre provides lessons in danc, arts and crafts, sports such as soccer, tennis and volleyball, school support and playtime. Support and get to know the local children, working on the following daily activities:
- Assist teaching basic skills in soccer, volleyball and sometimes tennis
- Help teach the kids arts and crafts, painting, papier-mâché, design, drawing
- Assist with dance classes, bring new ideas and dance styles to the class
- General volunteer activities involving all of the above as well as the environmental program in the vegetable garden and play time too
There is a large divide between the wealthy and poor in Brazil. Those at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder frequently live in ‘favelas’ (slum or shanty town) with limited access to basic needs such as adequate health care, education and sanitation. Favelas are a feature of most Brazilian cities.
Placement Options:
1 week Portuguese language course + 11 week placement working with youth in Florianopolis
1 Portuguese language course + 4 week Wildlife placement (Curitiba) + 7 weeks working with youth in Florianopolis
ACCOMMODATION
Florianopolis
Take a leap into Brazilian culture and live with a local host family. You will be placed in pairs living in clean, comfortable homes. The families are eager to have you, and will integrate you into their daily lives.
Curitiba
Live in the centre of the beautiful wildlife sanctuary with other GapBreak volunteers. The lodge has two bedrooms, with ensuite bathrooms, a small kitchen, sitting room, TV and DVD player, looking out onto the park. Food is provided but volunteers will need to cook their own meals.
What's included?
- Pre-departure training course
- Meet and greet on arrival
- Transfers to and from airport and placement (when arriving/departing on specified dates)
- Transfers in between Florianopolis and Curatiba
- Half board (breakfast and dinner)
- Accommodation
- Orientation
- Volunteer projects
- Portuguese language course
- Back-up and support in-country during placement
What's not included?
- Airfares
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Travel Insurance
- Travel related documentation
Brazil photos
GapBreak dates and prices