Creative Corners - Destinations - City Favela Community Project

City Favela Community Project

Rochina

Project

Amidst the postcard beauty of Rio de Janiero, the improvised and semi-urbanized construction of Rocinha, one of the largest favelas, or squatter towns, in Brazil, stands in sharp contrast. Over 150,000 people crowd the slopes of the hill, lacking adequate sewage, electricity and water services.

Also lacking are safe environments for educational, recreational and cultural activities for the many young people living in the favela. But despite the many problems facing Rocinha, and despite its reputation in Brazil and around the world as “a no man’s land run by drug traffickers,” Rocinha is, in fact, a hub of intense human activity. A place of creativity, energy and hard work Rocinha is a tight-knit community where neighbors know and care about each other. There are three neighbors associations in Rocinha, as well as schools and day-care services, many churches, sports clubs and small locally owned stores and restaurants.

Also, Rocinha is rich in Brazilian popular culture, from its samba school and capoeira martial arts groups to the traditional folk singers, or repentistas, who sing in the Farmers Market on Sundays. Regardless of the vitality of the community, local organizations in Rocinha are hindered by a lack of financial resources and institutional support.

Why We need You:

The Project seeks to promote activities in areas such as foreign language learning, reading groups, school tutoring, computer literacy, art and culture, photography and film, sports and fitness, business education, health, social justice, and environmental concerns.

Volunteers are also welcomed who can help the kids of this community by leading projects and workshops in their favourite activities hip-hop and graffiti art and rap.

Price

• £850 for one month

• £1290 for 2 months £490 for each additional month

What’s included

• Airport collection
• Organised and personally visited shared accommodation in a Copacabana B&B apartment.
• Comprehensive Travel insurance
• Quality pre-departure information, visa advice

Skills needed

• Portuguese or Spanish required or willing to learn before you go!
• Creative skills to share and project lead in the community centre especially Hip Hop and rap, Graffiti art, graphic design, photography, circus or art skills
• Willingness to work with children and adolescents at risk
• Ability to organise games and creative activities for the children
• Have initiative, flexibility and enthusiasm.
• Be able to work independently without supervision.