Brazil

Have a great time working with children from the favela on this project that aims to get children involved in the skillful art of Capoeira, raising their self esteem in the process. Too many children from the favela in Rio are disillusioned about life and what they can achieve – this project aims to get them more involved with the community, help with their education and show them that with determination they can achieve lots!

Capoiera in Brazil At A Glance

* For dates longer than 4 weeks, please call us at 1.888.461.0231

Trip highlights

What the project does and why it needs you!

Capoeira Cidada is a project that was founded to give the children of poor communities incentive and structure to their lives by introducing them to the incredible skill and art form of Capoeira and improving their way of life. Through the use of Capoeira the project aims to raise children’s self esteem and make them more aware of the community around them  – as well as increasing their physical development and creating new healthy habits. The project also produces its own material to raise awareness of Capoeira and through these sales generates income for the project. Children can get involved in this area and and by helping to sustain the project themselves they become aware that they are actually able to make a difference to their own lives and reach their potential. The project is aimed at children and adolescents between the ages of 7 to 21 years and living in the Cidade de Deus (City of God) and nearby communities whose families are all on low incomes and have completed little more than a basic elementary education.

Who is it for?

This is ideal for anyone who has lots of physical and mental energy, with lots of ideas and creativity. The project needs help increasing awareness of Capoeira and how it can help the local communities – anyone with any IT skills or web design skills would be much appreciated. Any skills that you have can also be passed onto the children through workshops that the project runs from time to time. Be prepared to be flexible (this is Rio!) and work with the demands of the project – if you do you’ll have a great time working with the kids and seeing how well they progress in the art and skill of Capoeira!

What you will be doing

You will be getting involved in supporting Capoeira classes and also creating and running English classes if you are staying for a longer period of time. The project is run from two venues within the ‘City of God’ and you will be working in both centres. The project looks at a range of ways to increase the children’s knowledge so be prepared to give presentations about your country and culture and if you have any special skills that can help the project, for example design, painting, writing then be prepared to give a presentations on these too! You will be getting involved with the administration of the project including filing, organizing student documents, fund raising through the website and making contact with other institutions who may be able to help and support the project. Any IT skills that you possess can also help to update the project’s website!

The project works Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 12 midday, 3pm to 6pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 12 midday and 4pm to 6pm. The project is flexible and special activities can also be arranged on a Saturday from 10am to 12 midday.

Where you’ll be staying

You will be staying in one of three guesthouses which are all situated on the same street within walking distance of each other. The guesthouses are located in a hilltop setting with amazing views over Rio.
Rooms are on a shared basis and bathrooms have shower, hot water and western style toilet.

The project is situated about an hour away from the accommodation and can be reached by bus.

What you will be eating

Food is not included so you will need to budget for this, Rio is a large city with plenty of places to eat with lots of choices so there will be something for all tastes! Supermarkets are also within easy reach.

Advice and what to bring

You will need to bring your creativity, enthusiasm and flexibility! You can also bring any material supplies for any activities that you would like to get involved in.
You will also need to bring mosquito repellent sprays, personal toiletries and any personal medication. It is also advisable to learn some Portuguese before you arrive.

When you arrive

Carnival in Brazil

If you time your arrival to one of the designated arrival dates then airport pick-up is completely free. Please book your flight to arrive into Rio de Janeiro International Antonio Carlos Jobim – Airport (airport code GIG). Should you require a different pick-up time or any additional nights at the orientation accommodation, for example if you arrive a day or two early, you can arrange this through the i-to-i office.

Day 1: Arrive in to Rio

You will be met at the airport and taken to your guesthouse where the rest of the day is free for you to explore as you wish.

Day 2: Orientation

You will have an orientation meeting in the afternoon at one of the guesthouses.

Day 3: Start of your project

Today you will be shown the way to the project, meet the team and get a feel for what you’ll be doing over the few weeks.

Days 4 to 7: Work at the project

Carry on your work at the project and get to know more about the amazing art of Capoeira and do your best to get involved with all aspects of the project.

Day 8 to 9: Weekend and your time!

The weekend is yours to do as you wish, there is plenty to do in Rio so now is the time to make the most of it! Plenty of bars and nightlife to sample but be careful to keep some energy for Monday morning! For something outside of Rio then Ilha Grande is a paradise island situated 3 hrs away, Buzios is a small city surrounded by 14 amazing beaches only 3 hrs away and if you fancy something on the quieter side is Parati is a peaceful historic city located 4 hrs from Rio

Day 10  – to the end of your stay: Carry on having a great time!

Carry on having an amazing time with the children and engaging with as many aspects of the project as possible. Weekends are yours to do as you wish or a long weekend to go further afield to ensure that you make the most out of your time in Brazil!

For more information about this tour or to contact an agent to confirm this vacation please call 1.888.461.0231 or fill out the form below.