Volunteer Program Overview
Work alongside favela residents to help them realize their dreams. Help paint homes, complete landscaping projects, or support “basic” construction tasks. Your manual labor assistance will allow local residents to pursue projects that they’ve been waiting to accomplish for years. Maintaining and enhancing one’s shelter is a basic need that many in this region are unable to attain. Through your support, you will not only be assisting with diverse manual labor projects, but you will also be implementing a catalyst to help underserved residents achieve home improvement goals that they would otherwise not be able to reach.
Language Requirements: There is no language requirement
The Need
Many local residents report saving for years to repair damages caused by mudslides or storms; or to complete basic paint jobs; or to build separate rooms for parents and children. Building codes are non-existent in the favela and many families build their own homes with whatever scraps of wood, brick, or metal they can find. Your service and donation will help local residents complete home repair projects, creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable livelihood.
Implementation Details
- Help implement manual labor projects: painting, landscaping, basic home repair
- Provide supplies, supporting local residents
- Prepare and lead activities
- Network with local residents and Community in Action staff
- Monitor progress and write debriefs
*Projects are designed based on immediate needs within the community. You may work solo or with other volunteers, depending on the time of year you travel to Rio.
Volunteer Feedback
“It seemed that no matter what the goal was for the day or how much (or little) the language barrier interfered, everyone was willing to help one another and put in work where it was needed.” Juls (USA)
“There were so many things we liked during our time volunteering in Rio–experiencing the favelas in such a real and personal way, interacting with the children, seeing the outcome of our efforts, and getting to know the leaders of the community centers.” Brad and Ross (USA)
“Working with Community in Action has by far been the best experience of my whole life. The community welcomed me with open arms and Community in Action staff gave me an experience I will never forget.” – Frederik (Denmark)