Suraj (UK) – Childcare
I had an amazing time teaching in Rio with Community in Action, the way the teachers look after you (special thanks to Raphael & Luciana), to the way the children love your company, help and playful moments, it’s an incredible, irreplaceable feeling!
The way the staff handles all the questions and inquiries you have is top shelf service, not only do they show you around the favelas, but you can also learn a lot of things about Brazil from them that you would never know, big thanks to Wendy who was supportive and amazing from the start to the end of my 2 week program! Couldn’t recommend this program more!
Richard (Poland) – Teach English
I appreciate everything that was offered to us. Everyone we met were wonderful.The program I participated in was in the group of favelas called Complexo do Alemão. I was teaching English to two community leaders. The program was very well organized and there was nice interaction between volunteers and people from the youth center. It was incredible to see how much work could be done in a short time! Both leaders I interacted with were very motivated to learn English and were very pleasant in our interaction. I learned a lot about their work and about the Complexo do Alemão community.
Brad and Ross (USA) – Manual Labor
Ross and I really enjoyed the program. There were so many things we liked – experiencing the favelas in such a real and personal way, interacting with the children, seeing the outcome of our efforts (the garden and the painted court) and getting to know the leaders of the community centers. Overall, we had an amazing time! Thank you!
Sonya (UK) – Art
Community in action was an absolute blast to be a part of. Being able to use my artistic skills as well as taking in a new culture and making new friends was amazing. It’s truly an experience I will never forget and has really helped me gain confidence and shape me for the next stage in my life.
Marie (UK) – Garden / Art / English
Overall, the experience I had with volunteer Rio was excellent and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to see Rio properly. I’ll never forget the experiences I had, and am very grateful to the staff who helped us each and every day during the projects, and also with any issues that we faced. So thanks volunteer Rio!
James (UK) – Art / Sports / English
As a volunteer with Community in Action I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The Operations Manager was extremely organised and prompt which allowed everything to run smoothly. A particular highlight was teaching the children some basic English in Complexo Alemão favela before their Capoeira class, as well as being complimented by locals while graffitiing in Rocinha.
Bryan (Canada) – Art and Sports
To talk about Community in Action is to talk about their leadership team. Evie was the Operations Manager when I was there, and she is the embodiment of what Community in Action represents. She was helpful, loyal and understanding. At every turn of my trip in Brazil, she was there for me lending a helping hand. I loved my stay with Community in Action; it made things so much more memorable while I was in Brazil. I couldn’t imagine my time there without this organization. I met individuals who were both inspiring and amazing while getting the feeling that whatever action I was doing was right. Thank you so much Community in Action and entire leadership team–you guys made my trip noteworthy!
Sabrina (Italy) – Childcare
It was just an amazing experience and I’m of the opinion that Community in Action is doing exactly the right things in Rio! What I mean by that is that you support locals in their work and projects without interfering too much, thus leaving them space to develop their own ideas/potential. I really appreciated this fact, because I’ve heard other stories of other organizations doing the contrary and that was one of the reasons why I didn’t do a volunteering expedition earlier. I’m really happy that I made this experience happen and was able to be part of this project for some time. This is very impactful work, especially for younger people to develop a sense of awareness and responsibility by themselves. Kudos to the NGO, Community in Action!
Caroline (UK) – Art
The opportunity to have what felt like a very authentic and special experience of Rio de Janeiro is what I most enjoyed. The warmth, generosity, and hospitality from Tia Bete (a community leader), her family, and community was exceptional. I especially appreciated the long walk around the favela on my first day. I felt it was a privilege to be introduced to lots of other people in the community that the organization supports or works with and to get a feel for some of the other great projects going on. I felt involved with the project from day 1 and was energised to give my very best during the three weeks. With Community in Action’s help, I felt enabled to go into the favelas and experience something that I’d never have the chance otherwise, without their long-established connections and good relationships with local people. I really had the time of my life and wish I was still there hanging out and painting murals 8 months later. Memories of Rio colour my day dreams and if I had the opportunity to visit and work with Community in Action again, I would jump at the chance!
Melissa (USA) – Art
I completed six weeks of volunteer work in Rio. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and am very glad I decided to give this experience a chance. The Community in Action team was amazing to work with, as well as the temporary volunteers that worked during my time. Everyone was super welcoming and gave a positive energy that made my experience that much more enjoyable. The projects themselves were organized very well and I especially liked the schedule of working 4 days a week. It was the perfect balance of allowing me to be a tourist and a volunteer at the same time. In the end I am extremely grateful to have had this experience and to everyone that helped make it happen. I hope to come back soon and see all the progress Community in Action has made since I left.
Amira (USA) – Childcare
I enjoyed being brought into the communities in the favelas and learning about them, being able to play with and take care of the children there.
Knowing more portuguese would have been helpful, it was difficult to have open trust and needed communication with the teachers in helping take care of the kids.
The hostel was great. Very friendly people, the breakfast was very good and definitely very helpful to have there every day.
Juls (USA) – Manual Labor
One of the most enjoyable things about the Project was not surprisingly the people: the other volunteers, Community in Action coordinators, and the residents we were helping. 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 is was needed. I think continuing to emphasize to volunteers that they have to remain flexible in this environment is important–things can change and you need to go with the flow. All in all, I really enjoyed every bit pitching in with y’all. Thanks for what you do and I hope it continues to grow. Beautiful work!
Frederik (Denmark) – Manual Labor / Sports
I took part in Manual Labor projects with Tia Bete (a local community leader), as well as participating in the painting mural program and playing football in the Complexo do Alemão favela. 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. They were always there to help out when I needed, always going above and beyond. You have a great team on the ground! I am already planning on coming back and I highly recommend volunteering with Community in Action for anyone interested in international development!
Livia (Switzerland) – Art / Sports
I worked as a volunteer for 4 weeks and I loved it! The people from the favelas and I didn‘t speak the same language, but it was always fun to be with them. The kids I worked with were very nice and thankful. I learned so much about the culture in the favelas and about the life and politics there. It was a great experience overall. I have never learned so much about another country as I did while traveling to Rio. If anyone is considering this opportunity – take it!
Vania (Portugal) – Art / Sports
The children were very friendly and cheerful. The first day they came and participated immediately in the activities. They were all very excited and talked to us as if we had known each other a long time. The other volunteers were also very friendly and always ready to help out. I learned a lot from the kids, They do not have half of what I have, but they are happier than I. They can teach us a lot in life, helping open our eyes to what is truly important.
Tess (Singapore) – English
I really enjoyed the camaraderie with my students and the fact that I was helping out with the community through increasing my students’ knowledge and love for English. The cultural exchange was also meaningful and inspiring as well as working with the community partners. This was an unforgettable experience that I will always have with me!
Chiara (Germany) – English / Sports
Working with the CiA staff made my stay in Rio unforgettable! I enjoyed volunteering so much that I extended it for a week. The kids and people in general were so welcoming and helpful that it was easy to fit in. Since the CiA team organized the commute to the community centers for the first few days, it felt safe to go there. It was amazing to see the students improve their level of English and I truly enjoyed it thanks to the motivated students. I designed the English classes myself which made me feel trusted by the organization and their coordinators. What I also liked was that we were able to go to different favelas and help in more than one community center. My favorite day of the week (but I loved all the other days too) was probably Saturday because it was a combination of soccer and English class. Sports and English classes empowers the lives of youth living in under resourced communities. I would highly recommend volunteering with Community in Action to anyone who wishes to both travel and contribute to marginalized community.
Delvakio (USA) – Manual Labor / Sports
The project was very eye opening! It taught me about the history of the country and at the same time what types of groups need support in Rio. I liked working with more than one community center because it allowed me to be very hands on. I made a lot of donations of supplies and I would highly recommend future volunteers doing this because it makes a big difference for the kids there.The kids I worked with were awesome!!!! That was my favorite part of the experience.
Max (UK) – Manual Labor / Sports
I had a great time during the program! Balancing volunteer work with free days to explore Rio worked out great–it was the perfect amount of time to do other things. The volunteer projects were ideal because there was a good mix of different activities in a short time. Overall, I loved it so thank you very much…I would definitely do it all again! I’ll do my best to come back out as soon as I can!
Lauren (UK) – Art
The volunteer experience I had with CiA was brilliant! I really enjoyed working with the children in Alemão (one of the largest favelas in Rio), where I got to carry out and participate in different activities. It was really interesting to see such a different side of Rio and become involved in such a fulfilling project. The Community in Action leaders were really helpful and super positive throughout the entire experience, going out of their way to make me feel welcome and comfortable. I definitely hope to be back in the future!
Abdirahman (UK) – Science
Honestly, Community in Action is doing an amazing job in the favelas and with the residents there! I had a great time with the children I worked with and highly recommend this type of experience for anyone interested in social development. I think if more volunteers could give back to this project through fundraising it would make an even bigger long-term impact. Overall, this NGO is doing a brilliant job!!!
Laura (Scotland) – Child-Care
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my volunteering with Community in Action. From start to finish I knew I had the full support of the CiA team–they were there every step of the way, whether it was an introduction to samba or sending me a care package when I was sick. I could always count in them! Thank you so much. I wish you all the best for the future and hope our paths meet again.”
Nicole (Canada) – Art
“My favorite part of Community in Action was getting to meet some of the local people who live in the favelas. They are amazing. This NGO is killin’ it! I had a great two weeks with these guys!”
Anthony (USA) – Manual Labor
“Volunteering with Community in Action is a great way to make a positive difference in the global community, get real hands-on training by experts in the field, and develop friendships that will last a lifetime!”
Arran (UK) – Manual Labor
“I want to thank Community in Action for this great experience. I learned a lot while volunteering and my time in Rio was amazing, helping implement this important work in the favelas. Thanks!”
Maria (USA) – Urban Garden
“First of all, thank you so much for this experience. It has been great to work in the favelas and see how people live and it has really opened my eyes. What I liked about the whole thing is how people are so friendly and open in the favela, and most of all, happy! The positive attitude you receive, despite the situation of the local residents, makes it comfortable. I recommend others to volunteer with this NGO. The Coordinators are really down to earth so it doesn’t actually feel like working; it feels more like hanging out and really getting an inside look into the favela culture.”
Isaura (Sweden) – Child-Care
“The best part (after meeting the absolutely fantastic children and teachers) was definitely the intimate experience Community in Action offered with it’s different projects, in my case the school Creche Lar de Pierina in Pavao-Pavaozinho. I don’t think I could have had a better experience volunteer-wise, since I really feel like I got an authentic version of the everyday life of the kids and teachers in the school.”
Sophie (UK) – Art / Tutoring
“I enjoyed every part of my volunteering, but I especially loved getting to go to the schools and getting to meet all the wonderful people. Everyone has been so friendly and made my time here so fun. Especially the Community in Action volunteer coordinators–they are the best and I didn’t want to leave.”
Dan and Julia (USA) – Manual Labor
“We thoroughly enjoyed our volunteer experience in Rio. This was a special trip for Julia as she was born in Brazil and has not returned in 15 years. Her experiences with Community in Action showed her how the less fortunate in Brazil live yet also showed her how good and happy these people are. Overall, the volunteer program was very good with the right pace and variety of activities. The mural project was great and we are happy we could do this for the school.”
Olivia (UK) – Handicrafts / English
“I enjoyed every part of my volunteering, but I especially liked going into the schools and getting to meet all the children. Everyone I have met here has been so friendly and has made my time here so fun!”
Tasia (USA) – Computers
“Thank you Community in Action for a great experience. During my two-week volunteer experience at the Coca Cola Collective Center I learned so much from such an inspiring community leader, the teachers, and the wonderful and bright students. During my volunteer time I had an opportunity to speak with youth about their experiences with the program, learn how to design effective digital media programs, and met with Coca Cola representatives to discuss alternative methods to improve education in the favela. Muita obrigada!”
Jakob (Germany) – Sports
“The best part of working with Community in Action was getting to know the basic insights surrounding the structure and lifestyle of the favelas. I felt entirely safe all the time and met some really amazing people who could share many things about the social problems. It was an awesome learning experience and I highly recommend joining this NGO to gain an inside look into the favelas in Rio.”
Camilla (Norway) – Art / Sports / Child-Care
“My favorite part was painting the wall by the football stadium! Everything was so chill and we got the chance to decide everything on our own: the colors, the equipment, and the design! I felt trusted by the organization and by the Community in Action Coordinators. This made me try my best. The result was pretty good as well and the kids seemed to like it a lot :). Overall, the project was very relaxed and flexible. It was so much fun being with the cute Brazilian children and learning how they are raised there. I felt like they enjoyed our company and I loved everything about it!”
Ida (Norway) – Art / Manual Labor
“I loved participating in different activities in different communities. The small groups made things very easy and I got to know everyone well. This was a great opportunity to get an inside look of the favelas. I will always remember this experience!”
Catharina (Germany) – Child-Care / Urban Garden
“My favorite part was probably the opportunity that we got to take part in different activities in different favelas. The volunteer work and the projects that Community in Action offers are really adjusted to the wishes of the volunteers; this made our time very enjoyable! In addition, the fact that you have small groups makes it easier for volunteers to get to know the coordinators, ask questions, and learn about society in Rio! I think the Community in Action coordinators are doing an amazing job including everyone in the projects, showing the volunteers around, and making everyone feel comfortable. Overall, I had a great time participating and getting involved with this organization!”
Chad (USA) – Manual Labor / Tutoring
“Thank you for all your help during the past two weeks. I had a really great experience. One of my favorite parts was painting the stairs and homes in the favela. I think maybe that’s because I could see the immediate difference it made; and the appreciation that people seemed to show when passing by. Speaking of the people, another favorite aspect of the trip was spending time in the favela itself and seeing the way of life there / mixing with the locals (in a genuine way as opposed to a favela tour). It was a very memorable experience for me that I won’t forget!”
Saria (USA) – Art / English
“I really liked how nice everyone was and how well the Community in Action team adapted given the different situations throughout our stay. I am so thankful for the work we have been able to complete here and I am eager to take what I’ve learned back home to help improve my community. All it takes is a willing heart and a BIG smile, and you can really change the world one piece at a time!”
Brendan (UK) – Art / Manual Labor
“Thank you very much for organizing the great projects and connecting me with the mural painting experience on a short term basis. I wish Community in Action the best of luck going forward. This is a great NGO, involving great people. I hope it continues to bring different people together to make a positive, lasting difference.”
Vincent (USA) – Art / English
“My favorite part of volunteering with Community in Action was just being able to go to a favela three days a week and helping out any way I could. Never did I think I would ever work in a favela or even make a difference for that matter. The painting project was the most gratifying by far. Being able to see the improvement of the steps week to week and getting help from two other volunteers at the end was absolutely amazing and something I’m very proud of. Bete’s steps are just the beginning in hopefully painting the entire alley and neighboring stairwells in an effort that I think will greatly improve the attitude and perception of nearby areas in the Complexo. Both the painting project and the gardening project was an experience I will never forget and I feel privileged to say I played a small role in a very big and important project….The leadership and cooperation from Santina, Lohran, Bete and Maddie was unbelievable. I couldn’t have asked for better people to get me acclimated and really compelled to come volunteer every day and really take pride in what I was doing in each favela.”
Yannick (The Netherlands) – Art / English
“What I liked most about my experience with Community in Action was the vibrant and interesting place this organization works. The Complexo do Alemão really needs help. The residents face many problems not faced by those in other areas. The volunteer projects offered are awesome because they make a direct impact. Overall, I found this a really great experience and I’m very happy I completed it.”
Tricia (UK) – Art
“What I liked most was how friendly, informative, and helpful the Community in Action leaders were, even when things didn’t work out as planned. Everyone adapted well throughout our time in Rio. It was refreshing!”
Rebekah (USA) – English / Sports
“What I think I liked the most about this experience (I really did enjoy pretty much everything though!) was probably, generally, the diversity of the different ways to get involved in this program. From working with kids in the classroom and in their gym class, to the different construction projects (and the opportunities to develop relevant technical skills there) to the gardening project, each activity was unique. Overall, there were so many opportunities to get involved with this incredibly rich and diverse community that proved to be, at times, really motivating and empowering in terms of the meaning behind my presence. Without a doubt I would recommend volunteering with Community in Action. The coordinators, the activities, the people, the neighborhood, everything – to me – came together in such a wonderful way that I know I’ll never forget my experiences here.”
Emma (UK) – Art
“I chose to volunteer with CiA as the project sounded different from other volunteering I had done and I wanted to experience something new; it was the right decision. I only volunteered for two weeks but I would have very much liked to stay longer. I really enjoyed the painting, it was quite satisfying to make a direct impact! I also enjoyed helping to turn the gardens into a colorful space. Thank you.”
Marissa (USA) – Nike Soccer Donation Event
“Thank you, Community in Action, for accommodating our tight timelines and hectic schedule! We were so lucky to be able to come spend a brief time with your team and the kids in the favela. The entire Nike group really enjoyed the experience…we just wish we had more time! I will definitely be in touch to see how we can partner again in the future!”
Cheryl (Germany) – Art / Manual Labor
“What I most appreciated was how friendly and open the people were in the favela. From the police to the workers in the community centers to the people in the restaurants and the stores…everyone was very patient and welcoming. And most importantly, the Community in Action team was great!”
Mila (UK) – Art / Sports / Child-Care
“I have been fortunate to volunteer at my projects around the world and this experience really stood out as one of the best! The variety of the projects was a real plus point for me as we got to know different areas of Rio as well as many different people. Helping out at the school and the créche (day-care center) meant we got to know local children, which was wonderful. Also, painting the walls in the Vidigal favela meant we got to leave our mark on the city – a real privilege. Finally, a special mention has to go to the Community in Action coordinators who made us feel so welcome, safe and comfortable. They are a real credit to this organization—their local knowledge and passion for their job is amazing!”
Matthew (USA) – Sports
“What I enjoyed most were the people – the people in the favelas, the CiA coordinators, and everyone else associated with the organization. There’s no doubt I got a good sense of the community and this experience would have been amplified further had I spoken Portuguese. Being able to interact with the children out of school hours is a memory that I will always have. Their happiness and joy for life is something we could all learn from.”