Associação Fundação Casemiro Bruno Kurtz, a charity project, is part of our partner organisation and since its foundation in 1976, it has sought to offer a program focused on human, cultural and social development education for children, young people and families from the local community. It offers many activities to kids from 7 to 18 years old, such as sports, music, theatre, capoeira, pedagogical activities, languages, computer and art classes and other manual workshops such as recycling paper, making candles and soaps. It also has in the same structure a kindergarten for little children until 6 years old and organises workshops for older people.
The team consists of about 25 paid staff, trainees and volunteers (pedagogue, experts on nutrition, social workers, psychologists and administration staff).

To know the project, the volunteers will be initially asked to assist and participate in all the different areas: sports, recreational, pedagogical and artistic areas… They will also get to know the different age groups. Later, according to their experience, skills and the project’s needs, they will be able to choose to help in some workshops and activities such street dancing, sport, music, capoeira, theatre and corporal expressions, informatics, pedagogical activities, art and painting, ecological workshops…They will have the possibility to organise some personal workshops or activities too (eg. previous volunteers have organised origami workshops, box and baseball activities, visit to local parks…).

In Porto Alegre, volunteers will have the opportunity to taste a variety of delicious dishes. Among the regional specialties not to be missed are churrasco, a barbecue of various meats, feijoada, a stew of black beans and meat, and barreado, a slowly cooked beef dish served with manioc flour and fried bananas. Volunteers can also enjoy traditional desserts such as cuca, as well as the famous local drink, chimarrão, made from yerba mate leaves.

It is located in a suburb down south of Porto Alegre about 25 mins from city center by bus.

Porto Alegre, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, is a city rich in history and cultural diversity. Founded in 1772 by European settlers, it has grown into an important economic and political center in the southern region of the country. Its strategic location on the shores of Lake Guaíba makes it a hub for trade and cultural exchanges.
The geography of Porto Alegre is characterized by its green hills, rivers, and natural parks, offering picturesque landscapes to its inhabitants. The humid subtropical climate contributes to lush vegetation and pleasant temperatures throughout the year.
In terms of the nonprofit sector, Porto Alegre is home to numerous non-governmental organizations, community initiatives, and social movements that work towards sustainable development, education, health, and social justice. The city is renowned for its civic engagement and active participation of citizens in local democratic life, notably through forums and popular assemblies that give voice to the concerns of the population. In summary, Porto Alegre is a dynamic city where history, geography, and associative action come together to shape its vibrant and inclusive identity.

In Porto Alegre, volunteers will have plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery. They can visit historical sites such as Farroupilha Park and the Rio Grande do Sul Art Museum, as well as enjoy nature by strolling along the lakeside promenade of Lake Guaíba. The city also offers a vibrant cultural scene with theaters, art galleries, and musical events throughout the year. Volunteers can also indulge in local cuisine at the city's numerous restaurants and cafes.

The role of the volunteers in the social project is important. The educators are expecting a volunteer who will be enthusiastic and willing to get involved. Most projects don't have a specific role to offer for the volunteer. The volunteer should strive, be creative and self-confident to develop their own activities/workshops while keeping in mind the responsibility of asking the people involved (project coordinators, staff) about the possibilities of doing such things.

The project includes:

Pick up, half day seminar at the arrival, first visit at the working placement with a translator, 24 hour support, reimbursement of the local transportation for the volunteer to go to the working placement, host families selected and prepared to receive a foreign host, at least 3 meals a day (at the family and in the project).

EUR 420 for the first month (every extra week 85 € ).

Short Term, from 1 to a maximum of 3 months, as the touris visa only last 90 days.