Iko Poran Volunteer Abroad - IKPVA

A frase que começo meu depoimento é: "As definições de amor foram atualizadas". Fiz uma promessa de que viria para Masiphumelele com os braços e coração abertos.
Só que um dos meus maiores medos era de como essa experiência mexeria comigo e que não voltaria o mesmo. Assim, após que o voluntariado acabou, posso garantir que uma parte do meu coração sempre vai pertence a esse lugar. Essas crianças são maravilhosas.

Obrigado Masiphumelele e obrigado Iko Poran pela oportunidade, foi uma experiência incrível.

My wife and I spent two weeks with the EEF family in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Staying together with the students at the EEF hostel made everything even more intense and special. 

Once they were back from school, our daily sessions with the kids would begin. We had the opportunity to help them with English, as well as their homework in whatever subject they needed support. We also had great discussions about global affairs, financial planning and life in university, as well as exciting trivias about topics like Brazil and Africa, which they enjoyed a lot. We even had the chance to help some of the students with their application essays for university. Now our fingers are crossed for them. ;)

During the weekend we were invited to visit one of the kid’s home and get in touch with the family and local neighborhood. Another special occasion was the Ethiopian Christmas, celebrated on January 7th, which we had the opportunity to share with some of the kids. An unique celebration with traditional food, dance and coffee ceremony. Moments which we will never forget!

We thank both EEF and Iko Poran to have made it possible. Iko Poran team (Felipe in special) was very supportive since the very first contact. The EEF program managers in Addis (Alice and Giulio) made everything possible for us to get the most out of this experience. 

Foi a experiência mais intensa que já vivi na vida. Por mais que as fotos e vídeos retratem os momentos, a verdade é que só você vivenciou tudo aquilo. Cada olhar afetuoso, cada sorriso genuíno, cada abraço sincero. A experiência te preenche e te faz perceber que se doar a quem precisa é uma das coisas mais gratificantes da vida. E acima de tudo, descobre que fazer uma criança sorrir, te faz sorrir mil vezes mais. Se você tiver a oportunidade de conhecer uma cultura completamente diferente da que você vive, não pense duas vezes... Vá!  E acredite, você vai voltar transformado. Eu espero ter feito por essas crianças pelo menos um pouco do que elas fizeram por mim. Porque honestamente, nada que eu faça ou tenha feito será suficiente pra retribuir todo o amor que eu recebi.

There are very few words I have to describe what I experienced during my time in Rio. From the crazy, but amazing brazilian population, to the hands-down best food in the world, to the amazingly juxtaposed scenery. Rio was something else. Crazy Night life, intriguing museums, stunning street art, mouth-watering restaurants, breathe-taking beaches. YES PLEASE.
The program itself is an amazing way to show you a glimpse of the beautiful, but tragic story of Brazil's Favelas. On one side we have the breathe taking beaches of Ipanema and Copocabana, and literally in their backyards we see hundreds of favelas. The borders are non-existent.
During my time, I was able to go to these Favelas, and not only help people out and do all that good stuff. But I was able to connect. Really connect. Familiarize myself with their situation. Each favela is a Micro-society in itself. Each with its own stores, own restaurants, own kids, own problems. If you spend enough time there, you get to truly see how these people live. How they cope. How they suffer. How they enjoy life, regardless of their circumstances. Its beautiful.

The kids are a joy to work with. Life is much easier if you can communicate with them, so i highly recommend learning some Portuguese. Everyone appreciates it. Plus the kids find it fun seeing gringos try and talk to them ;) You'll have tons of fun playing football everyday, and you'll very quickly pick up how eager everyone is to play, regardless of age, gender or skill level. Football is Brazil's National Religion. Get used it.
All's fun and games, however, being in that environment you can't help but notice the social poverty that exists. Many kids do have problems at home, or school, or even with themselves. But that's why the football program is such a wonderful tool. It helps these kids not only relieve themselves of Society's issues, but also teaches them how to deal with it.

Carlao, the project manager, is a hard-working, fun and honest man. Well respected in his community, Carlao spends his days working with the kids, and his nights playing in his Pagode group. I couldn't have asked for a better person to help me during my time there. Tamo Junto mano.

Felipe, the head of Iko Poran, was always there for myself and the other volunteers. Very easy to talk to, Felipe always did his best to help us get around both efficiently and safely. I knew we were always in good hands. I never felt shy or worried to ask him any questions. He would also go out of his way to make sure we enjoyed our stay there. Often he would invite us to different activities taking place, or show us the best restaurants around. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity Felipe!

Overall, I wouldn't trade the experience I had in Rio for anything. Not a moment goes by where i don't think about my time there. I long to go back to see those kids and play football for hours on end. Great friendships were made, many of which i still have right now. If you're reading this and still contemplating if you should go or not, DO IT. You're Welcome

PS: If you don't speak Portuguese and someone starts talking to you, just smile, nod your head, and say " Valeu" (pronounced VAH-LE-OH). Just youtube it, You'll be alright ;)

I took part in teaching English at the Centro Social e Cultural Tatiane Lima over a 10 week period, as well as getting my hands dirty replanting trees, mending and creating pathways in the Tijuca Rainforest. Needless to say this was an amazing experience as a student studying anthropology & sociology, as it has given me greater cultural and societal insights into Brazil. Moreover, on a personal level the 11 weeks I stayed in Brazil were positively life changing and were boosted by Felipes support throughout - I am especially thankful for the connections I made through Felipe as he connected me to a wonderful Portuguese tutor, hostel/English teachers/rainforest volunteers and gave me a great tour of the city. The accommodation is relatively safe given the city, I stayed there for 10 weeks and was never fearful of my belongings being stolen, the staff there speak multiple languages which makes this experience accessible for people from many different backgrounds. Obviously extra precaution must be taken whilst in Brazil including not being flashy and being aware of your surroundings, however, the people and areas I was introduced to by Felipe were beautiful, kind and high spirited people only willing to introduce me to their culture. However, the relative precautions which must be take do not detract from the cities night life, culture and fun and I recommend for any prospective volunteers reading this to consider striking a balancing between immersing into the culture and volunteering as this is an amazing opportunity which has to be embraced 360 to get the real Carioca feel!

As the director of the programme Felipe is was very helpful, encouraging and understanding and helped me get acquainted to the culture more quickly and get around. His openness in sharing his story and the development of the organisation is also inspiring . Lastly, as a student this was an amazing experience to practice ethnographic work for the first time in a completely other culture which is invaluable - I urge students in general to consider this as a cost effective option to garner more work experience to not only immerse yourself and study but to add to your resume.