The Fundação Fé e Alegria is a Popular Education and Social Promotion project run by the Society of Jesus that serves children, adolescents, young people and adults in socially vulnerable situations. Its premise is to contribute to the future of thousands of people and build a democratic, fair and supportive society.

A member of the International Federation of Faith and Joy, it has been operating in Brazil for 44 years and is currently present in 14 states, where it directly benefits more than 12,000 people.

The Foundation's units offer projects that seek to strengthen family structures and develop the autonomy of participants, such as basic and early childhood education, vocational training courses, literacy programmes, and sports, art and culture workshops, among others. In addition, the Foundation partners with public schools, nurseries and foster homes, promotes integration initiatives for Venezuelan migrants and provides support services to homeless people.

What shall we do?

Volunteers will be supporting a social issue related to the reception, integration and accompaniment of migrant families, mainly Venezuelans, and vulnerable local populations. In Boa Vista, Fé e Alegria works on three main fronts:

• the Casa de Passagem Pe. José María Vélaz, which temporarily receives families in the process of internalisation.

• the São Francisco Xavier Social Centre, which provides socio-educational activities and relationship-building support for children and adolescents.

• the Escritório de Empreendedorismo, which supports young people and adults in developing alternative sources of income.

Volunteers' tasks will include supporting socio-educational activities carried out with children at the Social Centre, contributing to social dynamics, games, art, sports and the development of socio-emotional skills. At Casa de Passagem, they will be able to collaborate in integration activities, recreational activities and basic support for the reception routines of migrant families. At the Escritório de Empreendedorismo, they will be able to accompany training activities and support activities related to strengthening the capacities of participants.

In addition to the main activities, volunteers can also support other tasks within the organisation, such as taking photographs and recording videos of activities, editing these materials, creating publications for social media, drafting projects and collaborating in fundraising activities.

Schedule

Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Other information

• There will be a video call with the selected candidates to review important information about the project.

• There will be educational support and support from Fé y Alegria for the students. 

• On weekends, there will be cultural and recreational activities for volunteers. 

• Simple accommodation and meals, similar to those of the local population.

Migrant families, mainly Venezuelan, and vulnerable local populations.

This project has on-site support, which means that a technician, teacher or member of the administrative and services staff from one of the organising universities will be present throughout the process: from the selection and preparation stage to the field experience and the subsequent meeting. This person will be your main point of contact.

Comillas Pontifical University (María Iglesias Martínez)