Brazil - São Paulo
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and its eighth largest economy, the largest country in South America. However, Brazil is also a country where a quarter of the population lives under the poverty line and which counts around 13 million illiterate people. Since English is essential to the development of a country, PIECES is committed to better education by teaching English to children and young adults. This also promotes cultural exchange between the people from different continents.
In Switzerland, we enjoy the privilege of free education. It is a matter of course. We often forget that in poorer countries the education system does not work reliably. Although compulsory schooling for children ages from 7 to 14 is mandatory in Brazil, it is poorly monitored. The schools are far apart and secondary schools are only available in the big cities. The schools are poorly equipped and in a structurally bad and unhygienic condition. Unfortunately, too little funding is provided by the state to support the education system. Under such conditions, school attendance is made more difficult and therefore only about one in eight children goes to school in the favelas. However, PIECES is strongly convinced that donations and the use of motivated volunteers can help the situation in Brazil.
With the help of donations, people in poorly educated countries like Brazil can be helped. Education is the key to poverty reduction and an important prerequisite for economic growth. Those with good education have comparably higher chances of employment and income. However, an incredible number of people are still excluded from elementary education. For this reason, "education for all" is a fundamental goal of the international community between developing and developed countries.
Why participate?
A practical approach to making a difference
By participating you are actually filling a need in the local community. You are not taking away opportunities from local teachers but enriching the local education environment by offering your time and your resources!
Volunteering for students
We adapted our volunteering offering to fit the busy schedule of students at the University of St. Gallen. Volunteering will take place during the semester break and will not extend further than one week into the next term. All projects have a duration of 3-4 weeks.
Additonally, Pieces covers the volunteers lodging and food costs for the duration of their stay.
Non Profit
As opposed to other volunteering platforms we are completely run by students on a voluntary basis. All funds we collect goes directly to our partner schools and to finance our organization. We DON'T give money to third parties but are directly in contact with our partnerschools.
Experience a new culture
Experience new food, new customs and meet new people. This is an incredible opportunity to leave your comfort zone and to truly commit to something you have never experienced before.
You will also be dealing with different important problems you might not have been confronted with before.
Educate yourself
Before leaving for your project you will receive pedagogical training during our mandatory bootcamp during which you will receive the tools required to communicate and teach in an effective manner.
Important Dates
Application Period for Volunteers:
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Until the 11th of April: Application Period for Volunteers
Upload your CV and a motivation letter (both in English) in ONE PDF-document, naming it “firstname.surname” (e.g. “frida.kahlo.pdf”) in the application form. Introduce yourself in the motivation letter (one page A4), and mention one or two preferences regarding the project destination, as well as why you are interested in going to these countries.
Please note that we continuously recruit volunteers throughout the application period, so applying early can increase your chances of being selected.
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Process: Interviews of Volunteer Candidates
Your English level will be tested while we get get to know you. We will also assess if you are fit for teaching at one of our projects. The interviews will take place on a weekly basis. If you meet our internal application standards we will send you a selection of possible interview time slots from which you will be able to freely choose. The later you apply the less choices you will have so keep this in mind when applying at the end of our applicaiton period. The interviews will take place in person at the University of St. Gallen.
Until Beginning of May: Selection of the Volunteers
Volunteers will receive a confirmation e-mail with the final Board decision and respective details (including volunteering contract and further travel details).
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Project Dates
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Embark on this experience to help those who need it most!
From July 14th to August 10th the Brazilian volunteering will take place!
Frequently asked Questions:Answers
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Q: Which expenses are covered by PIECES?
The organisation covers all expenses on-site, e.g. accommodation and food. Volunteers are expected to pay for their travel costs, i.e. airplane tickets, visa, etc.
What Our former Volunteers say
Loïc Noël (Volunteer Winter 2022)
"They were two distinct parts of this trip for me. The first part was the actual volunteering which involved working in the partnerschool in the middle of the favelas. This experience was quite intense, and I would describe it as a “life experience”. The other part of our trip was visiting the country with my fellow volunteers. This was more like a classical travel experience"
Disclaimer
PIECES does not engage in “voluntourism” but real volunteering, which requires volunteers to adapt to extremely precarious living conditions, discomfort, and enter foreign and sometimes hostile social environments dealing with serious issues. This is a risk of volunteering abroad and PIECES cannot issue any explicit safety guarantee or accept any kinds of liability. We are also not liable for organizing your trip and travel documentation – we are, of course, here to help, but you remain responsible.​
While applying to one of our projects, you should keep in mind that you will be giving up many conveniences we are used to in Switzerland. While on the project site, you are likely to have limited access to hygiene appliances, medical help, electricity, and transportation. You will also work long teaching hours. Make sure you are able and willing to deal with these kind of problems if you apply for volunteering.