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Recife: Voluntourism - A different kind of trip

Perhaps the best way to avoid such sharks is to deal directly with NGOs (good for the independently-minded with the necessary language skills) or to seek out a good local partner like Iko Poran, a non-profit organisation based in Rio de Janeiro with a proven track record in matching volunteers to programs.

Iko Poran supports a variety of diverse cultural projects like Santa Teresa Ballet (promoting socio-cultural integration through dance) and Jongo da Serrinha (preserving the cultural heritage brought by African slaves and providing learning for low-income communities). They charge reasonable fees (less than £100 per week) and 50% goes directly to the end project. Their website (complete with an English-language version) demonstrates a high degree of financial transparency.

You can go one step further and avoid fees all-together. The Volunteer South America website lists a variety of free and low-cost volunteer programs right across Latin America whereas World Service Enquiry (WSE) allows you to download a free guide listing over 350 aid, development and gap-year organizations.

The other option is to try your luck once you get out to Brazil. There is no shortage of worthy projects right across the country. You may, as I did, find Recife the place for you. The city is the NGO capital of Brazil which coupled with it’s rich cultural life and low living costs make it an attractive destination for any potential volunteer.

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Brazil, cliffy, dj, Tourism, trip