Volunteer travel specialists i-to-i have today teamed up with an exhilarating project in Rio de Janeiro, which aims to get underprivileged children from the favelas involved in Capoeira, a graceful mixture of marital arts and dance. To help these kids high-kick their way to a better future, they need lots of enthusiastic volunteers. That’s where i-to-i’s brand new ‘Help children of the ‘City of God’ through Capoeira’ trip (http://www.i-to-i.com/volunteer-projects/help-children-in-rio-brazil.html) comes in!

Too many kids in the underprivileged ‘City of God’ end up getting disillusioned and sucked into the world of drugs and gangs, mostly due to the lack of opportunities in the favelas. This project aims to help these children broaden their horizons by getting them involved in Capoeira, an elegant mix of dance and martial arts. Through learning the art of Capoeira, kids aged between 7 and 21 not only boost their self esteem and develop healthy habits, but they also get more involved with their community: by helping the project produce its own promotional materials, which make it self-sustaining, kids learn new skills and realise they can make a difference to their own lives and those of others.

To help the project achieve its aims, however, it needs energetic and enthusiastic volunteers. Helpers support Capoeira classes (and may even pick up a few moves of their own!). However, the project is dedicated to increasing kids’ knowledge in all aspects, so those who stay for a longer period of time are invited to run English classes. Volunteers are also encouraged to give presentations on their home country and any special skills they may have, such as painting and singing.

Those helping out at this amazing project also do valuable work in supporting its fundraising and marketing efforts to spread awareness of Capoeira, so people with good IT, design and writing skills are welcomed wholeheartedly! Volunteers get in touch with institutions that may be able to support the project, update the project’s website and also help out with general administration.

It’s not all work and no play though: as the undisputed party capital of the world, there’s certainly plenty of fun to be had in Rio: from the carefree atmosphere on Ipanema beach to the samba parties that spring up at the weekend. This amazing city comes up trumps in its landscape too; lush mountains, tropical rainforests and spectacular beaches all clamour for visitors’ attention, presided over by the majestic statue of Christ the Redeemer, looking out over the city.

But the true highlight of the city has to be her people. Through volunteering, travellers get to experience Brazil’s exhilarating and colourful culture first hand as they get to know the kids and staff at the project. Amy Stevens, 35, who took part in a similar project in Rio, said: “The people in Rio de Janeiro were fantastic: non-judgmental, willing to help a gringo like me with the language, getting around and happy to help with anything.

“Overall, the experience was the best thing I have ever done. I don't believe that you could put a price on the education and awareness that I received whilst in Rio.”

Volunteers share rooms in one of three guesthouses perched on a hilltop with fantastic views out across the city. While there they have the dedicated support of i-to-i’s exuberant in-country coordinator, Felipe, who’s famous for doing his best to help volunteers make the most of their time in Brazil, offering advice on everything from football to favelas. i-to-i volunteers, as always, also enjoy 24 hour emergency support and free airport pickup.

This inspiring experience lasts four weeks, costing £1,095 (excl flights), but those who are seduced by Rio’s charms and want to stay for longer (up to 12 weeks) can do so for just £110 per extra week. Those wanting more information about any of i-to-i’s projects in Rio De Janeiro should call their travel experts on 0800 093 1505 or visit http://www.i-to-i.com/volunteer-projects/help-children-in-rio-brazil.html.

• gap year
• Brazil
• volunteer in Rio de Janeiro
• volunteer in Brazil
• gap year in Brazil
• Capoeria
• Martial Arts
• South America
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• year out