Raquelle Le Grand is a Canadian student of Social Work in the Netherlands. The student was interested in learning more about Brazilian culture, language and social work system. She participated of our Children Care House volunteer program in Rio in two different projects.  

Now that she finished her experience here in Brazil, we interviewed her to know more about the time she spent here. Check it out:

Why did you choose to come to Brazil for an volunteer program?

Six years ago I started my Bachelors Program in Amsterdam and somehow I felt called to go to Brazil but it turned out to be extremely expensive and I then chose to postpone my trip to after my study.  (…) When I heard I would be out of work for a six month period I decided to search for a program in Brazil that would link with my social work background. My goal by doing this was to pursue my first “calling” and to further learn more about the Brazilian culture, language and the country’s social work system.

What are the main challenges you faced?

The main challenge was the chaotic public transportation schedules. Thankfully, the community in Rio had always been there to lend a helping hand (despite the language barrier in the beginning).

How is your relationship with your host family/co-workers?

I stayed for a period of six months, so I was able to have two host families. My relationship with both was very positive.

How do you evaluate the support provided by Brazilian Experience?

The support that was given throughout the whole trip was amazing.

Can you tell me a little bit about the activities you have done on your project?

I worked in the Obra do Berco for the first three months. Here I stayed with the youngest group (1 – 2 years). The daily activities were: playing and feeding the children lunch.

The second project I worked at was at the school “Solar”. Here I stayed with the youngest group as well (3 months – 1.5 years). Here there was much more help needed. Although the actual activity was to also play and feed, the children needed much more attention and care due to the age.

What did you learn with this experience? What has the experience added to your resume?

My experience has given me a lot of things. The first thing is that I have learned the Portuguese language. This benefits me in my work in Holland (working with foreign women) and also has helps me in my daily life in Brazil. Another thing is that I now have an impression of how the social system is set up in Brazil. I am able to compare this to Canada’s and Holland’s system. Furthermore it has brought me to places and people that I could never have experienced in my own countries. This has opened my eyes to poverty, the importance of social aid, the destructions of corruption, for example. On a positive note: it has shown me the gratefulness of people who have a whole lot less than the European or Western world standards. It has shown me the warmth of the Latin-American community which I can bring and spread in my own life.

Describe the changes you noticed on yourself?

At the end of my experience I noticed that certain things that I have/own/do in Holland are luxuries and the necessity to have or do those things lessened.

Another thing is that Rio had been a confirmation as to what I want to do in life. My calling is to help others. This motivated me to continue and to learn more Portuguese in the hope that I can one day share my knowledge in Rio and join a social work program there. The last thing that now comes to mind is that I became very independent.

What did you like most about your project?

I loved the feeling that my help was needed in the project.

Would you come back to Brazil? What motivates you?

I am definitely planning on coming back to Brazil. Besides the fact that Rio is blessed with beautiful beaches, fun parties and good weather I would love to come back to dig more into the social work programs and opportunities. I am very motivated to learn the language fluently.

What was the highlight of your experience in Brazil? Tell us about it.

One of the highlights of my experience was my stay in my last host family. I truly feel connected to them as a daughter and sister and it really helped my stay there. In general, another highlight was to be able to stay, experience and meet people in one of the many favela’s in Rio. It has taught me to be grateful for what I have in life: whether that materialistic things to opportunities in life. The last highlight was the life outdoors. Because of the amazing weather, you find yourself outside way more than you are inside. This effected my mood and body in a positive sense.

Would you recommend this program/experience? Which advice would you give for students willing to join the same experience?

I would definitely advise others to join the program Solar. Some advice for others who are willing to join:

• Stay basic. You are going to find yourself in a poor neighborhood. It is important to stay basic regarding your clothing, shoes & accessories. One reason for this is because it may seem disrespectful to “show” your wealth in a region where many struggle financially on a daily basis. Another reason is safety. By staying basic, you don’t “give” others a reason to want to rob you.
• Smile. You are probably not going to be able to speak Portuguese which makes body language extremely important. You are(mostly) in control of the experience you have so if you smile and have an open-minded attitude towards your colleagues at the project, the fact that you cannot communicate with words does not matter. You contribute then to a positive atmosphere which will make them feel like you want to be there and make you feel more comfortable.
• Don’t expect to save the world. Perhaps you have the expectation to save a lot of kids or have an extreme contribute to their lives. Remind yourself that you don’t have the power to do a lot in the position you have there. Don’t underestimate the significance of a smile, a hug or a kiss in those children’s’ lives.

A word or a sentence in Portuguese to summarize your experience.

In Holland, life is in the fast lane. Everyone has things to do, are focused on themselves and rarely have true pleasure time. So because of this, I have learned to chill out sometimes and let go, entao: “Fique tranquila querida, tudo vai ficar bem”.  🙂