Do you know your computers? Share your passion for IT with those from impoverished backgrounds while exploring Rio De Janeiro and its many attractions! Knowing how to use a computer has become second nature for most of us due to the proliferation of technology. However, the digital divide leaves those living in poverty behind. This project collaborates with local community organizations that teach computer skills to more than 1,000 students and counting. Due to the high demand of the computer classes, there is always a shortage of computer teachers or trainers. Volunteer in Brazil and help these centers to reach out to more people in the local community. Share your IT knowledge and bridge the gap between technology and deprived communities, while reveling in Brazil’s entrancing culture and beauty.

By volunteering in Brazil, you will be providing lessons to children, youths and adults. You will be working with local organizations which run computer courses for those in disadvantaged communities. Depending on your individual interests and skills, and on the needs of the local staff, your daily activities involve, but are not limited to:

• Teach a variety of basic computer skills to students, such as how to switch on a computer, using the keyboard and mouse, etc.
• Teach basic computer programs such as Word and Excel
• Develop computer databases and assist with maintenance work
• Work with local organizations and help with daily tasks
• Provide practical and theoretical IT knowledge
• Prepare useful educational materials for students
• Teach about internet usage and basic website development

Computer skills are essential for development of communities. Being skilled in IT will introduce a host of job opportunities for the majority of the local people. Children will be able to benefit the most from learning computers at a young age. The communities in favelas often lack the necessary facilities and specialized trainers to teach computers to their people. This is where you come in. Help the local communities catch up with the rest of the world by sharing your knowledge of IT, so that they will be that much closer to a better life.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. There are no specific qualifications needed to volunteer in the computer project, although a basic knowledge in IT is required. This project is suited to volunteers of all IT level, you do not need to be a computer expert to be helpful at the centers. Volunteers without any knowledge of the Portuguese language can still contribute effectively to the project. You should have a passion to teach and aspire to help your students. Volunteers should be good role models, flexible, patient, caring, creative, responsible and open-minded. Volunteers must also respect the locals and the host organizations, along with their rules and projects.

Rio de Janerio is blessed with panoramic landscapes including the spectacular mountains and pristine beaches, but it's the energetic people and the pulsating culture that best epitomizes the city. Rio is also hosting the Soccer World Cup 2014 and the Summer Olympic games of 2016. In preparation of this, the city has seen vast improvement in communications facilities, transportation infrastructure, and even the crime rate has gone down substantially. Another phenomenon that Rio is very famous for is the Carnival, which draws over 2 million visitors to the city. During the festival, the streets come alive with incredible song, dance and merry-making! Our project takes place in Rocinha, the largest and one of the most developed favelas (shantytowns) in Brazil. Today, most of the houses in Rocinha have developed into an urbanized slum, with basic sanitation, plumbing and electricity in place. Facilities such as banks, pharmacies, bus lines and cable television in place.