Partner Institution:

Grupo Cultural Afro Reggae - GCAR

Project:

Circus and Music

Program:

Develop artistic, cultural and educational skills

Objective:

Provide learning and self-esteem for youth from low-income communities

Locality:

Vigário Geral and Cantagallo Neighborhoods - Rio de Janeiro City

PARTNER INSTITUTION AND PROJECT

The goal of GCAR is to have a direct intervention close to the Afro-Brazilian population and offer a cultural and artistic education that reinforces positive interests, in an effort to help young favela (urban slum) residents escape from the drug traffic or under-employment. Music has been the main tool used to attract youth to participate in GCAR. The success of the band AfroReggae led other youth to follow the same path, and today there are several groups that are maturing. AfroReggaie has been working to bridge the abyss that separates black from white, rich from poor, certain that this is the only alternative that might build a long lasting peace.
Currently, Afro Reggae offers various programs that work towards this goal. In the Vigário Geral neighborhood, for instance, Afro Reggae trains youth in traditional African-Brazilian music and dance. Additionally, in the Cantagallo neighborhood Afro Reggae trains youth in circus performance. The organization is sponsored by such organizations as CARE-Brazil and the Ford Foundation.

UNESCO: Best Social Project in Brazil

 

I felt that my presence at Afro Reggae engaged  both the children and the teachers. Jocelyn Kern, from United States

 

The kids were very friendly and lovely with us since the beginning. We really got the feeling to be in the Community. Leticia Hernando and Olga Martin, from Spain

ACTIVITIES THAT CAN BE DONE BY THE VOLUNTEER

Volunteers can teach or assist in teaching any of the following skill sets at beginner and/or advanced levels:

	Dance
	Acting
	Physical Training
	Gymnastics
	Manipulation
	Balancing
	Acrobatics
	Aerials
	Clown
	Juggling
	Music
	Choreography
	Martial Arts

In addition, Afro Reggae is open to suggestions from potential volunteers that are interested in formatting a unique project that cater to the volunteer’s unique skills and fulfills Afro Reggae’s objectives. Such projects will need to demonstrate formative progression for the students at Afro Reggae.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

	Increase in the number of student attendances
	Learning Progression of students: meeting Casa da Artes´s pedagogical objectives.
	Volunteer integration capacity with communities, staff, children, and youth.
	Number and types of activities developed.
	Volunteer interest level.
	Increased cross cultural knowledge of intern and of Casa da Artes students and management.

Other indicators may be developed according to the specific program and activity performed.