Our work was varied and we always worked with local people that work in the project as well, some were paid workers and other volunteers. We worked in the fields, preparing it to sow, plant and then harvest it. Species like zucchini, lettuce, lemon, orange, local berries, banana, tomate, cabbage. Making sure the paths and the crop beds were clean of weeds and well maintained. Also wood and clay building. We helped extend the warehouse they already had before we arrived. Also an ongoing project regards banana tree planting and processing its fiber to get natural hair. There are now hundreds of trees we planted and some already planted. Also help cooking since when we work we always eat there with everyone working there,as well with people from local community, anyone is free to get some food if they wish. We also take part in capoeira events and classes and learned how to play maracatu, this Afro-Brazilian percussion genre from the northeast of Brazil. Please describe what learning experiences you have had so far on development policy issues such as global justice and sustainability.
It is my first time living outside of Europe so I had no idea what it could be. We might have some ideas that form in our minds from everything we hear and see about others places and even about places we have visited. But living, talking and really understating the local perspective can only be done with time and patience. With that in mind I come to realize that here it’s just like any other place in the world but people behave different simply because they experience different scenarios.
My stay on this project was amazing. From the beginning we understood what we were supposed to do and from there we created something together. As volunteers we do the same work as local people working in the project so it always felt very leveled and equal. I learned a lot about eco-building, playing instruments, and handling fruit trees and vegetables I had never even heard before. I took a lot of photos that the people in the project really appreciated so there is nothing more successful I could ask for. The collaboration with contact person in the project was always smooth.
I feel super comfortable, I feel I have my space, my routine, my places, I can get around easily. I feel at home. I met some incredible people that I will never forget and hopefully will meet some time in the future. Most of the great things I experienced while in this project I own it to people I met.
I faced little challenges here. Just the chaos in the beginning and understanding how everything works and how we can be functioning members of society here. After that period everything was smooth as butter.
My perception only got deeper and as first you get a shallow perspective, after a while you start to understand the reasons and the answers to all the whys you might have. The main aspects that affect a person are financial and environmental nature situation. When you are poor everything affects you more. Inequality should be fought by everyone because no one is born unequal. It’s our duty to make a difference and end ideas that promote inequality.
My experience in Brazil was wonderful. I love what we do and the people we work and do activities with. I could not feel more welcome and at home here. I could not have asked for a better introduction to Brazil, Latin America and a different place from Europe.
Rodrigo Arsenio