Brazilian Style Problem Solving: Service and Learning

Today we began our service learning experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  We walked down a few blocks to take the elevator up directly into Criança Esperança. Up we went 26 floors ready for a day of community involvement and interaction with the children at this NGO. Unfortunately, when we arrived to meet with the director, they were not ready for us and we were asked to come back at lunch time. We did the Brazilian thing and improvised. During this unexpected free time, Arturo and Marisol had us engage in a group activity that challenged our personal and cultural perspectives on what constitutes a necessity, a problem, a resource, and a community. This exercise helped me become more aware not only about my own perception and preconceived beliefs, but it also allowed me to keep in mind that my ideas are not the same as the ideas and perception of those in charge of the NGO or of the community members.

When we went back to Criança Esperança at noon we were greeted by Miriam, a Harvard student doing her 6 week long international internship there. She led us down to a diner where we had a wonderful Brazilian lunch. After luch, Miriam explained a bit more about the NGO, their philosophy and how we would be helping during our time here. The work we would be doing, she explained, would mainly be interacting with the kids. She explained the center is open to anyone and it is not necessary to sign up for their free services. The reason for this is that they want to remove as many barriers for more community members to be able to take advantage of their services free from hassle.

In addition, Miriam kindly shared about her experience at Criança Esperança. She said she learned to accept and embrace their philosophy on the importance of play. They believe play is a powerful tool in teaching values and skills such as respect, cooperation, social wellbeing, effective communication, and discipline. Miriam admitted it was a bit difficult because her expectation was that she would be engaged in more straightforward educational school-like activities versus more learning through play and interaction. At Criança Esperança they believe the best way to serve the children and their families is offering a safe environment for them and to enhance their social environment and learning experiences through play.

Finally, we broke off into groups to start our service learning. Some of us went to the Library where they had arts and crafts and the computer lab. Others went to observe a theatre class or an English language class, while the rest went to the gym for basketball. I walked into the library and over to meet the arts and crafts coordinator. At the time, only one little girl was at the table coloring. After some time, more kids started trickling into the library. Most had just got out of school for the day. 4 more girls came in, and the arts and crafts director invited Molly, Janet, and me to dance with them. After our dance break, we went back to arts and crafts where we taught the kids to make folded paper hearts and hats.

Carolina (age 7) and Sanjuanita (UNO Student) during Service Learning at Criança Esperança  

The children were welcoming and happy to have us there.  We quickly gained their trust and they were even calling us “tio” or “tia” (literally "uncle" or "aunt") which is what they call their teachers at school and instructors at the NGO. Just being there and offering our time to these kids was a great experience because despite the differences in culture and the language, we were able to share some time with them and teach them a few things as they taught us as well. I learned through their innocence and simplicity that it really doesn’t take much to make a difference. To be present is to serve, and to spend time with someone of a different background is when you learn how similar we all really are.

NU Students with children at Criança Esperança during Service Learning