AECTEA Association - Free Volunteer Opportunities in Brazil

The support of AEC-TEA´s local and international partners is essential to ensuring the continued success of our organization. AEC-TEA volunteers work closely with our local partners to develop community projects, provide professional support and to present events. Our international partners are a valuable source of volunteer assistance, donations and advice. For more information about becoming a AEC-TEA partner please contact us.

Local Partners

Creche Alegría Infantil – A free, community-run daycare center for children aged two to five years old. They are our neighbors and welcome volunteer assistance!

COOPES – The Cooperativa de Produçao da Regiao do Piemonte da Diamantina is a cooperative which sells food, clothing and crafts from individuals and associations in the region. The COOPES invites volunteers to help prepare products for sale in their shop.

CRAS – The Centro de Referência de Assistencia Social is a federal social service agency which welcomes volunteer visits to their Community Therapy circles and refers clients to participate in AEC-TEA projects.

PAIF – Programa de Assistência Integral à Familia, through the CRAS agency, is a federal welfare program which funds income-generating projects through local associations. PAIF sponsors our 2005-06 Digital Inclusion Courses and its staff has welcomed volunteers to visit other projects in the region.

PETI (Programa de Erradicação do Trabalho Infantil) – A federal program which has the objective of ending child labor. They invite volunteers to carry out art or sports activities, talks on a variety of social issues, and orientation for teachers.

Conselho Tutelar – A project through the federal government which monitors the rights of children and youth who are at risk of abuse or who are not attending school regularly. They have sought orientation from a psychologist. 

Schools – Several schools, both public and private, host AEC-TEA volunteers and presentations. International volunteers with intermediate levels of Portuguese have taught English and Art. They are also welcome to visit schools in order to gain a better understanding of the educational system in Capim Grosso. 

International Partners

Alacridad – Founded by Chris Hastings, AEC-TEA's first international volunteer, Alacridad is a non-profit organization based in Austin, Texas, which provides assistance and computing resources to Latin American community projects. In 2008, Alacridad brought a team of volunteers to set up our new computer lab, train local teachers, and donate a projector which is used for our outdoor movie theater and community presentations.

Mikkeli University – Since 2008, Mikkeli University in Finland has partnered with AEC-TEA by connecting Finnish students with internship opportunities in Capim Grosso as part of their coursework.