Requirements

Requirements:
  • you must be at least 18 years old
  • minimum period for volunteer work is 2 weeks and  the maximum, 2 months
  • you must have valid health insurance
  • you must be a competent swimmer if involved with the sailing classes.
  • you must have a recognised international license for piloting if involved with motor boats
  • if Portuguese or English is not your first language, you must have a working knowledge of English

Rules of Participation and Agreement of Understanding for Volunteers
Due to the nature of Project Grael it is essential that a high level of discipline and understanding is established and maintained. Project Grael is an educational project working with children and young people. For your own safety, for the safety of others, and for the good of the Project you are asked to carefully read, absorb and confirm agreement with the following points of understanding:
  1. The volunteer understands that whilst participating in Project Grael,he/she is a guest in a foreign country and must abide by the laws of that land.
  2. The volunteer confirms that he/shehas comprehensive cancellation and personal health insurance that can cover any eventuality whilst participating in Project Grael.The volunteer has had all the relevant vaccinations recommended by the health authority of my country. The project staff will assist if volunteers fall ill or are injured in any way, though the costs of treatment are to be borne fully by participants and their insurer. Participants are obliged to be adequately covered for this possibility. If, in the event that the volunteer has not been inoculated or is not adequately insured then it´s agreed thathe/she in no way holds Project Grael, its staff or representatives thereof responsible for any illness that occurs or injury they may sustain, or the treatment of that injury or illness, while carrying out duties or actions in association with the Project or outside the boundaries of these said duties.
  3. The volunteer confirms tshe has adequate personal financial resources for the duration of my stay and will not pose a burden on the resources of Project Grael.
  4. The immediate adherence at all times to the instructions given by any project member of staff, is a prerequisite to continued participation in the project, as in many situations a volunteer will not have sufficient experience to judge situations.
  5. Although Project Grael involves the teaching of sailing, volunteers are expected to work in other related and necessary tasks. Sailing will be possible if permitted by the coordinator and/or as part of the scheduled activities. The boats cannot be made available for private use.
  6. Consumption or conveyance of non prescription drugs, including marijuana, is illegal in Brazil.  The consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited at the Project area. Project Grael operates a non-smoking policy and no smoking is permitted at the workplace or on boats by staff, students, volunteers or visitors.
  7. A volunteer is not permitted to specify any particular jobs, but is expected to adapt to the needs of the Project as instructed by the project manager and project staff.
  8. Although we offer volunteers a unique position in working alongside professionals of a diverse background, we do not expect that they involve themselves in issues requiring communication between management and employees nor between management, employees and the local population where strict codes of conduct and established procedures are in place. Contravention of this understanding will be viewed very seriously.
  9. All volunteers must read and familiarize themselves with the document provided by the Project detailing the concept, focus and details of what to expect in terms of activities, living conditions and arrangements.
  10. It must be understood that all instructions and interpretation will be carried out in either Portuguese or English depending on the first language of the volunteer. Although total fluency in English is not a requirement, it is recommended that the volunteer has at least intermediate level of either English, Portuguese or Spanish where these are not the volunteer’s first language
  11. Travel to and participation in this program is at the sole risk of the volunteer, who participates under the clear understanding that the board, managers, and staff of Project Grael may in no way be held responsible for any loss, injury or death sustained by the volunteer during his or her stay at the project.
  12. Although volunteers are encouraged to assist with the aim of promoting public awareness during and after their visit, the reporting of activities to general media must be done with the assistance of the communication advisor and the coordinator of the program.  
  13. Volunteers will respect the cultural values of the local population, so as not to endanger the project or themselves. This also implies that volunteers agree to refrain from proselytizing activities, that is attempting to try to persuade someone to change their religious or political beliefs or their way of living to your own. The project will explain any local rules and customs to the volunteers upon arrival. Therefore, the volunteer will act appropriately with all due sensitivity to the community and its inherent customs. These rules if contravened may lead to possible termination of the volunteer's participation at Project Grael.
  14. Project Grael works closely with other organizations on a cooperative level. If the volunteer has a problem at the project it will be resolved in a diplomatic manner, with respect deserving of those in authority at all levels of the project.
  15. The volunteer accept that the use of illegal drugs, violence, and cruelty to animals, endangering nature and environment, or engaging in behaviour that jeopardises the future of Project Grael will result in immediate dismissal from the project of the person(s) concerned. In the event that a volunteer's participation is terminated by management for disciplinary reasons, no refund of contribution will be made by Project Grael.
  16. In the event that management, in consultation with the volunteer, decides to terminate participation for any reason, including: health, safety, inability to cope with the environment or for any personal reasons raised by the volunteer after arrival, the repayment of any portion of the contribution to the volunteer is at the discretion of the project management and will at no time exceed 50% of the full amount contributed.
  17. If the volunteer is not satisfied with the Project, it is expected that any complaint is reported to the coordinator before leaving. This procedure will give the Project opportunity to clarify or improve arrangements. No complaints can be accepted after the volunteer leaves the project.

I confirm that I have read and fully comprehend and agree with the Rules of Participation and Agreement of Understanding for Volunteers at Project Grael