Internship Fulfills Lifelong Dream

“My days were filled with smiles, frowns, laughter, tears, disagreements and hugs…” reports Alejandro Melean after spending two months volunteering as an intern at the Monte Alegre School. Currently a student at Holy Cross College, Alejandro has always wanted to work with children and describes the internship as among the best and most rewarding experiences of his life.

The internship program was made available through the BR-111™ Foundation and coordinated by Marcia Pagano. “I knew very little about the school prior to arriving in Brazil,” said Alejandro. “I was only aware the children came from very poor neighborhoods and many of the students had difficult family situations, including physical and sexual abuse. And while I speak English and Spanish, it was a challenge to learn Portuguese to communicate with the children and the staff.”

Alejandro worked closely with teachers in the classroom and had the opportunity to interact with psychologists who meet with the children weekly. “Every child has a story. Some are truly heartbreaking, like Cassia, who still will not speak a word. Hopefully she will emerge from her shell as she spends more time in the program,” continued Alejandro.

Overall, Alejandro reports that classes are similar to elementary school in the United States. The daily routine includes reading and spelling, arts and crafts, physical education and mealtime. In addition, a nutritionist speaks to the children weekly about growing fruits and vegetables and a martial arts instructor teaches Judo classes.

Alejandro also had the opportunity to visit the “Bosque” community center located in a very poor neighborhood where many of the children live. “It was a real eye opener to see the poverty these children come from,” said Alejandro. “Even so, it provided me the opportunity to meet many of the mothers of the children I was working with daily.”

“Throughout the internship I was greeted with warmth and smiles from the children and staff alike,” said Alejandro. “The school is incredible and it was truly rewarding to be a part of the program, even for a short time. Thanks to all at the BR-111™ Foundation for providing me the experience of a lifetime.”