Over my final two weeks in Rio de Janeiro as an IVHQ sports volunteer, the impact of our work in the favela has been both profound and rewarding, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being. This experience has not only been transformative for me personally but has also positively affected the community we served.

Initially, our football sessions saw modest attendance, with just 5 to 10 kids participating. Through targeted strategies to increase engagement, such as diversifying activities and actively promoting the sessions, we saw a remarkable increase in participation. By the end of my two-week period, the number of attendees had grown to over 30 kids per session. This increase is a testament to the positive influence our work had on the community and its alignment with SDG 3, which emphasizes the importance of health and well-being. The football sessions contributed significantly to the health and well-being of the children in the favela. Physical activity is crucial for the overall health of young people, and the structured sessions provided not only exercise but also a sense of routine and stability. The improvement in fitness levels among the kids and the development of their physical skills were tangible outcomes. More importantly, the sessions offered a positive outlet for energy, contributing to their mental and emotional well-being.

The positive reception of our work extended beyond just the kids. The community's feedback was overwhelmingly supportive, and many local families expressed their appreciation for the impact we were making. This supportive reception was instrumental in creating a welcoming environment for incoming volunteers, who typically stayed for only two weeks. The trust and rapport built over time made it easier for new volunteers to integrate into the community and continue the work seamlessly. A particularly rewarding aspect of my experience was changing perceptions of “gringos” (foreigners) within the favela. Initially, there was some scepticism about our presence and intentions. However, through consistent engagement and demonstrating genuine care and commitment, I was able to build positive relationships and trust within the community. This was demonstrated through invites to family homes, birthday parties, festivals and more. This shift in perception was evident in the increased enthusiasm and openness of the children and their families, and it reflected the success of our efforts to bridge cultural gaps and foster mutual respect.

Training other volunteers was also a key part of my role. By sharing insights and effective strategies for managing the sessions, I helped ensure that new volunteers could quickly adapt and contribute positively. The success of this training was evident in the smooth transitions and effective sessions that followed, further demonstrating the positive ripple effects of our work. Personally, the experience has led to significant leadership growth. My improved Portuguese skills facilitated better communication and connection with the community, and a major confidence boost which I will take back home with me. The physical demands of the role led to enhanced fitness and energy levels, which supported my effectiveness in leading the sessions. Moreover, traveling with new friends and exploring various parts of Rio and Brazil enriched my cultural understanding and broadened my perspective, informing a more empathetic and inclusive approach to leadership.

Reflecting on the last six weeks, and particularly these final two weeks, the positive impact of our work in the favela is clear. The increase in session turnout, the positive feedback from the community, and the improved perceptions of foreigners highlight the success of our efforts. The alignment with SDG 3 underscores the importance of our contributions to the health and well-being of the children, reinforcing the meaningful and lasting impact of our volunteering work. This experience has been pivotal in my development as a leader and in fostering a deeper connection with the community we served.

A massive thank you to@Rebecca Shaw and @Matt Penhaligon and all of the IVHQ/VOG coordinators for providing this life changing opportunity. Our work has made a clear positive impact, I've made memories for life, and fulfilled a childhood dream!