
pernambuco, brazil
health expedition - April 18 to 25
Make a difference in the lives of residents of the Barro Branco community in Pernambuco through our health expedition that will provide qualified medical care and educational activities focused on well-being!
community supported
Nestled in the backlands of Pernambuco and in the rural area of the municipality of Ibimirim, there is a very special community where our expedition will take place. Barro Branco is located 350 km from Recife and is home to 100 families.
The 300 residents of Barro Branco live in the reality of one of the lowest HDIs in Brazil and have serious health problems due to drinking brackish water, lack of access to medical facilities and suffering from a shortage of food and sources of income. A harsh reality in which the lack of public investment in health, education and employment generates unimaginable problems. And it is precisely in this scenario that Karibu will operate, providing medical care and educational activities.
The health expedition is a partnership with the Recife-based organization Afetos, which has supported the community for years, and with the community leaders of Barro Branco who greatly appreciate the work carried out.



activities & professionals
The expedition aims to provide basic health care and solutions for the identified problems. We will also work to direct patients to specific exams (if necessary), promote educational activities focused on well-being and map new demands and needs in the region.
Based on the main health problems identified in the community in recent years, we will open vacancies for the following professional profiles :
3 general practitioners
2 pediatricians
2 dermatologists
2 nurses
3 health professionals from different areas
2 psychologists
1 nutritionist
3 people from different professions to organize the logistics of services and carry out educational activities.
schedule
The schedule may change depending on weather conditions, but all social and immersion activities will take place during the expedition. Get ready for exciting and transformative days!
Day 1: Arrival
8 am: Departure from Recife to the municipality of Ibimirim. Lunch break. In the afternoon, there will be a visit to the sustainable development organization Serta . In the evening, a welcome dinner.
Day 5: Vale do Catimbau
Free day to explore the fabulous Catimbau, with 2 guided trails included and a craft workshop with a local artist. Lunch in the Valley and sunset in a privileged location!
Day 2: Immersion
Morning: field immersion with a walk through the community with local leaders. Afternoon: organization of the space for services and carrying out educational activities.
Days 6 and 7: Consultations
Health care services from 9 am to 5 pm, considering prior screening for the collection of personal data and care according to the specialties of each professional.
Days 3 and 4: Consultations
Health care services from 9 am to 5 pm, considering prior screening for the collection of personal data and care according to the specialties of each professional.
Day 8: Return
8 am: farewells and transfer from Ibimirim to Recife, with estimated arrival time around 2 pm. Participants who are taking flights on that day should consider departing at 5pm.
accommodation & logistics
The group will be staying at the Casa Grande Guesthouse, located in the municipality of Ibimirim, 1 hour from the Barro Branco community. The rooms will be shared between 2 people and have a private bathroom. Breakfast and dinner will be served daily at the guesthouse, taking into account the local menu and each person's dietary restrictions. Lunches will be served in Barro Branco, prepared with great care by Mrs. Cícera. Exceptionally, on the day of arrival and in the Vale do Catimbau, lunches will be served in restaurants, included in the Karibu package.
Transfer between Recife and Ibimirim, as well as between the inn and the community, will take place in a private van, with capacity for up to 20 people, and with the driver at our disposal.


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investment
12x R$ 350.00
considering
9 nights
TOTAL
5% discount for cash payment
Installments via bank transfer, boleto, PIX or card
credit
INCLUDED:
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Accommodation at Pousada Casa Grande;
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Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, following the local menu;
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Arrival and departure transfers between Recife and Ibimirim;
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Daily trips between Ibimirim and Barro Branco;
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Visit to the sustainable development organization Serta;
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Tour of the Vale do Catimbau archaeological site with a guide;
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Craft workshop in Vale do Catimbau;
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Support materials for educational activities;
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Structure for health care;
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Coordinators to guide the expedition;
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Karibu T-shirt;
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Digital certificate of volunteer work;
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Prior training and support until you return from your trip.
NOT INCLUDED:
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Flight ticket;
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Tourist activities and extra food expenses.
testimonials
SDG & coordination
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global agenda adopted by the UN in 2015, consisting of 17 objectives and 169 targets to be achieved by 2030. The project developed in Barro Branco is based on SDG 3: Health and well-being, aiming to promote health, prevention and treatment of diseases among local residents.
Aiming for excellence in the activities that will be carried out, the trip will have 2 coordinators responsible for guiding the mission and able to assist in whatever is necessary. Learn a little more about them:
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DR. JULIA NEJAIM
Brazilian, postgraduate degree in psychiatric and psychological anthropology. Extensive experience in family health and national and international volunteering. Julia was also the coordinator of the health expedition for Sertão de Pernambuco in 2024.
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JOANA GAMILLSCHEG
Co-founder of Karibu. She has carried out volunteer work in more than 10 countries, published 2 books on the social sphere (Ubuntu and Arena), and coordinated several groups of volunteers on 3 different continents.
FAQ
1. What will this experience bring to me?
The opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Pernambuco hinterland, carry out consistent volunteer work, practice teamwork, develop soft skills and learn values for life. An unforgettable experience full of lessons.
2. How will my actions impact the life of the community?
The health services and activities that will be carried out will benefit the lives of community members in several aspects, based on the needs identified by them. In addition, we aim for the work to continue with the arrival of new groups that will continue the services and activities that began in 2024.
3. Will I be able to take photos promoting the project and my action?
Yes, valuing the dignity of those involved and respecting the moments to do so. An experience like this deserves to be shared!
4. Is it risky in terms of security?
No. The coordinator will be with the group at all times, being aware of the details necessary for the safety of those involved.
5. Do healthcare professionals need to bring their own equipment?
Yes, each professional is expected to bring their own equipment or contact us so we can help provide it. The group responsible for educational activities will receive the informational materials from the coordinators and will have access to them in advance.
For more details, just send us a WhatsApp message so we can schedule a call to answer any questions you may have. We are at your disposal!