Based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Chester, CT, USA, BRAYCE (Brazilian and American Youth Cultural Exchange) recruits motivated high-school age youngsters from Favela communities with functional English, to participate in a Leadership Training Program at Camp Hazen YMCA in Chester, CT. This journey equips them with vital life skills, boosts their confidence and self-esteem, and improves their English, all while reinforcing their unique gifts as young leaders. In addition, with a conviction that by continuing their education with perseverance and determination, like their American friends, they can expect and plan a future. They return to Brazil as catalysts for change, ready to create a meaningful impact in their communities. Now in its 20th year, BRAYCE has almost 70 alumni who are making their mark as global citizens
To complete the exchange, American college students have had the opportunity to perform community service through active participation in community projects, sports, and social and environmental studies programs in the same favela communities as our young Brazilians. This component of the program was established in 2009 but temporarily paused in 2018 due to escalating violence in our localized host areas and safety concerns vocalized by our partner organizations. We look forward to reinstating this foundational aspect of our program in 2027.
The overall exchange experience enables the next generations’ potential leaders in both countries to:
- Become role models and effective leaders
- Develop cultural understanding
- Forge life-long, cross-community friendships
- Gain new perspectives and insights into life in other countries
- Develop confidence and self-esteem
- Become inspired members of their communities
Please enjoy this video, which brings our organization to life.
Download the BRAYCE Brochure English / Portuguese
