Brighter Future in Cordoba Argentina

As a volunteer you can help to provide a brighter future for children who live in poverty in Cordoba, Argentina. These children and the staff at the centre need your help to provide care and assistance to pre-school children, plus also to getting involved with teaching 6 to 16 year olds in the afternoon. With limited resources at the project we welcome volunteers who are creative and highly motivated.

Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential volunteers’ health.

Programme Information
Having started life in 1991 as a tiny kindergarten helping care for children of working mothers, the centre has now grown to represent much more to the surrounding impoverished community. Two of the centre’s founding members, Roxana and Martha, have developed the project to become an educational centre offering vital services to the community. Still providing day-care for 1 to 3 year olds, the centre is now also a shelter in the afternoons for around 25 children aged between 6 and 14 years old. In a safe environment, children can learn through various workshops, including art, handcrafts and language. This last element in particular is becoming hugely important for the future development of the children and, as a native speaker, you will be invaluable as a volunteer at the centre.

The centre also offers classes to women in the community, to enhance self-sufficiency and to teach various skills such as knitting.

Life at the Project
You will be volunteering from Monday-Friday with the exact hours to be determined with the project coordinator upon arrival. Typically, mornings are taken up with aiding volunteer leaders in tasks such as playing with the children, cleaning classrooms or assisting with workshops.

In the afternoon, you will assist in the classroom and have plenty of children to teach! Previous volunteer ideas that have worked well in the past include bringing materials with you that represent your country to aid educational classes about your countries music or traditions.

Volunteers are needed to help out with a variety of tasks including assisting teachers, cleaning, setting up art, music and sports workshops and offering homework support.

Volunteer Requirements
Volunteers do not need previous related experience but priority will be given to volunteers with a background in education or social work. The required Spanish level for the project is ‘High Beginner’. We want you to feel at ease when working at this project so it is very important that you are able to speak Spanish, at least at this level, in order to communicate effectively with staff members and with the children. Spanish will be the main language used whilst on the project in order to respect staff that cannot speak English. For those who are new to the language or if you just need to brush up on the skills you already have, we recommend that you take part in our language school before your project starts.

Language School
The language school is centrally located in Córdoba - perfect for when you first arrive into Argentina and want to explore your new surroundings. The school has a number of programmes to choose from, depending on the level you start at and the level you want to finish on. It also has excellent facilities and offers a fun and relaxed place to learn Spanish while being ideally placed for you to move on to your volunteer project at the end of it.

While at the language school your accommodation will be with a host family where you will have your own private room and be provided with 2 meals per day. Also included with the language school is:

Project Support
Throughout your stay in Cordoba you will have the support and guidance of the coordinator and house workers. They will be able to provide you with any help or advice you may need during your stay.

In addition to the in-country support, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number should you need to contact one of our UK staff at any time.

Project Orientation
Once you have been met and picked up from the airport, you will be taken to your accommodation and helped to settle in. On your first full day, your coordinators will guide you through your orientation and help to answer any questions you may have.

Accommodation and Meals
During the volunteer placement you will be staying in a Student Residence in Córdoba City. This is a great opportunity to socialise and meet fellow international volunteers and students. All student residences are located within walking distance of the language school. These are large houses with many bedrooms that you will share with usually one or two other international volunteers. Single rooms are available on request and for an extra supplement if you wish. In your room you will have a single bed, night table, closet, and a desk and chair. You will share a fully equipped kitchen, bathrooms, a living room with cable TV and access to Wi-Fi Internet.

All residences are centrally located within walking distance of local amenities and entertainment. You will need to budget and cook your own meals whilst at the residence. Supermarkets are just a stones throw away or you can try out the local dishes at one of the many restaurants nearby.

For further information, or to secure your place on this programme, please call the Latin America Team today on 01892 516164, or email them at latinamerica@realgap.co.uk