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Your most important task while on this project will be giving much needed love and attention to the children, providing homework support and giving educational classes to the children.
The Volunteer Programme
In the last few years, the AIDS epidemic has rapidly spread through Argentina's female population. In Argentina, there are between 140,000 and 160,000 women who are infected with the disease, with about 60% of them unaware that they carry the virus. A report called Children on the Brink, which was developed in cooperation with UNICEF, reported that there was an escalation in the number of orphans due to AIDS.
It was proposed that there was an urgent need to assist these children and help those who have suffered as a consequence of this epidemic, who are considered to be a highly vulnerable group in society. Moved by the problems that people faced due to the AIDS epidemic, a group of people familiar with the problem of AIDS set up a day centre for orphaned children from HIV-positive families. In 2002, the centre opened its doors and began offering shelter to children aged between 6 and 16 years, with the aim of:
- Providing effective psychological support.
- Promoting their integration and incorporation into society.
- Offering the children a sufficient nutritional meal.
- Maintaining permanent school support.
Although the centre was originally set up for children who had a family member with the HIV-virus AIDS, it later broadened its scope to respond to other needs in the area. The centre now also assists children who come from low-income families, who are in need of affection and attention. There are around 15 children who now come to the centre to do their homework, participate in various workshops and have their lunch.
Volunteer Duties
Your most important task while at this project will be giving much needed love and attention to the children. Additionally, English and homework support are important. In the afternoons, volunteers will be responsible for giving classes to the children.
If you would like to set up an educational workshop while you are on the project you will need to work really hard and put in a lot of effort. Due to a lack of funding, the materials needed to set up the workshop will not be given to you, so you will have to provide them yourself. You may want to think about bringing the following items with you to use as an educational tool with the children:
- Traditional or local music as the children love dancing!
- Some typical things from your home country so that you can show and explain to the children where you are from, therefore giving the children the opportunity to learn about different cultures.
Most importantly, you must bring with you a creative spirit, a love for working with children and a willingness to pass on your skills and knowledge to the children.
You will be required to work on the project from Monday to Friday during the afternoons. The hours that you work are flexible and can be arranged on the first day that you visit the project.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, there is no maximum age limit.
Volunteer Requirements
The required Spanish level for the project is ‘Intermediate’. We want you to feel at ease when working at this project so it is very important that volunteers are able to speak Spanish, at least at this level, in order to communicate effectively with staff members, local people and with the children. Spanish will be the main language used whilst on the project.
Language School
To participate in this programme there is a requirement that you can speak Spanish to an Intermediate level. 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.
The language school is centrally located in Buenos Aires, so 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 that you start at and the level you want to finish on. The school 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 its conclusion.
While at the language school you will stay 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:
- An airport transfer
- 4 hours Spanish tuition per day
- Cultural activities e.g. Salsa dancing
- Evening social excursions with other students
- Full onsite support throughout the programme
Project Support
Throughout your stay in Argentina you will have the support and guidance of our coordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
In addition you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Orientation
Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires you will have an orientation that will cover further details about the project and activities that you will be taking part in. You will also find out further information about health and safety and what there is to do in the local area in your free time. This will also be the perfect opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the programme and your role as a volunteer.
Accommodation and Meals
During the volunteer placement you will be staying in a Student Residence in Buenos Aires. 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 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 share with other international students. You will need to budget and cook your own meals while 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.
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