Community work with orphans and underprivileged children in Posadas, Argentina

  Argentina

• All Other Regions of Argentina: 
Posadas

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Min 2 weeks - Max 12 weeks/ Semana Santa (Latin America Holy week) will be from March 26th to April 4th 2010, you may have some disruptions to the placement during this time

Description: Got a lot to give?
If so this is the perfect project for you with an unbeatable opportunity to make friends and make a difference. Despite its bright modern cities Argentina still has lots of orphaned children in need of a little love and attention as well as access to educational opportunities through English language lessons. There will be plenty of time to do what children do best and it won't be long before they rope you in to all sorts of sports, singing, dancing and drama!

*Project details:
As a volunteer at one of the homes for orphaned girls and boys, you can make a real difference to young children's lives by providing support through education and English language lessons. You may also generate creative play through games, sports, singing, dancing and drama. There are even opportunities to participate in health awareness and nutrition programs, as well as handicraft workshops. Through all of your efforts, you will help to foster a sense of dignity in the girls and boys through the work they achieve.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
The project only has few members of staff to carry out all the duties of the home, and so volunteers are needed in all aspects of running the home. The main reason for volunteers at the project is to spend time with the children and help plan activities with them. Volunteers might also help with cleaning duties, getting the kids ready for school and help during meal times.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights:
* Making a positive impact on these children's lives
* Exploring the local area at the weekend - Igaucu falls anyone?
* Getting to know your homestay family. Probably the best way to understand Argentian life

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
Foremost, volunteers must have a love of children and be committed to working with them. You will need to be flexible and willing to roll up your sleeves and jump right in! A pro-active attitude is essential, and any skills that you have in any area working with children, from sports and music to drama, art or fundraising will be more than welcome. You should be able to speak some Spanish, preferably to an intermediate level. If you have basic Spanish and are willing to take our optional add-on Spanish lessons, this would be sufficient.

Your role as a volunteer:
i-to-i volunteers get involved in a number of activities involved in the running of the home. You could be helping the children to get ready in the mornings, assisting on various trips, homework, teaching English, and organising recreational activities. The people who run the centres are interested in providing the children with the opportunity to meet people of other cultures, and so she hopes to encourage cultural exchange by hosting volunteers at the home. As the centres have very little the is the opportunity to help in renovation and maintenance to provide the children with a more safe and enjoyable place to stay.

Cost in US$: USD 1425.00 for 2 weeks, USD 330.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Shared room in homestay
* Food: Breakfast and dinner
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 17-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Argentina Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994