Care Work in Argentina with Projects Abroad

  Argentina

• Cordoba: 
Cordoba

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: All year round

Description: Volunteer Care work with children overseas in Argentina

As a volunteer on a Care Project in Argentina you will find there is a role for you whether you are volunteering during a gap year - or even a gap month - from further education, a career break, your annual leave, or if you are no longer working and want others to benefit from your experience. All we ask is that you have energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to seeing the work through. Our local staff will support you all the way.

The severe economic crisis that took place in Argentina in 2001-2002 has created a very real need for the help of Projects Abroad volunteers. Many of the children we work with have been orphaned or abandoned by parents who cannot afford to support them. As a volunteer you will provide that added extra element of individual care and attention that every child needs, but which the staff in the organizations we work with rarely get the chance to provide.

Voluntary Special-Needs and Orphanage work with Projects Abroad

If you are volunteering in Argentina with children you will have the chance to work in a number of placements in Cordoba - Argentina's second city - and the surrounding area.

Projects Abroad currently work mainly with care homes for orphaned or abandoned children. Some homes are relatively small and specifically deal with very young children from ages 0-5. Here you will be very hands-on, helping with the everyday care for the children. Other homes offer a shelter to over 90 children of all ages. At these placements, you are given freedom to develop your own activities to entertain the children. Volunteers here will find that the days pass very quickly, although you can expect to feel tired out at the end of it!

We also work with a number of centers for handicapped people and others with special-needs. When you apply, please let us know where you feel you would best be able to help and our staff will work with you to find a suitable placement.

Volunteering abroad on a Care Project in Argentina

When volunteering on a Care Project in Argentina you are likely to be asked to help with a wide range of activities, depending on the age-group and needs of those you are working with. You may be required to help the staff with basic care duties at certain times of the day, but there will be other times when the work is less structured and you can help by simply playing with the children.    You might take classes or workshops where you focus on painting, pottery or music with a group of children. The older children will probably need help with their homework at the end of the day. There are also opportunities to get involved in physical therapy sessions and helping look after a home's garden or pets.

Whatever skills and talents you have, volunteer work in Argentina will give you the opportunity to put them to good use. Teach the children to dance, draw, or play soccer with them, you could even arrange to take the children on a day trip. The more time and effort you put in, the more rewarding your placement will be, both for the children you are working with and for you yourself.

Highlights: Due to the inter-personal nature of the work, this placement is an excellent opportunity to practice your Spanish. Aside from interacting with the children, you will also be working with the foster parents and organization's administrators to make sure things keep running smoothly.

For your accommodation, you'll live with a Spanish speaking host-family, which is great environment for developing and improving your language skills. All the families involved are extremely supportive of the projects carried out by Projects Abroad and are keen to experience an intercultural exchange and learn about the lives of volunteers.

In addition, this project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications: Some Care Projects require intermediate Spanish.

Cost in US$: USD 2,345 and up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Open minded with a desire to travel

Age Range: 16-70

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

Participants Travel to Argentina Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992