Volunteer Opportunities in La Boca, Buenos Aires, Argentina

  Argentina

• Buenos Aires: 
Buenos Aires

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: The neighborhood of La Boca is more than 3 blocks. Behind the painted houses, there is a past and present history waiting to be discovered. Today there is an eclectic mix of life stories: those descendents of Italian immigrants who came in the early 20th century to those from Paraguay, Peru, Bolivia, and the provinces of Argentina who continue to arrive daily.

You can choose to come for only one day or be a volunteer for a longer time. During the one-day program, we begin with the traditional walk down the Caminito and then venture into the old houses or conventillos, where the common people live. Our walk concludes in a community center that is also a social and political organization where we will have lunch. You will be able to take a look and help with various micro-enterprise projects, computer classes, English classes, help children with their schoolwork, and more.

Long Term Programmes:

If you want to be a long-term volunteer, we have many different options and schedules available.

The majority of the programs takes place in two community centers; La Boca and Soldati.

Computer Classes with adults: Basic Level
Timetable programmes: One or twice a week at morning or afternoon (Volunteer can choose).
Placement: La Boca Community centre

Communication, press and institutional development:
Timetable programmes: Twice a week 3 hours each day. (Volunteer can choose days and times)
Placement: La Boca Community centre

English Classes and Help with Schoolwork (children primary school)
Timetable programmes: Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 to 12.
Placement: La Boca Community Centre

Highlights: All of the Latin American capital cities are surrounded by shanty towns: the villas miseria or villas de emergencia in Argentina... Visiting one of these settlements is like diving into a maze of cultures. A great number of their inhabitants are immigrants from neighbouring countries such as Paraguay, Bolivia or Peru, who share customs with the Argentines, giving rise to an environment full of tradition, work, effort and, most importantly, colour and joy. In Buenos Aires, those communities that face alienation and exclusion lie adjacent to the most affluent neighbourhoods. But, they remain unknown. They remain unseen. Because they are kept a secret.

Qualifications: In order to select a program and a community centre, can you send us the following information and we will help you choose the right program:
- Academic Studies and Skills
- The length of your stay in Buenos Aires
- Amount of time per week you can dedicate to volunteer work
- Your preference of working with children, teenagers, or adults.
- Information you think is important for us to know
- Your ability to speak, write, and listen in Spanish

A volunteer should
- have a mind to work
- be willing to get to know a different way of life and to do whatever possible to improve it
- be eager to learn things he could not learn in school or university
- be open to discovering other cultures
- look forward to having fun at events and humble parties
- be genuinely committed to the project
- have a sense of responsibility towards the tasks undertaken
- be an enthusiastic participant

Cost in US$: From 80 to 480 Argentina pesos

In the placement: Transportation (from subway meeting point), a meal (once a week with others volunteers), a bilingual guide, a guide of the settlement, photos and supplies for the workshops and for making afternoon tea and a tutor, an arrival orientation, and a pre departure assistance. One-day programme on arrival.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A volunteer is he who, on first arriving at a villa, listens carefully and shows respect towards the people he meets and everything around him. He does not pass judgment on what he sees, as he realizes that he has much to learn about how people live in difficult circumstances. He does not get shocked but he is touched, and he tries to feel at home at all times. A volunteer who decides to carry out a particular task in the villa always double-checks his plans and actions with the people. He acknowledges the value of a different perspective upon things and takes it into account when elaborating his activities. A good volunteer would know when to say "I don't know" or "I can't" and he would constantly try to seek solutions that are fair and beneficial for everyone, rather than to simply promote welfare. A good volunteer in the villa would look the children in the eye and hug them even if they were dirty. He would not turn down a mate (an Argentinean infusion) even if the source of the water was doubtful. He is able to understand that he might have higher academic training and more tools, but that does not mean he has the right to subjugate a culture or judge alternative ways of doing things. A good volunteer is willing to work in a team, to promote communication and solidarity among the people he works with. He understands that being there is a gift, that humble people give openly and that he will receive more than he will give. It is a person who will, as time goes by, learn to love the neighbourhood people as his own family.

Age Range: 18 and above

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Argentina Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Voluntario Global's Mission Statement: We are a Civil Organisation focusing on voluntary work projects. Our main objective is to promote a lasting change in the lives of segregated families in impoverished parts of Buenos Aires.

Year Founded: 2005