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Community Development Argentina
This wonderful community development program currently works on three key projects;
Ciudad Oculta - Around 45 minutes away from central Buenos Aires by car, Ciudad Oculta (The hidden city) houses around 100,000 people within just five square kilometres, a slum area of epic proportions. Urban poverty has resulted in children having no green spaces to play, crime rates are high and the streets are dangerous. This project, which supports approximately 750 children, offers school supplies and volunteer tutors.
Happy Birthday! - The objective of this very special program is to strengthen the children’s sense of self-worth and adaptability to their social environment by establishing emotional bonds that will stimulate their development. The project provides a monthly birthday party celebration for each community centre to celebrate these wonderful children and acknowledge the birthdays of those in that month.
Water for Peruti - Perutí is an indigenous village located in the middle of the Misiones jungle in the Northeast of Argentina, more than 1,500 kilometres from the city of Buenos Aires. The community is made up of 85 families who live in a state of abject poverty as a result of the commercial deforestation and exploitation of their lands. Over 75% of the children in Peruti suffer from malnourishment. Originally established to set up clean water for this community (now accomplished) a long term Humanitarian Assistance project now operates.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide educational support for the impoverished and at-risk children of Ciudad Oculta
- Celebrate the children of impoverished communities and build their sense of worth by hosting birthday parties for those who would otherwise go without
- Improve the health and long term wellbeing of the marginalized indigenous community of Perutí
- Provide an opportunity for cross cultural exchange between volunteers and locals
How You Can Help
This volunteer program provides essential support to a huge number of children and families in Argentina. From hosting birthday parties for impoverished children to build their confidence and self-worth to tutoring vulnerable children living at risk in slum conditions and providing health services to an indigenous community, international volunteers on this program are delivering support to those in need. Volunteers will find this an extremely eye-opening and rewarding program, where they will gain a huge amount of knowledge and experience in delivering programs that empower others. No two days will be the same, as volunteers work around the larger Buenos Aires metropolis, or even travel on the monthly trip to Perutí to support team members on humanitarian programs. Regardless of the task, volunteers will be helping those who desperately need additional support.
- Deliver resources to schools in impoverished areas and help with extra-curricular activities
- Deliver humanitarian assistance programs
- Tutor impoverished children aged 3 – 12 in a class room setting in math, Spanish, and English
- Organize and host birthday parties for marginalized children
- Assist program staff with organization and other task as required
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for people living in marginalized communities of Argentina. While this project is best suited to those pursuing a career in the fields of anthropology, social work, social entrepreneurship and/or economics, volunteers who simply wish to be involved in a more ‘varied’ project are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist and individual projects can often be tailored to suit the particular skills and interests or each participant. Volunteers on this project will need an understanding of Spanish in order to communicate effectively with staff and students. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
Project Location
Volunteers on this program will have the wonderful opportunity to stay in vibrant Buenos Aires, meet with amazing people and experience the exciting Latin American culture, while having the opportunity to explore this wonderful city. Known as the ‘Paris of South America’, Buenos Aires is filled with amazing architecture, fun nightlife and many cultural activities. Volunteers without two left feet can learn the tango – the traditional dance this country is famous for! This program offers many amazing volunteering and travel experiences for the international traveler.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. They will also provide you with your Welcome Pack, which contains a local sim phone card, local maps and a transport guide. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (aka Ezeiza Airport), Buenos Aires, Argentina (Code: EZE)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers in Buenos Aires are accommodated in private rooms, either with trusted host families or in our student residences.
Homestays are carefully vetted and provide a comfortable and supportive base in safe residential neighbourhoods like Recoleta, Barrio Norte, Palermo, Belgrano and Puerto Madero. All homes are close to public transport and amenities. Staying with a local host provides a unique insight into Argentine culture and is the perfect home away from home in Buenos Aires!
Volunteers have their own room with desk, fan and wifi. Bathrooms are normally shared with housemates and are western style with hot water showers. All bedding is provided so volunteers need only bring personal toiletries. Laundromat services are available locally.
(Photos are indicative only as each home differs).
Volunteers can make use of the host family kitchen by arrangement or half-board (breakfast and dinner) can be included for $30 per day.
The Student Residence is located in Recoleta, a welcoming and vibrant neighbourhood in central Buenos Aires, near the University of Buenos Aires's medical school. Recoleta has no shortage of supermarkets, shops, cafes and restaurants. Numerous public transport options are within walking distance, making the whole city easily accessible! Free wifi, communal kitchen and living areas and a roof-top terrace and deck for relaxing and socialising make this the perfect base!
Shared bathrooms are western style with hot showers. Bedding is provided so volunteers need only bring towels and personal toiletries.
Volunteers can purchase ingredients and prepare meals and/or take the opportunity to go out and experience the amazing culture and cuisine that Buenos Aires has to offer. Simply get a few of your fellow volunteers together and head out to one of the hundreds of local restaurants, bars, cafes or Churrascaria’s (Argentina’s famous BBQ joints – YUM!).
Additional nights are US$15 p/n.
Arranging your own accommodation?
No problem! Those wishing to arrange their own accommodations are welcome to do so. The program fee is reduced accordingly to a fixed price of US$605 for any duration.
Fees
That’s just USD 56 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Want to learn Spanish?
Why not use this opportunity to improve your knowledge of Spanish and really get immersed in the local culture during your volunteering placement? We can offer both full time and part time Spanish classes at very competitive rates for you, so simply let us know if you are interested!
Intensive Spanish course: 20 hours a week (taken full-time, before or after volunteering)
- 1 week: USD 192
- 2 weeks: USD 370
- 3 weeks: USD 549
- 4 weeks: USD 723
- 8 weeks: USD 1411
*An accommodation supplement of US$130 per week is also required when undertaking full-time Spanish classes. This is instead of the listed program fee.
Regular Spanish course: 9 hours a week (taken in conjunction with volunteer work)
- 2 weeks: USD 175
- 3 weeks: USD 255
- 4 weeks: USD 347
- 8 weeks: USD 629
Fees for Spanish Classes must be paid directly to your volunteer coordinator on arrival in Argentina.