Background Information
This school is a multifunctional space of education for children, youth, and adults of the community which is supported by a social and religious organization. Even though the organization has a religious ideology, the work they do is not necessarily focused on the formation or promotion of religious values but to support vulnerable social groups. The coordinators are open to any collaboration in a context of respect for ideological diversity. Between March and December, the educational center has different courses for kids, school Support projects, and workshops for adults.
For many people, summer school has meant a space of contention, development, and a learning experience. Their first students are now parents and bring their kids so they can enjoy the type of activities that they offer. The difficulties of this project are having to face the limitations that get in the middle of the community and the institutional projects. The challenges are keeping creativity, perseverance, and hope up while working with solidarity in a group work environment since their work is aimed to heal the suffering of a community that lives in a highly vulnerable situation.
Role of the volunteer
The main tasks include: Play with the kids, help to prepare and serve food, help teachers to organize activities, and participate in the different games and sports.
Volunteers need to be committed and punctual for this project because the presence of the volunteer is key to keep this project running effectively. Pablo is the local coordinator in this center. The volunteer will help regularly in the project and should complete the hours and work assigned to them. In case of absence, they must tell the coordinator a day beforehand.
Most importantly, volunteers should use their initiative and not be afraid of speaking Spanish even if they think it's not correct, that's the only way to learn!
What can you learn as a volunteer?
Volunteers will bring into play their social and communication skills. They will learn how to carry out activities, games, and workshops with children and adolescents. To be part of this Project during summer will help you to understand how Argentinean society lives, it's one of the best ways to get immersed in a new culture.
Soft skills that volunteers are most likely to develop at this project
Long term volunteers can apply for a soft skills certificate from GLORE, a Project from the EU. You can choose up to 5 skills to certificate according to your experience and will.
- Organization and Time Management
- Autonomy
- Confidence
- Creativity & Innovation
- Comm and Active Listening
- Decision Making
- Ethics and Work Commitment
- Empathy
- Flexibility
- Initiative
- Multicultural Awareness
- Open-mindedness
- Responsibility
- Self Awareness
- Team Work
- Learning to learn
- Leadership
- Problem Solving and Conflict Management
- Stress Management
Location and first day at work
The project is located in the district of Villa de Mayo. You can get there on public transportation (subway and train) and it is a journey of about an hour and a half.
On the first day, your Volunteer Coordinator will join you so you learn how to get there and introduce yourself to everyone. The first day will begin with a meeting between the volunteer and the coordinator of the project, a presentation, and a tour around the Centre. He will explain to the volunteer about the activities and introduce them to the rest of the staff.
Availability
Open in January and February.
Monday-Wednesday-Friday from 10 am to 1 pm: kids between 6 and 12 years old
Tuesday – Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm: kids between 13 and 17 years old.
Requirements
- Valid Passport & Visa: Most travelers do not need a visa to enter Argentina. Volunteers enter the country as tourists and can stay for up to 90 days. Extensions on visas are possible; our coordinators will advise you on this process.
- Medical Insurance: Voluntario Global requires the volunteer to have adequate medical insurance for the duration of the program and must be provided with details of such insurance coverage at the time of confirming their placement.
- Spanish Level Required: Intermediate (B1-B2)
- Minimum Stay: 4 weeks
