Name: Massimiliano Claps
Nationality: Italian
Occupation: Research Director
Volunteering Period: May 10 - June 8 2012
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-What made you want to apply to volunteer and in particular for the project in Jujuy? I applied to volunteer because after twelve years of highly demanding jobs I needed a break from a stressful routine and I wanted to explore more deeply an ethic that is different from that of global businesses. To fully experience that different ethic I was looking for something far from large cities, a place that is not contaminated by MacDonald's and Apple culture (nothing specific against those companies, but they epitomize a way of life that I wanted to avoid for a while). At the same time I was not sure if I was ready for something like a hut in the middle of the amazon... so La Quiaca represented the perfect balance, or so I hope, when I left. And it turned out to be true.
-How would you describe the project and your job and tasks? The main task was to help prepare meals, including pealing potatoes and carrots, buying food at the local market, serving the kids when they arrived for lunch. Te secondary task, which was not strictly related to the main purpose of the community centre but depended a bit more on my own initiative, was to teach English to about ten kids, from ten to nineteen years old.
-What are some of the best moments around the project and what have you learnt? The happiest (and at the same time saddest) moments overall were during the last few days when all the kids, as well as the other people that collaborated with the community centre, repeatedly asked me when I would go back, which meant that they will have some good memories of my month there. I've learnt how people behave with dignity and humility also in very difficult life conditions!
-Do you have any suggestions or recommendations to look forward to for any volunteers that will be taking part in the same project? Be as proactive as possible. For example I realized a bit too late that the level of education of the kids is on average poor not only in English, but also in math, geography, history, etc. anyone volunteer with a university or college degree can help on all fronts even if their level of Spanish is relatively poor initially.
Experiencing Volunteering in Argentina 3442 meters above sea level
geschrieben von Jesica FrancoBy Massimiliano Claps Someone calls them Collas. Most of them don’t like this name, because it reminds them of past (and recent…) suffering and colonialism. Whatever you want to call them, they’re not like the rest of Argentinian people. They are the true descendants of the tough people that inhabited the highlands between Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru for ten centuries. They endured the domination of Incas and then Spanish colonialists, mixed with them, but never lost their original character no their colorful outfits. Their hearts spread wide to welcome all newcomers, but they do so slowly, in silence, only after their big black eyes have dug deep in your heart to discover if you’re here to give something, or to take away something from them. 
They’re just like the lands they inhabit…La Puna. A three-thousand to five-thousand meters high desert, constantly beaten by tropical sun during the day and by freezing Andean winds at night, where the air is so thin that the stars are a million and more, and you can do things only one breadth at a time… always surrounded by a deep silence and by colorful sandstone that rise hundreds or thousand meters from the flat desert. A flat desert that from time to time surprises you with a group of “llamas”, “ovejas”, “burros”, or “vicuñas”, the only animals that can survive in these meager lands, along with “campesinos” that dig “papas” out of sand and rocks. 
This is not a place for the faint-hearted (nor for anyone that fears cold weather), but here is where I could really immerse in the local culture, I established deep relationships with people that I only talked to a few times, and wheeled free in the desert with an old bike to reach the feet of 4100 mt. Cerro Escaya and then hike to the top (…almost), to visit an isolated archeological site at the Laguna Colorada to see prehistoric paintings, and to enjoy a “guiso de lenteja” in the tiny village of Yavi. This is where I saw teenagers feeling so lonely and ashamed of their poverty that they did not even wanted to sit with other kids to share a soup, but could only pass their bowls through a tiny window, and only the big heart of Matilde could eventually convince them to, at least, walk-in and wait for the soup in the kitchen, while enjoying the laughs of Nancy and Soledad giving the last touch to the “comida”. 
This is a place that everyone in the “developed world” should see at least once in their life, to understand that all of the comforts of our life are not necessary to make you smile. To ingrain in everybody’s mind that dignity is not given by more money, cars, TVs, cell-phones, ski-trips… but by the ability to afford some food every-day, a solid roof, a decent job for your family, or simply to dream of becoming a teacher to help other kids, or travel the world to know more (not to own more), like my good friend Josue does. And all of this without falling in the thousand traps that you can find along the unpaved path of poverty. 
Thanks to Voluntario Global that gave me this opportunity and in particular thanks to Matilde, her brother Antonio and her sister-in-law Ana Maria for the wonderful work they do every-day with Jose-Luis, Franco, Lucas, Ariel, Abigail, Javier, Karen, Sofi, Gessal, Nicole and all the other kids, by putting their own money, time and souls on the line. I hope I was able to give a little help and joy, I certainly took home a lot… and left with the desire to go back! http://www.voluntarioglobal.org
By Charisse Hazlett Whether you are going on your next big adventure across the globe or you are taking a vacation to your dream resort, it is important to practice responsible tourism. Responsible tourism creates a relationship of respect between the tourists and the natives of your destination. In essence it “creates better places for people to live in, and better places for people to visit.” 
A responsible tourist promotes growth economically, socially, and environmentally. So how exactly can you be a responsible tourist? When visiting a country it is important to use the products which are produced in the country. When using their products you help support their companies and therefore enhance their economy. For example, try not to search for brands which you are familiar with because they are produced in your country, try something new and use their brand for the same good. Socially, it is important when traveling to learn common phrases using the native language. When you take the time to learn some polite words in their language, it shows respect for the people. Remember that even a few polite words really goes a long way. Responsible tourism seeks to sustain cultures which are vulnerable and struggling to maintain their heritage and traditions. Do not bombard the native people with your culture and way of living, but instead try their food, music, and traditions and keep an open mind. 
Responsible tourism focuses on the environment of the area and seeks to decrease global warming and environmental decay. Wildlife preservation is one way a responsible tourist can help the environment. Tourists must be aware of the species living in the area and take care to not endanger their habitats with something they may have brought with them from their countries. Using modes of transportation which are carbon free, for example biking instead of taking a taxi, are ways to be a responsible tourist. Educate yourselves on the environment and be able to make good global decisions while traveling abroad. 
Voluntario Global is an organization which is part of the Responsible Tourism Network in Argentina.
NGO Voluntario Global Introduces Student-Run Cooperative to Empower the Youth of Argentina
geschrieben von Voluntario GlobalThe creation of The Laundry Project, or Su Lavanderia, presents an opportunity for underprivileged youth to finance higher education with valuable work experience.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – June 26, 2012 - Role model of the future Voluntario Global is now helping students overcome adversity by forming a local cooperative, bringing locals the positive message of a brighter future. Since Voluntario Global began over six years ago, the organization has prioritized the training and education of Argentine youth to help them prepare and gain experience for the future. In line with this approach, Voluntario Global has established the Laundry Project, or “Su Lavanderia,” a student-run cooperative currently employing, and empowering, nine young people. The majority come from impoverished families in Villa Fátima (Barrio de Soldati), Buenos Aires, Argentina. In poor neighborhoods such as Villa Fátima, only 10% of young people continue to develop their educations after secondary school. Instead of studying, many are obligated to support their families by working low-skilled jobs that require more than nine hours of labor per day. The Laundry Project allows for a new and hopeful transition into adulthood where the students can remain in high school and advance to universities with their laundry wages financing their studies.
Carlos, a 24-year-old from Villa Soldati, picks-up and delivers the laundry to clients. For eight hours a day and five days a week he drives through the crowded, humid streets of San Telmo on a motorbike. It is grueling work, however Carlos reflects, “It gives you a lot of possibilities. It helps you integrate and learn how having a job is. It gives you the possibility to continue to do thousands of things.''
In the Laundry Project, the students pick up, wash, dry, iron and deliver sheets for hostels. High school student Federico explains that the Project allows him to study and to secure a better life after school: “If you don’t have the studies, you cannot work in any place. With this education, I will be able to find work. Even when I am here, I can take my books and study when I have a break.”
The team currently has the opportunity to expand its business to a further five hostels. Like the youth themselves, the Laundry Project has overcome adversity to continue growing. For now, however, the infrastructure has met maximum capacity for production. The Project urgently needs new machinery so that more disadvantaged youth who wish to finance their education and future can do so in a secure, uplifting environment. As a brainchild of Voluntario Global, the Laundry Project relies entirely on the generosity of donors and volunteers for development and expansion.
About Voluntario Global
Voluntario Global (VG) is an Argentine NGO founded and run by members of the community. It aims to empower people from disadvantaged backgrounds by giving them the education, training and support needed to succeed. The members develop sustainable volunteer programs that aim to raise social awareness among young people from less privileged towns and improve their quality of life. VG community and professional programs recruit volunteers from all over the world to spend time in kindergartens or orphanages, teach English, work in community centers or sustainable development projects, and assist with medical or communications teams. For more information about Voluntario Global, please visit: http://www.voluntarioglobal.org/ To learn more about the Laundry Project please visit here.
By Maddie Smith For those curious about Argentine cinema but have no idea where to start, we have compiled a list of classic argentine films to get you started. So grab yourself a mate a settle down to one (or all) of these phenomenal flicks: 1. El Secreto de tus Ojos, 2009 (The secret in their eyes) 
2. Nueve Reinas, 2000 (Nine Queens) 
3. El Hijo de la Novia, 2001 (Son of the Bride) 
4. La Historia Oficial, 1895 (The Official Story) 
5. Medianeras, 2011 (Sidewalls) 
6. Elsa & Fred. (…Okay I know I said 5, but, although it’s not strictly argentine, Elsa & Fred is a charming little picture!) 
Of course this list only touches the surface of Argentine cinema. There are many more fantastic films from Argentina for you to feast your eyes on, but this list should get you started!
By Pisi Federica
Volunteering in a professional program is just a different way to help people. If you are thinking about your future, if you’ve just started (or finished) your college education, or are simply a little bit tired of your current job… You can join a volunteer professional program. Here are some of the benefits:
1. If you’re looking for a job, keep in mind that when potential employers conduct interviews and review resumes, they will look for signs that you are a motivated, disciplined individual who can adapt to new situations and environments. The fact that you were willing to offer your services, unpaid, demonstrates motivation, and will allow you to stand out from other applicants.
2. Volunteer work develops important skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and task management. In general, you develop valuable personal and professional skills, and this experience provides you with know-how in a particular professional area.
3. Obviously, during an experience abroad in a country like Argentina (for example!), you can learn a new language (Spanish is the second most wildly spoken language in the world) or improve your level of proficiency.
4. You will be able to analyze differences between your home country and the country in which you volunteer, allowing you to develop a more critical approach with respect to your work.
5. Sometimes people come to volunteer in programs completely distinct from their current field of work, and volunteering offers the opportunity to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment.
By Federica Pisi
Volunteering with children is an extremely fun and satisfying experience, but don’t forget that your attitude and commitment to the project are the main elements to make your time a great success!
1: Try to organize activities for the whole group, so that everyone can join in. Keep the actions very simple, children find it difficult to concentrate hard for a long time!
2: Be consistent in how you deal with the children. Kids are very perceptive, they will pick up on any perceived favoritisms.
3: Be patient and flexible! Most of the children are very shy; don't try to rush or force a relationship. Look for ways to compliment and encourage them often as you can.
4: Be mindful of cultural differences. It is very important to observe the children’s behavior before you act because their codes of conduct might be very different from the ones you're used to at home. Be aware and respectful.
5: Dress practically. Wear clothes that you don’t want keep clean since you will be asked to play football or play in the sand, etc.. For example, high heels are not appropriate.
6: Enjoy your experience with children and have fun!! Don't be afraid to show your infantile and silly side, kids of all ages love it. Bring your heart and your sense of humor to your volunteering. These, along with an enthusiastic spirit, are priceless.
Andrew Furness, volunteer in communication: "I discovered a love for writing".
geschrieben von Jesica FrancoBy Federica Pisi Name: Andrew Furness 
Nationality: Irish & British Occupation: Spanish and Politics student Volunteering period: 6 months Mail: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein! What made you want to apply to volunteer and in particular for the Communications and Marketing team? As a part of my university course, I have to spend one of 4 years in a Spanish speaking country. I knew this could be one of my last chances to spend time exploring and working without a pay so I had to do something outside the norm of a Erasmus or European placement. However, I think doing something professional like PR & Communications means I can also use my volunteering to learn about office and promotion work which I might need in the future. How would you describe the project and your job and tasks? The V.G. Communication team is very much an office job with a twist. My tasks varied from networking, local and international promotion, article writing and event management. 
What are some of the best moments around the project and what have you learnt? I think I’ve really discovered a love for writing, investigative or otherwise. My favourite part of the job was visiting the numerous projects we’re involved with, to see a typical day. It was great to see a part of Buenos Aires not many foreigners know about, see our work and then publish my thought about it in the VG website. Other highlights would be our office in San Telmo almost collapsing due to a half-storm, the office pet “Telmito” the cat and the various events (Christmas party and 6 years anniversary). As for what I’ve learnt… every organisation in the world needs a high level of admin and support; here I’ve worked with a lot of different people and I think enthusiasm can go a long way to help complete tasks and get the most out of any experience for both yourself and those you work for and with. 
Do you have any suggestions or recommendations to look forward to for any volunteers that will be taking part in the same project? My suggestions for preparing for the Communications team:
- Get familiar with social network sites and public writing or reporting
- Networking is really important for an NGO, so creating links with important local and international figures while also keeping people aware of our work and progress means there is more interest following the organisation.
- Understand the “point” of an internship
- While I’m here to travel and learn Spanish, the Communications team is full of tasks and administration, so be ready to analyse data and take information from a multitude of areas. - There are several blogs about the Communications team experience, so read these and check out adverts and web page to see the sort of attitude we’re aiming for. Thank you very much VG! 
Volunteers attend Río+20 Conference in 'Cancillería Argentina', Buenos Aires
geschrieben von Jesica FrancoBy Andrew Furness and Federica Pisi Between the 20th-22nd June, Río de Janeiro will host a United Nations summit to discuss a green economy and world social development. The idea is to develop a “global model” and on the 11th June in Buenos Aires, members of the Red Social Argentina met to discuss how Argentina should present themselves and what should hope to be gained for South America from the meetings. This year’s official United Nations document explaining the summit tells us that the name comes from the fact that a similar world summit was held in Río in 1992 (20 years ago). The conference is due to be attended by Governments and heads of state from member nations, as well as relevant NGOs and crucially; social movements and “civil society”, i.e. artists, journalists and urban-syndicates but to name a few. This final addition to the invited list has caused great excitement in Latin America as it means a potentially ‘environmental’ conference can be used to discuss a wider range of issues and indeed at the conference myself and Federica attended, one of the speakers was a representative from the indigenous community. In terms of this conference, the introduction was a clear sign of the attitude of the group. I should explain that the ‘Red Social Argentina’ is a group made up of leading figures from the government and social organisations. Both their introductory document and the Ambassador’s opening discourse called for the “Sustainable Development” conference to include more than just ecologists and environmentalists but political and academic interests too. It was stressed that a sustainable social development model must include what they consider the 3 pillars of development: The Economy, Social Work and Care for the environment. 
This meeting took place in the Cancillería Argentina and all of the speakers told us what an honour it was to be presenting in such a prestigious location that for so long “was closed to la voz de los pueblos” but now directly represents this voice which is speaking clearly for a summit with wider interests and a slight shift in focus. For Argentina, social dynamic will be the most important factor. The presenters spoke one after the other to talk about their specific points of views from the perspective of their organisations. They were: Hugo Yasky, Secretary General of the CTA (Worker’s Association), Government Members Edgardo Depetri, Claudia Giaccone, Mara Brawer, the junior secretary of Environmental policy Silvia Révora, the network’s ambassador: Oscar Laborde and the junior secretary of foreign policy María del Carmen Squeff. 
Below is a brief summary of each speaker’s presentation which followed Ambassador Laborde’s introduction: 1) María del Carmen Squeff -Mentioned again the 3 pillars of Economy, Social work and Environmental care and added that these are the key for not only a better environment but for the fight against poverty. -She said she was happy to see the importance placed on social inclusion and participation in the decision making process. 2)Indigenous Towns representative -Spoke of how the indigenous are important to this summit and these projects as they give a perfect example of how to live in harmony with nature. -Expressed gratitude for being recognised in various constitutional laws and hopes this can be continued into a universal trait. 3)Claudia Giaccone -Climate Change co-ordinator: spoke of vital statistics that needed to be addressed in Río this summer, ¾ of the world population doesn’t have enough food or resources -Brought a positive perspective in the sense that since Río 1992 the level of interest has raised and there are now more projects regarding education, health and food worldwide. Said there are opportunities here for a gran avanza 4)Silvia Révora -Talked about the political theory behind these talks; the government does not want to accept a supranational power and thinks the UN has the potential to be controlled by a small number of countries -Agrees with a global venture such as this but primarily wants to ensure the defence of the countries agriculture industry and identity. (Joked that she wasn’t used to applause when her speech received a very positive response) 5) Mara Brawer -Spoke of the human element; a healthy environment is the only way to enable those in poverty to live well -Made reference to Europe’s involvement: “The E.U. sees this as a platform to convert the world to their models but there needs to be a compromise” 6)Edgardo Depetri - Made a very passionate and patriotic speech; Argentina should give examples to the conference -His main points were that Argentina must protect its natural resources because America and Europe are trying to control key international areas in order to recover the damages from their economic crises. 7)Hugo Yasky -Took the position that a global model could be beneficial; the world has a tension between the Northern and Southern hemisphere but this inequality happens inside individual nations too. -Delighted with the progress shown in 20 years (cited example of the original town representative speaking after a government minister) and pushed for policies that would continue benefiting Argentina after the Río meeting. There is one more similar event happening on the 11th and 12th May which will include specific workshops to finish preparation, we hope some future VG volunteers will be able to see what developments occur at this. But overall the objective for Argentina remains to use the ‘important opportunity’ of Río+20 to establish a new global model that will overcome the challenges of existing regulations.
Rikke Olsen, volunteer in a kindergarten: "I will never forget those hugs..."
geschrieben von Jesica FrancoBy Federica Pisi
Name: Rikke Olsen
Nationality: Danish
Occupation: Student
Volunteering period: 8 weeks (7 weeks)
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What made you want to apply to volunteer and in particular for the kindergarten? I wanted to have a holiday where I could dedicate my time to doing something for others, and to understand how everything works in jobs in Argentina. I choose the kindergarten because I have little knowledge of Spanish and I know the children of kindergarten have support from their families, and so I wouldn’t be too heart broken when I left.
How would you describe the project and your job and tasks? The project works like a normal kindergarten. The idea is to help the parents during the day, so they can go to work while their kids are being looked after. I had to help the teachers/señoras to do their daily tasks: giving food to the children, making sure that they share the toys they are given, cleaning up after a full day of playing and learning.
What are some of the best moments around the project and what have you learnt? Some of the best moments are definitely when the kids show you affection, when they run in to your arms and give you the biggest hug – I will never forget those hugs. But also when they just look at you and smile, even though you did not say anything to them, but you know that they are happy. I have learned many things about the Argentinian culture for sure! I learned how “easy” it is to make things happen, if you just believe it and have the courage to fulfil your dreams. Travesuras has grown so fast in the two years it went from having only one room, to having 4 rooms and a beautiful yard outside with toys for the children.
Do you have any suggestions or recommendations to look forward to for any volunteers that will be taking part in the same project? What matters is not how well organized or structured the projects are. You have to realize that volunteering in the kindergarten is very different from European life. You are there to help the teachers and have fun with the kids. Your time here is in my opinion, not enough to completely transform the lives of the children, but rather you can make a difference by simply being there and helping out. So go in to the project with the least expectations and you will be amazed! Travesuras is a lovely place for children, with a lovely group people :)
VOLUNTARIO GLOBAL
Voluntario Global helps local communities by being available to discuss anything that local organizations need, and offering ideas for further change and development.
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CONTACT
Location: General Pacheco. Buenos Aires. Argentina
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