My name is Bree and my friend Izzie and I came to Buenos Aires from Sydney, Australia two and a half months ago. We have been volunteering with Voluntario Global in orphanages known as ‘Querubines’ (meaning ‘Angels’) outside of the city located in Beccar and Olivos. Their purpose is to give children from complicated backgrounds a second chance at a family lifestyle in a caring and stable environment.

I (Izzie) was placed in an orphanage situated in a suburb called Olivos. Like Bree’s  is as well, Olivos is a middle class suburb on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. The house was donated with the intent of providing a comfortable, safe neighbourhood for the kids to grow up in. I remember my first, not-so-shiny-impressions of the 1.5 hour commute to Olivos, however I quickly became accustomed with the help of my iPod and easy ability to power-nap!

The orphange (or ‘homenage’ being its preferred name) turned out to be a sweet, little, yellow house. One seems to picture an orphanage in a certain way, but I soon learnt that it was not dissimilar to a typical home- only one which houses a larger sized family. The homenage in Olivos is home to 10 children at the moment. With all girls except for two boys, the youngest is 3 and the eldest, 16.  With that great range I have been able to a do a variety of activities with the different kids as well as helping out the ‘Tias’ (the women who work there). An average day may consist of helping the elder girls with their English homework, singing along and teaching the words of ‘Baby’ to some Justin Beiber-obsessed tweens, playing in the plaza and copying out pictures of Hello Kitty! For Bree, having a houseful of little boys, it’s a bit of a challenge but they’re always happy to muck around outside and get their hands dirty with colouring and paints.

Being as hard-working as they are, the Tias couldn’t always give me things to do for them. This combined with the language barrier certainly made things difficult in the beginning. I would sometimes find myself feeling like more of a nuisance than a help, but no sooner learnt that like any other household, plates need to be washed and clothes need to be folded and by talking more with them I would no longer feel like a stranger in their home.

When I initially started fundraising, I didn’t really know what I was fundraising for! All I knew was that I would be working somewhere in need of donations and I knew that 3 months with the same people was enough time to become emotionally invested. I created something called ‘The Buenos Aires Project’, writing a letter to friends and family explaining what I knew about what I was doing and that, with promised updates and a final report, we had a chance to make a contribution to something worthwhile and see it in the process.

For me (bree), I created a Facebook event inviting friends and family to a cinema fundraising night I held at my local cinema and I found that everyone was more than happy to help. Like Izzie, I also sent an email around to friends of my parents who were also more than willing to contribute to what I was doing in South America.

In our second week in Buenos Aires, we had a meeting at Voluntario Global to give us information of where we would be volunteering, the days and times, and also a brief overview of the organisation. We found it very helpful and well managed and we were given timetables of our placement days and the addresses of the orphanages we would be volunteering at. On our first day of volunteering, a Voluntario global staff member came with us to introduce us to the Tias and to make sure everything was going smoothly, and that we knew our way there and back. It made the day less daunting and we felt more comfortable.

During the two months we have been volunteering, we have never had a problem at the orphanage or with Voluntario Global. They send regular emails and updates and we know we always have that help there if we need it. So when we were thinking of how to donate the money raised in an appropriate manner, we emailed Voluntario Global and they got back to us immediately and arranged a meeting to discuss what was to be done.

We found the meeting very reassuring as they told us the money would go directly to the orphanage and they also spoke to the Tias and emailed us a list of things they actually needed. With the money raised we are in the process of purchasing a freezer, stoves and medications for the children. Sadly we know that Querubines’ needs extend far beyond what Izzie and I can provide. However, we are glad we can help and do something that we are sure others have done and will do later.

We were really lucky to get to work with this project as with everything the children have been through, the boys and girls are still able to experience family atmosphere and just act like normal kids! We would recommend Voluntario Global to anyone thinking of doing something like this as they are a reliable volunteer organisation and are always willing to help and provide information. It has been a great experience!

For the last 9 months I have been volunteering with Voluntario Global fulfilling the compulsory third year abroad part of my university degree.  I had volunteered before on my gap year in Ecuador where I spent a month in three different locations helping to build whatever was needed.  It was that volunteer organization who introduced me to Voluntario Global.  However despite my previous experience I was nervous before I flew out here.  Firstly my stay in Argentina was going to be three times as long as my previous stints abroad, secondly I was only going to be based in Buenos Aires (which as a girl from the English countryside I was terrified I would not like!) and finally it was helping in a totally different way than I had experienced. Needless to say within weeks of arriving here I knew I had made the right decision and I was already thinking that time was going by too fast.  Buenos Aires is a wonderful city even if you do not think you are a city person.  There really is something for everyone and you can never be bored.  Voluntario Global’s projects are based all over the city, so you get to visit lots of different areas and communities that you might not have otherwise seen.   The reason that I chose to spend all my time abroad in one place was that I wanted to go home feeling that I had really got to know the city and for ten months part felt like a local.  Thanks to volunteering I was given the opportunity to see the true city or rather the non tourist side, and I am leaving with much wider knowledge of this wonderful city than I could ever have imagined. I volunteered in three different projects during my time here.  I started off working in a local health centre in one of the poorest areas in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, Jose Leon Suarez.  I worked in reception dealing with administrative tasks, making medical history files, handing out the government provided milk and helping the locals complete any paperwork required.  It was a great project and suited me perfectly as it was quite hands on and everyone was so friendly. 

The locals and other staff were patient with my poor and nervous Spanish and I grew in confidence working there.  It was also where I first begun to appreciate mate!  I then started working for the Voluntario Global communications team. 

I visited projects and wrote blogs for the website, helped translate information and emailed the volunteers about the weeks social plans and other events.  It was a great way to get to know other parts of Voluntario Globals work and see yet more examples of their invaluable help. 

My final project was in the famous barrio of La Boca.  I worked in the “prensa” section of the Comedor de los Pibes, a local community and political centre.  I translated news articles and also other relevant documents such as a wikileaks US government document about the Argentine “piqueteros”.  As a student of Spanish and Politics this project could not have been more perfect and thanks to my increased confidence with my Spanish after months here, I felt like a proper translator/journalist!  Everyone in the centre is so friendly, we ate lunch together every day and I always felt so welcome. 

On my last day I was given a flag of Argentina with the centres logo printed on – I was overwhelmed by their generosity and gratitude and I have already thought of the perfect place to hang it in my bedroom back home in England! My time here has been eye-opening and I cannot begin to thank everyone enough.  If anyone is thinking of volunteering with Voluntario Global in the future I highly recommend it.  I have never felt more like part of a team, nor felt so appreciated even if it was for doing what seems like a simple or irrelevant task.  All those involved in the projects, be it the locals, the coordinators or the volunteers have made my time here so special and I will always be thankful for all I have learnt and hopefully I have taught others something too.

Tudo começou com a vontade de fazer um intercambio, mas não tinha noção nenhuma por onde começar esta pesquisa e então fui ao Salão do Intercâmbio em São Paulo e conheci a instituição Voluntário Global que me proporcionava condições para realizar o intercâmbio, praticar o espanhol e o inglês, conhecer gente do mundo inteiro e lugares maravilhosos além da oportunidade de realizar trabalho voluntário. Foram quase dois meses me preparando, conhecendo, falando com outras pessoas que fizeram este trabalho e no dia 15 de maio embarquei com destino a Ezeiza (Buenos Aires). Quando cheguei, passei pela alfândega e sai do aeroporto que vi uma “plaquinha” com meu nome que era do taxi que iria me trazer até a casa de voluntários, foi uma sensação inexplicável. Quase 01 hora depois e por fim cheguei ao meu destino, “moro” na casa de voluntários, que é muito segura e confortável, já estavam morando aqui duas meninas de Noruega e duas de Inglaterra, mas com o tempo chegaram mais pessoas. Não tenho nada do que reclamar da casa, tem internet disponível, cozinha com um armário próprio para guardar suas coisas e é limpa três vezes por semana.

Para lavar roupa basta ir a uma lavanderia que é muito próxima daqui. Nas duas primeiras semanas estudava espanhol de manhã e trabalhava a tarde na parte de comunicação, meu trabalho era de atualizar os meios de comunicação do Voluntário Global, fazer análise de mercado para a vinda de novos brasileiros, parcerias e contatos com organizações do Brasil etc, (optei por trabalhar em comunicação por que é que o faço no Brasil, mas existem muitos outros programas que se pode trabalhar, como orfanatos, jardim de infância, aulas de computação e inglês, comedor, centro de saúde, entre outros). Nos tempos livres, saia para conhecer a cidade e os pontos turísticos com os amigos que fiz na casa e com os amigos que fazem voluntariado, mas não moram na casa de voluntários. Nas duas últimas semanas, somente trabalhava (a carga horária sempre foi de 04 horas por dia / 04 dias por semana) e então tive mais tempo para sair e conhecer outros projetos e mais pontos turísticos como Tigre, Puerto Madero, La Boca, San Telmo, Recoletta, Galeria Pacífico, Palermo entre outros. Passei por momentos divertidos, típicos de um estrangeiro, como não saber o nome de algumas coisas e ter que desenhar e fazer mimica para tentar explicar o que quer, cozinhar        (que era uma coisa que não sabia fazer no Brasil e aprendi aqui. Obs.: somente cozinhei macarrão e sopa ...rs) os outros dias comia nos restaurantes. Quanto as noites em Buenos Aires..... saia tanto para jantar quanto para ir a uma balada ou as aulas de tango argentino, como é formoso dançar tango, passos firmes e sensuais... Mas o melhor é que encontrei alguns restaurantes brasileiros e podia comer arroz e feijão, por que acredite aqui não se come, em Argentina no almoço e na janta vai encontrar pastas, pizzas e muito frango. As amizades foram tantas, que no final eu estava dando aulas de espanhol , e uma inglesa me dava aulas de inglês... assim praticava os dois idiomas.

Quando digo que conheci gente do mundo inteiro é verdade, conheci gente da Bolívia, Peru, Estados Unidos, Canadá, Inglaterra, Noruega, Paraguai, Alemanha, Irlanda.... tem muitos outros países, mas não vou listar aqui que vai só vou ficar falando disso... Uma coisa que gostei muito da Argentina é a cultura e os lugares arquitetônicos como as danças, feiras artesanais, roupas típicas, museus, Mafalda, alfajores.... ah quanta coisa.... 04 semanas é pouco para desfrutar de tudo. E ao contrário do que dizem, os argentinos recebem muito bem os brasileiros, eu só não podia falar de futebol...., mas somos muito bem recebidos aqui. E agora já está na hora de programar a volta ao Brasil, meu voo estava programado para 11 de junho , mas o vulcão do Chile não me quer deixar ir embora, acredito que tenha que ficar por mais alguns dias aqui, mas não tem problema nenhum, vou poder desfrutar mais um pouco desta experiência que está valendo muito pena.

Por isso, convido a todos os brasileiros a vivenciar este intercambio, porque não existem palavras para descrever o aprendizado, a mudança de vida e a evolução como pessoa que este tudo isso proporciona.... desejo aos que fiquem na casa, que aproveitem muito e aos que estão em seus países que tenham a oportunidade de viver estes momentos ..... Ao Voluntário Global só tenho que agradecer pelo auxílio em todos os momentos e parabenizar pelo trabalho maravilhoso que realizam pela incansável busca da igualdade social, e por promover o intercâmbio e mostrar para o mundo a cultura de vocês. Assim me despeço, agradecendo por tudo que vivi aqui e muito feliz pela oportunidade de ajudar a fazer deste mundo e a mim mesma uma pessoa muito melhor.....

On the 25^th of May 1810, after a week of events taking place in Buenos Aires which would eventually be known as the May Revolution, the first independent government of Argentina, La Primera Junta, was established, bringing the nation one step closer to its independence. The 25^th of May is now Argentina’s National day, which along with the 9^th of July commemorates the Declaration of Independence. In 1808, during Spain’s Peninsular War, King Ferdinand VII of Spain was abdicated while the Virreinato del Río de la Plata, Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros, controlled Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia and Paraguay. In order to try and maintain stability the Viceroy tried to conceal the news. Inevitably the nation found out, causing unrest amongst the Buenos Aires population. The revolutionary events began on Friday the 18^th of May 1810 as it became clearer as to what had happened to the King. It was considered that if there was no King, then there would be no Viceroy and Cisneros was soon ousted. One week later on Friday the 25^th of May, the first local government was established, La Primera Junta. The legacy of the May Revolution lives on today, with many landmarks and monuments built to honour the events.

Buenos Aires’ oldest monument, Pirámide de Mayo, was built a year after the events to celebrate the one year anniversary of the May Revolutions. One of the main squares and the focal point of political life in Beunos Aires is Plaza de Mayo. Since the May revolutions the square has hosted many political events along with housing numerous landmarks, including La Casa Rosada. Last year the celebrations for Argentina’s Nation Day were the biggest seen yet, as it was the Bicentenario - the commemoration of the 200^th anniversary of the May Revolutions. Beginning one week before, the event, which was primarily held in Buenos Aires, was attended by millions. The celebrations included the Avenida 9 de Julio being closed to traffic, allowing it to play host to the city’s main events. Stands representing each of the provinces lined the street, as well as those which showcased the culture of Argentina. An Argentinian rock concert inaugurated the Bicentenario on May 21^st, ending in a closing parade attended by presidents from Bolivia, Chile, Urugay, Venezuela, Ecuador, Brazil and Paraguay. On Wednesday Argentina celebrated the 201 year anniversary as well as the first day of the Trecentario Argentina’s president Cristina Fernández gave a speech to the country, from the city of Resistencia in Chaco. Although she continued her tradition of spending the day outside of the capital, the city saw many celebrations taking place. Avenida de Mayo was partly shut to traffic as crowed took to the streets form the early afternoon to remember the event.

Argentine flag were ubiquitous, seen lining the street, waved by children and on cars throughout the city. From the afternoon Plaza de Mayo hosted a concert. Intervals saw the story of Argentina’s fight to freedom on the screens which were innovatively placed between the archways of the Casa Rosadas front façade. The ’25 de Mayo. Gran Fiesta Popular’ saw performances for everyone, Pipo Pescador y el Sapo Pere took to the stage to entertain the young ones, national songs were sung with audience participations as well popular argentine bands pleasing the crowds. The concert climaxed with performances from Los Pericos, La Mosca, Víctor Heredia y Soledad “La Sole” Pastoruti. With Wednesdays celebration Buenos Aires took its first steps into the Trecentario with superb celebrations!

The Superclasico between Boca Juniors and River Plate is widely considered the biggest and most fiercely contested football match in the world, and this Sunday the two giants of Argentine football met once more to slug it out in the Bombonera.  As you might expect tickets were hard to come by and, wanting to keep both my kidneys, I had to make do with watching the match on television. Coming into the match, the situation was delicately poised.  River, despite a fairly strong start to the campaign, had stumbled of late and due to poor performances in previous seasons found themselves lurking dangerously close to “la Promocion”, a fact which Boca fans took great pleasure in reminding them (one fan was even dressed up as the phantom of the second division). 

In turn Boca had struggled to find their form this term but saw this as the perfect opportunity not just to get one over their bitter rivals but to kick-start their faltering season and take the pressure off their under-fire manager Falcioni.  So the stage was for a tantalising showdown with the customary vociferous support from the passionate fans. The game started began at breakneck pace with both sides pushing forward in what promised to be an eventful game. 

And it was Boca who drew first blood in truly bizarre fashion.  A harmless corner was sent in and Carrizo, the River goalkeeper, somehow contrived to fumble the ball into his own goal under virtually no pressure at all.  Certainly an error that the blue and yellow side of Buenos Aires he will let him forget. And just two minutes later Boca struck again.  The River defence, still in disarray, failed to clear their lines from a free kick and the ball found its way back to legendary striker Martin Palermo who, onside and unmarked, coolly looped a precise header over the stranded Carrizo, clearly flustered from his earlier mistake.

This sparked wild celebrations inside La Bombonera.  Not only did it give Boca breathing space it also brought Palermo within two goals of becoming the all time leading scorer for Boca A dream way to cap off what will be his final Superclasico as he is retiring at the end of the season. However, it wasn’t all one way traffic as River also had their chances.  Funes Mori had a penalty shout turned down and Pavone stung the palms of Lucchetti with a fierce shot.  At the interval it remained Boca 2 River nil but still with everything to play for. River came out after the break with a renewed vigour, led by the much coveted starlet Erik Lamela, and came close again with Lucchetti reacting well.  The one time the keeper seemed to be beaten, he was saved by Monzon, coming to the rescue to expertly hack the ball off the line, when Pavone thought he’d done enough to give River a lifeline. 

At the other end, Mouche wasted a couple of opportunities to put the game to bed from promisingly positions.  In the dying embers of the game, tempers came to a boil and a square up between Clemente Rodriguez and River captain Matias Almeyda resulted in both being sent off, Almeyda clashing with riot police as he incited the Boca fans by kissing the River badge, an act that certainly won’t endear him any more to the Xeneizes. Thus the game came to a close with Boca triumphing in convincing fashion and leaving River in a precarious position.  An emotional Palermo left the field with Riquelme  and with the bragging rights until the next time the two sides face each other.  From a spectator’s point of view the game displayed all the traits synonymous with the argentine game; an electric atmosphere, passionate fans, skill, latin flair, goals, and of course a dose of controversy.  In summary, this year’s Superclasico underlined yet again why it is such a hugely important and exciting sporting occasion unrivalled by anywhere else in the world.