Working for and with Voluntario Global is a rewarding experience for the volunteers and for those the organization helps. Lahav Calev volunteers at one of the childhood development centers located in one of the many shanty towns found throughout the city of Buenos Aires.

Upon entry to the center, the feelings of warmth and hospitality are overwhelming. Those who enter are greeted with the casual greeting that is common in Buenos Aires, a kiss just off the side of the cheek. Along with that hospitality, the sounds of children fill the air. The children’s ages are ranging from infants and toddlers up to kindergarten.

One thing is for certain, all of the children will receive a hot and hearty lunch. The giving doesn't stop there. The children are receiving an education provided by volunteers from the neighborhood as well as from across the globe.

Voluntario Global plays a critical role in the operation of this particular center. Alejandra is a social worker employed by the center who works on a daily basis tending to the needs of the children and their families.

Alejandra says, “Very often the teachers don’t have enough hands to serve so many children and the volunteers help with this, likewise in the classrooms. There are about 30 per room with a teacher and an assistant. With children less than 5 years old it is very difficult at times to supervise that there are no accidents. So, the volunteers help a lot in providing an extra hand there, which makes the work a little lighter.”

Calev is an Israeli national and a graduate of The Open University of Israel volunteering with Voluntario Global in Buenos Aires. Lahav is spending three weeks in Buenos Aires and volunteering in the kitchen at an unnamed center for child development. The kitchen and school are located in one of the many shanty towns of the city.

 “I’m just helping with minor jobs in the kitchen” Calev says modestly. “I’m just doing a small part in the daily routine of the kitchen and I hope that it is helping.”

 Nilda is one of the supervisors that works in the kitchen with Calev on a daily basis. She and the other workers hold him and his work in very high regard.

 “He is someone who helps us a lot.” Said Nilda, “He likes to work. He is very dedicated. All that we ask him to do he does very well like an excellent individual, Calev is nice and kind to us. He is our partner. When he leaves we will miss him very much.”

 “I like to let things happen at their own place.” Calev said, “I don’t think I can plan exactly where I want to be in two years, but the experience here is helping me in several ways. In order to be a social worker, volunteering is something you have to do. If you volunteer abroad, it is a big help to get into schools as an international student. Working for a volunteer organization, you learn how the dynamics of the organization work.”

Calev's ultimate goal is to be a social worker specializing in International development. He wants his work to empower communities with issues of health awareness and to raise awareness for the subject. One thing Lahav is certain of is that he wants to help. Voluntario Global is helping him to achieve those goals while assisting the communities where the organization works.