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.