Project Overview

As an orphanage volunteer you can help at one of 2 homes for orphaned girls and boys, where you can make a real difference to young children's lives by providing support through education and English language lessons. You may also generate creative play through games, sports, singing, dancing and drama. There are even opportunities to promote community development in Argentina through participation in health awareness and nutrition programs, as well as handicrafting workshops. Work with orphans in Argentina and your efforts will be rewarded as you will help to foster a sense of dignity in the girls and boys through the work they achieve.

Project details:
As a volunteer at one of the homes for orphaned girls and boys, you can make a real difference to young children's lives by providing support through education and English language lessons. You may also generate creative play through games, sports, singing, dancing and drama. There are even opportunities to participate in health awareness and nutrition programs, as well as handicraft workshops. Through all of your efforts, you will help to foster a sense of dignity in the girls and boys through the work they achieve.

Why the project needs volunteers:
The project only has few members of staff to carry out all the duties of the home, and so volunteers are needed in all aspects of running the home. The main reason for volunteers at the project is to spend time with the children and help plan activities with them. Volunteers might also help with cleaning duties, getting the kids ready for school and help during meal times.

What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
Foremost, volunteers must have a love of children and be committed to working with them. You will need to be flexible and willing to roll up your sleeves and jump right in! A pro-active attitude is essential, and any skills that you have in any area working with children, from sports and music to drama, art or fundraising will be more than welcome. You should be able to speak some Spanish, preferably to an intermediate level. If you have basic Spanish and are willing to take our optional add-on Spanish lessons, this would be sufficient.

Your role as a volunteer:
i-to-i volunteers get involved in a number of activities involved in the running of the home. You could be helping the children to get ready in the mornings, assisting on various trips, homework, teaching English, and organising recreational activities. The people who run the centres are interested in providing the children with the opportunity to meet people of other cultures, and so she hopes to encourage cultural exchange by hosting volunteers at the home. As the centres have very little the is the opportunity to help in renovation and maintenance to provide the children with a more safe and enjoyable place to stay.

Where the project is based:
The centres are all based in the lively city of Posadas, population 250,000. Posadas boasts interesting markets, friendly cafes, cinemas and museums, and there will be plenty to do on the weekends. The mystical Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio Mini are 34 miles to the east of Posadas and are a must see while you are there.

You will be staying in a comfortable homestay in Posadas.

Volunteers should fly into the airport at Posadas (PSS) on the arrival date. If arriving early a pick up can be arranged for a small fee, please contact i-to-i for more information.

Stories

Hannah Titmarsh gives this project 10/10

Here is what Hannah had to say:

What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

I really enjoyed the overall experience of living in Posadas with my host family, as well as working at Hogar El Refugio. Posadas was a great place to live for a month. Although I guess it is considered 'rural', there was always plenty to do. We had some Spanish lessons while we were there, and also joined a tango class two nights a week. The nightlife was great - the volunteers would often meet to enjoy dinner and a few drinks! It was easy to embrace the Argentine lifestyle of siesta during the day and staying out until the early hours of the morning! It is also really easy to visit nearby attractions on weekends. Although I was only there for a month, I visited San Ignacio and the beautiful ruins there. Also a trip to Iguazu Falls one weekend is a MUST. Absolutely stunning!

Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?

I'll always have great memories of my time in Posadas - it opened my eyes! I saw some great things and met some great people... I also returned home with an acquired liking for Spanish pop music!

Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?

I think it's important for people to know that your experience will definitely be what you make it. If you go to your project with an open mind and lots of ideas you will be able to do great things. Be flexible and go with the flow if things don't work out exactly how you expected.

Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"

I loved my time in Posadas! 

Kumari Middleton gives this project 8/10

Here is what Kumari had to say:

What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

The highlight of my trip was when the kids all sang a thank you song when we had finished renovating the refuge - I nearly cried! The children also came running to tell me how warm they were on their first night in their newly decorated orphanage.

Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?

I guess everyone leaves these things hoping they've made an impact on at least one kid's life and have managed to open their minds to the great possibilities and opportunities which exist out there.

Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"

My time at the orphanage has flown so quickly and it was so moving. My biggest struggle is with the fact that I will most likely never see these children again, but at least I helped to make a difference to their lives.  

Marjorie Tenchavez gives this project 8/10

Here is what Marjorie had to say:

What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

I had the best time in Argentina - not only was I able to give something back to the local community, I've met some really lovely people and gained many new friends, and on top of all this I was able to brush up on my Spanish! I liked it because it wasn't as structured as I thought - it was up to us to make our time with the kids valuable.

Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?

I'll never forget the smiles on the children's faces when we took them out for ice-cream and to the movies, or when we bought them new undies and other toiletries (they were severely short of undies and some of the kids wore the same pair every day), and a new Christmas tree for the orphanage!

Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?

Come prepared! It's a good idea to bring anything with you which will interest the kids such as colouring books, toys, arts and crafts, etc, in order to make your time with the kids more fun while teaching them a thing or two!

Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"

It was one of the best times of my life!

Alessandra Colia gives this project 8/10

Here is what Alessandra had to say:

What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

I liked being able to use my initiative. The project can only take you so far and then it's up to you!

Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?

The whole project was a memorable experience.

Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?

I would recommend travelling with i-to-i for the great in-country support you get. I'm so thankful for the support of the in-country coordinator who went above and beyond her duties and was always there for all the volunteers and organised get togethers to make us feel like a family.

Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"

I had an amazing experience!