Project Overview
Want to work in one of the world’s great cities?
Stretching along the Rio de la Plata, the energetic city of Buenos Aires is the gateway to Argentina. You wouldn’t know it from the way they dance the Tango but recent chronic economic problems has created a lingering poverty in the city that has proved hard to beat, and this is where you come in! When hard times come to South America, it’s usually children and wildlife that bear the brunt so we work with projects that help both, but if you’re a people person this is the project for you. You’ll offer orphaned and disadvantaged children much-needed support and educational opportunities before exploring the glamorous side of one of the world’s great cities.
In Buenos Aires i-to-i work with a number of care homes and centres which aim to provide support and care for orphaned and disadvantaged children. Most of the projects are care homes where otherwise homeless children, or children who have been removed from abusive or dangerous situations, live on a residential basis. The children range in age from babies to teenagers. The projects are funded partly by the government and partly through private donations and aim to give the children as normal a family life as possible. Other projects are day centres where children and adults can go for food donated by the local government along with education and recreation. The aim of centres such as this is to care for and provide support and education to disadvantaged children and adults.
Due to limited funding, projects are under-staffed and volunteers are needed to assist the staff in coordinating activities and caring for the children.
You don't need any qualifications to participate in this project, but you must have a love of children and young people and be committed to working with them. You will need to be self-motivated, flexible and willing to roll up your sleeves and jump right in! A pro-active attitude is essential.
It is important to remember that many of the children attending these projects come from very difficult backgrounds and volunteers will therefore need to be patient, caring and understanding and are called upon to act as a role model. You should also be able to speak some Spanish.
As a volunteer at one of these projects you will get involved in a variety of activities, depending on the current needs of the project. You will teach English to the children, assist the kids with their homework, accompany the children to medical appointments, organise and assist with sports and other recreational activities, assist with preparing and serving snacks and meals and assist in maintaining and running the home or centre.
The projects are located in Buenos Aires - Argentina's largest city and its capital, offering volunteers the opportunity to experience one of the most cosmopolitan, lively and dramatic cities in the world. You will be staying in homestay accommodation.
You should fly into Buenos Aires Airport (EZE), known as both Ezeiza and Pistarini.
Stories
Liseth Oregel gives this project 10/10
Here is what Liseth had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
When Brenda Hibdon (the project coordinator) and Silvia my stay home family came to pick me up at the airport they never once made me feel like a stranger. They both welcomed me into their country and educated me on the culture of Argentina. They both helped to enrich my experience and understand their culture customs.
Brenda Hibdon went above and beyond my expectaions she would check up on me daily to ensure I arrived back safely with my stay home family. She made me feel safe in this new country.
In addition on my time off from the voulnteer work Brenda made suggestions of places to visit and coordinated a few outings for me to be able to enjoy and experince the new country I was in. Therefore, not only was I able to do voulnteer work but I was also able to see a new exciting country. If I knew I would have been so well taken care of I would have made prior arragenments to extend my trip longer.
And the one moment that stood out to me the most was seeing a 3 year old boy whom had a hole in his sweater I asked him if he had a shirt under it, he said yes. I asked him to take the sweater off so I could sew the hole. The boy carefully evalutated the hole and then gave me his sweater to be fixed. When I gave it back to him he looked up at me and stared back with a big smile on his face. I never knew how a childs smile could mean so much.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
It showed me to be more appreciative of what I have and to not complain of my mishaps. The children in Buenos Aires whom truly have had a troubled past at such a young age and show such an optimistic personality.
These children were so bright and had the willigness to learn all they need is the resource and someone to take the time to give them the attention and gain their confidence to learn. It taught me that by giving a child some of your time can encourage them to want to learn.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Go with an open mind
Most children have a troubled past you have to earn their trust. Be open with them, play sports and involve all the children it makes a difference to them.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Heart felt touching experience, a childs smile is so rewarding
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
to have been able to stay there longer.
CARMEN BOVE gives this project 10/10
Here is what CARMEN had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
The I to I Coordinator Brenda, one of the greatest , helpful person I ever met in my life, I can't express in just a few words how nice and helpful she has been with me and with everyone!!!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
yes, the approach and the bond I had with those kids I never experienced anything lke that before, the love, affection and closeness I felt with them and they, I think, felt with me was extraordinary!!!
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
go for it, it is definately worthwhile!!
Open your heart and get the most of it!!!
Be open minded and be yourself!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I will remember this experience for the rest of my life!!! it has been the most rewarding experience for me, the love, affection, care you get from those kids is not even closer to all the love you have to give.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
the love for children, the ability to speak their own language and the support of Brenda!!!!!
BRENDA IS BRILLIANT!!!!
Anna Josie Farnsworth gives this project 10/10
Here is what Anna Josie had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
I absolutely love Buenos Aires, and that i had a chance to meet so many people. My whole trip was a highlight but the project i worked at was very special - a day centre for street kids. The women who ran it were inspiring, giving up their time and in some respects their lives for these children. It was amazing to work with them and learn from them.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, my homestay and project - even though they had little themselves they wanted to give you something all the time. The people i met were incredibly resourceful with what they had, so creative and inventive. I wasn´t particularly materialistic before but i am so not now! You don´t need to have ´things´ to have a good time, or to show you care.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Don´t have any expectations about what it will be like
Use your initiative from getting on transport to working at the project - there is no structure, its up to you to make it happen!
Be open minded and learn about the culture you are working/living in, you´ll get more out of it
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
It broke my heart... and then mended it.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Not much... but having a bit more of an idea about how the airport pick up worked (as we had to get a taxi instead of being met) would have been good. I made it though so it worked!
Susan Beggs gives this project 10/10
Here is what Susan had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
Everything about the trip was a highlight - from the amazing vibrancy of Buenos Aires to the children and the love they had for us, and the local volunteers at the project - the most amazing women that I have ever met.
Also, Brenda Hibdon, our coordinator was amazing - she bent over backwards for all of us volunteers that were there, including booking excursions, being onhand at all time, and just being so welcoming to BA.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The children and the local volunteers. The women give so much to the kids, even though they have their own families - both with their time, and their heart, and as a result, the kids have a safe and loving environment to go to.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Jenga
Bingo
Playing cards
They went down a storm at all the projects I visited
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The most amazing 4 weeks of my life!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Staying longer
Suzanne Beattie gives this project 10/10
Here is what Suzanne had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
There were several highlights to this part of my trip. For one the reception we got from our co-ordinator brenda was amazing!! She was fantasitc in giving me all the support and information that I needed and in keeping me safe.
Of course working at the home was amazing, if very moving at times. The best part for me was getting to know the kids and showing them that they could trust me. I loved playing with them and teaching them. We brought in an activity for them everyday which they loved!
The project is great :) i would definitely do it again!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The hardest thing was seeing the conditions which some kids live in today, and seeing that at some places they have next to no positive adult influence in their lives. Seeing this made me never want to leave! It also put my life in very harsh perspective for me. I just wish now that I could stay and help them more.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
1. Be prepared for having to work hard and having to deal with issues like distrust from the children. Be prepared to do anything asked of you in order to help the home.
2. Know the basics of the language before coming.
3. Always have a smile on your face!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An experience which I will never look back from.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Being able to stay longer.
Everything else was fantastic!
Michelle Hanna gives this project 10/10
Here is what Michelle had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
The whole trip was incredible but I think the thing I was most excited to tell people about was the kids at the project. They were some of the sweetest, most grateful and affectionate children I've ever met and I had the greatest time with them. I can't say enough good things about the project and the people I met...truly the most amazing and genuine people out there. Also, I couldn't believe how helpful Brenda, the in country coordinator was. She really went above and beyond to ensure that we were safe and that we had the best time possible while in Buenos Aires. She really made us feel welcome and totally at home...couldn't have asked for more!!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The kids we worked with had next to nothing, but most of them came to the house with smiles on their faces everyday. They were so appreciative of everything, even after having such hard lives. I think this trip has made me become more grateful for everything I have, and helped me gain perspective. I don't think I'll sweat the small stuff as much anymore because it really is irrelevant. These kids are so so amazing and I think a lot of people can really learn a lot from them:)
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Just to really try and get the most from this experience. It really is a life changing experience, so enjoy every moment of it!!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Most incredible and heartwarming time of my life.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Nothing...it was perfect!
Sandra Hanna gives this project 10/10
Here is what Sandra had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
The Children are unbelievable. The project really opened my eyes to the hardships that people face and made me appreciate everything I have.. just that much more. Also, it was very interesting meeting other volunteers and other people involved with the projects. Local volunteers' dedication to and love for what they do is really impressive! Brenda, our co-ordinator was so involved and did everything that she could have possibly done to make us feel at home and to make sure that we had the time of our lives.. which we did!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Seeing first hand the hardships that these little children face (abuse, rape...) really opened my eyes to how much we take for granted in the developed world.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Go with an open mind. Don't be skeptical about trying new things. The more involved you get with the projects and the more immersed you get in the culture, the more memorable the experience.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Great experience, Great friends!!!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
The only (and single) thing that I would have liked to do, and did not get the chance to do, was seeing where the children lived.
christie-lee worthing gives this project 10/10
Here is what christie-lee had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
About how great everyone was. Including my host, my coordinater, the staff and most of all the children!!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The project made me realize that materialistic things are just things. People can be truly happy without 'much' I also learnt to not worry as much because I am lucky I am in a country where I have so many oppurtunitys.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
To not anctipate anything.
To learn some of the language
To be positive.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Most valuable thing I could ever do in my life.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
If I could stay longer!
Sarah Evans gives this project 10/10
Here is what Sarah had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
Everything! From the moment I had my email from Brenda (in country co-ordinator) I knew I was going to have an amazing time. Brenda took the time to tell me more about the project and to email me some pictures. This was my first non package trip, so I was quite nervous. Brenda's support was out of this world from the moment I arrived. I wasn't expecting my in country co-ordinator to be so amazing.
So now about the kids. I had no idea what to expect even though Brenda had given us a full brief. The kids were so so very loving, far more than I was expecting. Granted it took some of them more time than others to warm to me. But after doing various activites a good 95% of the kids were my new friends by the end of the 2nd day. They truly are amazing as are the staff. They bond with you so quickly with the right attention. When the day came for me to leave after 2 weeks I broke my heart saying goodbye. The kids are used to the volunteers coming and going but there was no stopping my tears! I have so many photo's that still make me smile whenever I look at them.
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 has completely changed me. I was quite a materialistic person. The kids have shown me that stuff is just stuff. It doesn't make you happy. The kids have nothing but still manage to laugh and play without a care in the world. My outlook on life is far clearer now. Which has led me to some serious decisions about my future.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
Have some ideas of activities to do with the kids. I made cereal neckalces and paper snowflakes etc.
Try and learn some Spanish before you go. Even some basic phrases will not only help you out at the project but also around the city.
See as much of the amazing city as possible
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
My perfect journey
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Nothing
Sarah Lang gives this project 9/10
Here is what Sarah had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
- how great it was to get to know local people and to understand what it was to live in the country.
-when the kids were really enjoying playing games with you or you saw their attitude to you change over the 2 weeks.
-feeling like I lived in Buenos Aires rather than being a tourist.
-travelling to the Iguazu falls.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
- One family hadn't attended the centre in a while and I accompanied 2 other volunteers to bring them food and check everything was ok. It was really sad to see the conditions the family of 10 lived in and made me appreciate what the volunteers and founders are doing, as well as how much I take for granted at home.
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
For community work with children specifically,
- be prepared to work hard as well as play games! a few hours physical work a day including cleaning floors, washing up, washing clothes by hand etc.
- think about what games/art you can do with the kids and start playing them. Even if they don't seem to want to at first, they will join in if they see you are having fun.
-don't be disheartened if the kids seem indifferent to you at first as they need time to get to know you.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
The TEFL course we were asked to complete confused me-it led me to think I would be teaching English at the centre, but this wasn't the case. I didn't need the TEFL course at all (although it will be useful in future!).
Michelle Silvestre gives this project 7/10
Here is what Michelle had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?
* The great and dedicated support provided by Brenda. Brenda gives her heart and soul and I was blessed to have her as my coordinator
* The amazing kids I met on the project
* The ease of settling into life in Buenos Aires due to being connected with other volunteers so quick and Brenda's efforts to help me settle in
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
* It certainly reminded me how blessed I am in life
* Different cultures can sometimes see fundamental issues in very different ways!
Do you have 3 top tips for future volunteer travellers?
* Be prepared to muck in, get dirty, and give all of yourself to get the most out of the experience
* Don't assume western approach and mindsets apply
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Touching
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
The project I was assigned to was a state facility with workers that provide the children with little guidance or structure. As an outsider and untrained childrens worker it was difficult to know how to make a useful contibution in amongst a chaotic system.
What would have made my experience better was to have a little more hands on support at the start of the projecty from i-to-i to provide the guidance that we did not receive from the project workers to enable us to make the greatest contribution sooner. For example:
* spending the first day of the project with us to help us orientate and give us practical suggestions and support on what to do as volunteers would have been very useful.
* ensuring that each project must at least orientate volunteers as part of the conditions of i-to-i providing volunteers
Perhaps
Australia
Austria
China
Denmark
Dubai/UAE
Germany
Hungary
Japan
Latvia
Malaysia
New Zealand
Norway
Philippines
Singapore
South Africa
