Feature Photo: In our series about urban volunteering, Matador writers with extensive volunteer experience share their ideas about organizations that could use your time and skills. Nancy Harder rounds up the best volunteer opportunities in Buenos Aires.
Voluntario Global
Voluntario Global works in conjunction with community leaders and grassroots organizations to aid community centers and local businesses. At the community centers, street children and teenagers are provided a safe place to learn and play. Long-term volunteer opportunities range from 2 weeks to 12 weeks and require basic to intermediate Spanish language skills.
If you don’t have time to volunteer, but want to learn about the work of volunteers, Voluntario Global offers half-day tours to shantytowns and impoverished areas of Buenos Aires. The tour provides a close-up view of the community centers’ ongoing work and an understanding of the residents fighting for socio-political and economic equality.
If interested in volunteering, complete the Voluntario Global contact form or e-mail them at: info@voluntarioglobal.com.ar.
Centro Conviven
Centro Conviven is a small after-school community center for the street children of the impoverished Ciudad Oculta (the Hidden City). Volunteers can teach English, music, dance, and art or work with fundraising and web development. Volunteers are also encouraged to share their interests and develop new classes for the center.
Basic Spanish is strongly recommended, but not required. The center is always grateful for for any amount of volunteer time and doesn’t charge a fee to volunteer, a rarity in Argentina.
Visit Centro Conviven’s blog and website for more information. E-mail Bella Koerfer at volunteersconviven@gmail.com, if interested in volunteering.
Buenos Aires Volunteer
Buenos Aires Volunteer places volunteers in 14 areas of social work projects. As a fee-based voluntourism program, they also offer 20 hours of continuing Spanish language instruction in addition to volunteer support such as accommodation recommendations, airport pick-up, and organized social activities.
A minimum commitment of three months and a basic knowledge of Spanish are required. The social-based volunteer work includes aiding education, child services, health, and sustainability organizations. Volunteers can also contribute to local economic development by working with micro-enterprises.
For more information visit Buenos Aires Volunteer’s website or contact them at info@bavolunteer.org.ar.
Road2Argentina
Road2Argentina, a Spanish immersion program, allows volunteers to create their own service programs. Depending on degree of Spanish proficiency, volunteers have the opportunity to teach English to children and adults, participate in community and social service projects, and work with local NGOs.
As a fee-based immersion program, Road2Argentina offers participant support and activities. Stays from two weeks to six month are available. Visit Road2Argentina’s website, blog, twitter, and facebook page for more information.
Community Connection:
Learn more about Buenos Aires on Matador’s Buenos Aires Focus Page, with articles like 5 Unforgettable Days in Buenos Aires by Eve Hyman and How to Take the Bus in Buenos Aires Like You Know What’s Going On by Kate Sedgwick.
Nancy Harder
Nancy Harder is a freelance writer, pianist, singer, and photographer with an affinity for holistic health and observing different cultures. When not capturing paradigms and reflections through different mediums, she is exploring her practice of yoga and meditation. Check out Nancy's blog, Nancy the Gnomette.
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