Mentor Disadvantaged Children In Argentina
Location
Argentina: Cordoba
Description
As one of the biggest of its kind in Argentina, this private, non-profit center works to help orphans, disadvantaged, and disabled children who live within the center. With up to 300 children, the staff of over 30 people need assistance from volunteers to help with projects, cooking, repair projects or construction of new facilities (when needed) cleaning, teaching basic English, administrative issues, etc.
Participants arrive in Buenos Aires for a two-day orientation (including pick up at the airport and orientation). After the orientation, volunteers travel by sleeper bus to Cordoba City to begin the volunteer project in Villa Allende. Villa Allende is a small city located approximately 20 minutes by bus from Cordoba City.
Volunteer responsibilities may include:
* Working with, taking care of and playing with disadvantaged or impoverished children, under the guidance of the Center's staff
* Taking part in different projects such as organizing recreational activities or day trips
* Helping to take part in repair projects or construction of new facilities
* Helping with current administrative tasks
* Helping in the kitchen and serving lunch in the dining room
* Teaching basic English
* Developing creative programs such as art, music, dance, etc.
Highlights
Cordoba, is the second largest city in Argentina with about 1,500,000 inhabitants. In the old Town participants will have the chance to see the rich Spanish colonial heritage of the city as shown by the many old churches, traditional buildings and the well-known National University of Cordoba (UNC), which attracts thousands of students from other regions of the country and the rest of South America.
Due to the proximity to the mountains, the city is a perfect base for excursions into the natural beauty of the "Sierras de Cordoba" (Cordoba Hills), or even to the "Pampas", just 50 km to the south. Cordoba offers a vibrant cultural scene, and is famous for the kindness and hospitality of the "Cordobeses".
Villa Allende is a small city located only 20 minutes by bus from Cordoba city. In spite of this, the Village has managed to keep its own style. Rest and peace can still be found within a beautiful natural landscape. Around Villa Allende stand the mountains called "Sierras Chicas", which also give the town a special touch. And no surprise that every year more people settle here looking for a better quality of life.
People are very friendly and participants will soon feel at home in this wonderful place. During the summer months, Villa Allende welcomes tourists from all over Argentina. During February, the "Festival de la Solidaridad" takes place. This event is one of the most important musical happenings of Argentina. It brings together renowned groups and performers. All funds raised are used to cover the needs of institutions, such as schools, hospitals, etc.