Description

"If you are looking for an opportunity to undertake worthwhile work within a community that really needs your help, and with an organization that provides full support from the moment you inquire about opportunities, I recommend Voluntario Global wholeheartedly. I assure you, to be part of it all, even in a small way, is a real honor." Victoria, United Kingdom.

Voluntario Global is an Argentinean NGO founded and run by members of the community we serve. We aim to empower people from disadvantaged backgrounds by giving them the education, training and support needed to succeed.

We develop sustainable volunteer programs that aim to raise social awareness among young people from less privileged towns and improve their quality of life. Our projects give opportunities for volunteers to work with children, teenagers, adults as well as professionally. We work with many volunteers from around the world, who truly are our main support for developing projects activities. Voluntario Global also provides an opportunity for people to integrate themselves into the communities, sharing their unique skills and supporting grassroots initiatives that work to help people reach a better lifestyle.

"Voluntario Global is a charity organization created and run by the community who best understands the problems of the area and the help needed to improve the lives of the children, young adults and their parents who live there. It is a charity that exists and grows solely through the efforts of local and international volunteers." Bonnie, United States

Highlights

Volunteers are able to enjoy first-hand the exciting Latin culture, learn Spanish and develop important skills for the future.

The donations requested are fair and accessible to all. The small income generated from participants in our programs allows us to maintain our presence and continue our work.

In addition, a volunteer's contribution towards their own program goes to funding the whole volunteer program: from administration costs, volunteer recruitment, the development and running of volunteer programs, orientation, training and funding the project itself.

Volunteer Opportunities:

* Supporting the work of a Community Soup Kitchen in La Boca
* Teaching English to Children
* Teaching English to adults in a Community Center
* Working with orphan children
* Working as assistant in a kindergarten
* Supporting teachers in a HIV Prevention Center
* Organic Garden in a Psychiatric Hospital
* Medical Volunteering in a Community Health Center
* Assistant for Responsible Consumerism NGO
* Marketing and Communication at an NGO
* Broadcasting at a Community Radio Station
* Advocacy for Social Justice
* Working in Fair Trade with Island Families
* Computer Workshop in the Community Center
* Helping as assistant in a Recovered Business
* Project Assistant for Neighborhood Development
* Assistant for Graphic Design Studio
* Community Help in Iguazu
* Help in a Community Center in the North of Argentina
* Assisting Agricultural Development projects in Bolivia

Qualifications

An intermediate level of Spanish is often recommended as the majority of the programs will require volunteers to communicate with locals, however this varies between projects. VG looks for qualities such as motivation, respect, teamwork and flexibility in all volunteers, but no formal qualifications are needed.

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

190 - 370

Cost Includes:

• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

Voluntario Global keeps its program costs low by working directly in the community.

We receive no financial assistance from the government. Our funds come directly from generous donations. Our resources are distributed according to local needs under the strict supervision of our local coordinators.

With this in mind, the donations we request from participants in our programs are fair and accessible to all. The small income generated from participants in our programs allows us to maintain our presence and continue our work.

In addition, a volunteer's contribution towards their own program goes to funding the whole volunteer program: from administration costs, volunteer recruitment, the development and running of volunteer programs, orientation, training and funding the project itself.

Costs:
4 weeks - USD 190
8 weeks - USD 270
12 weeks - USD 350
Professional Volunteer Program - USD 370 (3 months)

What's included in your program?

* Coordination and assistance throughout the application process.
* Pre-departure information pack
* Donation to the project
* Orientation meeting
* On-site training
* Follow-up and assistance throughout the placement
* Volunteer handbook + map and information about the city
* Support staff in Buenos Aires
* Emergency contact list
* 24/7 contact number

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Volunteers have the option of either a community or a professional based program. Working in the community can range from serving in soup kitchens in Buenos Aires' colourful La Boca district to helping children diagnosed with HIV at an after school help centre. Professional programs are just as diverse, with opportunities to work as part of the marketing team to being part of a local radio show, researching topics of discussion and being live on air during the week. Working hours for volunteers vary depending on the program selected and the majority lasting for one to three months, although dates can be flexible.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Guest House
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Voluntario Global's Mission Statement

We are committed to working alongside locally-run organizations to encourage sustainable development in the community. We aim to affect positive change through both volunteer programs and donations. Our ultimate goal is to enhance people's capability to create bonds of cooperation, tolerance and friendship, which will lead to cultural integration and most importantly, mutual respect.

Year Founded

2005