Description

The health centers work together with local hospitals and provide basic health care and prevention. They devote special attention to women and children through their doctors and social workers.

People are treated both within the center and in their homes by medics who visit the community to make a diagnosis and help more effectively.

The Center for Primary Health Care has a comprehensive health concept that goes beyond simply curing illness, but helping to prevent it. Various factors, including poverty, can affect health, therefore the center works to promote public participation in preventing and finding solutions.

Volunteers Tasks:
* Assist in administrative tasks, workshops, health prevention, providing information on ways to prevent illness
* Aid in the programs of the institution, community involvement activities or individual patients.
* The volunteer will see the methods and the ways in which Argentine professionals work, but will not practice medicine themselves, unless the professional person in charge deems appropriate and permits this in some cases.

Highlights

Voluntario Global's balance of working and living in South America make it one of the most unique experiences around. Volunteers are able to enjoy first-hand the exciting Latin culture, learn Spanish and develop important skills for the future. All volunteers have the opportunity to live in the central house on Avenida de Mayo, in the heart of Buenos Aires, or with a "porteño" (Buenos Aires local) in order to get an authentic Argentinean experience.

Being based in the Argentinean capital allows volunteers to maximize their free time in the city. Whether it's a visit to a local tango club, a day trip to Uruguay or an excursion to the stunning Iguazú Falls, there is plenty to do and see. With a diverse community of volunteers and a well-organized team, there are often evenings out, allowing everyone to taste Buenos Aires' vibrant nightlife. To help you get around the city with ease, Spanish lessons can be had at very reasonable rates through VG.

The donations requested by the organization are both crucial to its functioning and minimal, with all support either going to local communities or the maintenance of the organization.

Qualifications

Spanish Level required: Intermediate Advanced (B2- C2).
Minimum stay: 12 weeks

Key Information:
It is imperative that volunteers develop an outlook of communication with people, taking into account that is in an institution that serves the public, and that their concern is to understand the community and their health problems.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Coordination and assistance throughout the application process.
* Pre-departure information pack
* Donation to the project
* Orientation meeting
* On-site training
* Follow-up and assistance througout 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

• Community Health
• Health
• Health Care
• Health Education
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

* Listens carefully and shows respect to the people they meet and everything around them * Does not pass judgment on what is seen, as they realize there is much to learn about how people live in difficult circumstances * Acknowledges that every culture is unique, and their customs and traditions must be respected * Works in a team in order to promote open communication and a feeling of solidarity among the people they are working with * Understands that being present is a gift and a privilege; that humble people give openly and ultimately receive more than they give * Learns to embrace and love the neighborhood people as their own family

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Guest House
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

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