Helping orphan children
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Program description |
Around 40 children and adolescents have found a new home in three small houses outside the city of Buenos Aires. Each one has a different background: kids who have been abandoned by their parents, others whose parents have been imprisoned or are in rehabilitation for psychological problems. Some of the children are HIV positive; many of them have behavioral disorders.
The orphanages allow the children to learn to love and give them the attention their own families cannot.
Each home houses around 15 children and two people taking care of them at a time. They are responsible for the cleaning and taking care of the children. They work 12 hours a week and help in many different areas is always needed.
Almost all the kids come from poor areas and have suffered poverty, violence, mistreatment and the effects of drug abuse. There is little stability in their lives.
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Volunteers tasks |
• Helping organize toys |
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Minimum stay |
4 weeks |
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Spanish level required |
Intermediate (B1-B2) |
Check about low cost donations and fees! 
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David- Canada
My experience taught me a lot about myself and my ability to overcome barriers such as language and still be successful in engaging the kids in many activities, and helping share a sense of hope with them.
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Availability
All year round.Flexible hours. Working hours are from 9am till 8pm. Volunteers will be assigned according to their preference and needs of the project, however, they will only work up to 4 hours a day, 3 to 4 times per week.
Local coordination
Luisina (Luli) is the coordinator of the 3 houses. She will handle any problems or doubts and give advice on how to improve the way you help. The volunteer will help regularly in the project and should complete the hours and work assigned to them. In case of absence, they must tell the coordinator and the person responsible for the house a day beforehand.
Key information
The kids call the carers “tias or tios” (aunts or uncles). This helps create a warm family atmosphere for the children. It’s important to remember that in Argentina we do not say “orphanage”, we say “Hogar” because for the children a “home” is where they all live together as a family, while “orphanage is somewhere they want to move out of”.Volunteers should not lend the children any gadgets like phones, cameras etc., just in case. Most importantly, volunteers should use their initiative and not be afraid of speaking Spanish even if they think it’s not correct, that’s the only way to learn!
Location and first day
The three houses are located in the two middle class areas: Vicente Lopez, Olivos y Beccar, in the North of Buenos Aires (about 1h 30’ from our Volunteer’s House). The first day will start with a meeting between volunteers and the coordinator of the project, a presentation and a tour of the home. They will be introduced to the tias and the kids and shown how everything works in the house. On this day the volunteers just get to know the kids and play with them.
For questions regarding volunteering opportunities, please visit our: FAQs.
Programs
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Volunteer placement + Accommodation + Airport pick up
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4 weeks u$ 640
8 weeks u$ 1040
12 weeks u$ 1440
Professional* u$ 1250
*(accommodation 2 month)
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Includes:
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- Volunteer placement in Buenos Aires
- Accomodation. Volunteer House
- Airport pick up
- Permanent training and coordination
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More options
Group travel options
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Ross, UK. The volunteer program was good, it helped me appreciate how difficult it is to work promoting a small charity. Read more...
Sara, USA. I learned a lot by being in a health environment. I gained knowledge with health professionals. La Salita will help me with my future goals. Read more...
Andrea, Canada. I've had an excellent time in La Quiaca. I loved the work and the people here. Volunteering in La Quiaca is a great way to immerse yourself into the culture and language of Argentina. Read more...
Spread the word
Madeleine, Noruega. I was amazed about how I got to be a part of the Los Pibes Community, to see how the people at the comedor work together and support each other. Read more...
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Registered Charity with number 0000 515 in Argentina
0054 9 11 62069639 - info@voluntarioglobal.com.ar - Buenos Aires, Argentina