Disadvantaged Children/Children At-Risk Project

With widespread poverty affecting much of Argentina , a vast multitude of parents are unable to sufficiently provide for their children. Such provisions which these children grow up without often include sufficient nutrition, education, companionship, guidance and attention. In association with a number of non-profit, Argentinean organizations, IFRE places volunteers in numerous “buddy roles” in an attempt to care for these disadvantaged children who may turn to the streets or less desirable options which are counter-productive to their education or brighter future.

Volunteers are expected to be enthusiastic about teaching various hands-on skills to these children as well as remaining mindful of their often distressing circumstances. Issues regarding sanitation, personal (and often dental) hygiene will often be addressed as volunteers help these children to not only lead a productive life but also a healthy existence.

Skills/Qualifications

Beginner to intermediate knowledge of Spanish is preferred. No specific qualifications are required to join the Disadvantaged Children/Children At-Risk project in Argentina . However, interested individuals should have a passion and eagerness to help impoverished and disadvantaged children. IFRE offers free Spanish lessons to volunteers in Córdoba. Volunteers are expected to be flexible, adaptive and proactive.

Volunteers' Responsibilities

In IFRE's Disadvantaged Children/Children At-Risk Project, volunteers will assist children in various ways – teaching English and/or Spanish, organizing games, assisting the centers' staff members in feeding and caring for these often impoverished children or simply being a positive companion. Volunteers may also help in developing creative programs such as art, music, dance and even recreational activities such as various sports. Additional assistance may be required with the planning of day trips, education on issues of personal hygiene, cooking and meal preparation as well as helping with various administrative duties.

Room/Food

IFRE manages living accommodations within a regional guesthouse located in a charming neighborhood within the city of C ó rdoba . The city of C ó rdoba boasts a number of exciting opportunities for volunteers wanting to see a city with a bright future which still maintains reverberations of its colonial and culture-rich past. C ó rdoba's plentiful cultural has produced a number of influential writers, its own musical styles (known as ‘the cuarteto' in addition to tastes of classical, jazz, rock, pop and electronic), abundant monuments, lively festivals, enthralling theaters and a pulsing nightlife. Volunteers reside in accommodations which are located just minutes from the downtown area. This unique living situation is often quite conducive to fellow volunteers becoming acquainted with each other. Furthermore, Spanish AND Tango lessons are provided for participants in these living accommodations which also conveniently double as our local operator's headquarters – ensuring constant contact with in-country coordinators.