Expanish Volunteering with Underprivileged Youth

Expanish Volunteering with Underprivileged Youth programs, offers participating volunteers the chance to work directly with young people with the aim of improving their overall quality of life in a safe and secure environment.

The Course Program

Volunteers are needed to offer their skills, knowledge, and time to underprivileged youth in Buenos Aires who, due to economic or familial reasons, are in an at-risk situation and are in need of help. It is time to change the current living situation of these children and give them a chance at creating a better future.

This program is aimed at improving the overall quality of life of the underprivileged youth in Buenos Aires. Volunteers will be working closely with children to better their day-to-day lives and living environment.

Range of responsibilities

Volunteers will have the opportunity to work directly with young people in a wide variety of activities, offering them a safe and secure space that encourages interaction. Through day to day support, education (school work, English work) and recreational activities and games, these underprivileged children will benefit from the support give by the projects and volunteers that may be lacking in their home lives.

Why this project needs you

There is a large group of at-risk, underprivileged, children in Buenos Aires who are in need of outside assistance in order to provide them with the support they need. Buenos Aires is home to many orphanages, children’s homes and community centers that work with local youth and offer educational information regarding health, work, and stay-in-school programs, arts and cultural programs, self-esteem and leadership activities, all, in the hopes of providing these youth with stability.

No matter which tasks you undertake during your time as a volunteer, you will find the program a rewarding experience. Tip: if you arrive with an open mind and a proactive attitude to help, these tools will enhance the level of your experience.

Culture Shock

All volunteers need to take two weeks of Spanish group classes before starting their volunteer program. You will find that the two weeks of Spanish will help you immensely in not only communicating with your colleagues, but also the people you are there to help and make for a richer experience. The more Spanish you know, the greater amount of tasks you will find yourself involved with as English may not be spoken..

You will have the option of choosing from a high culture shock project (such as working in a local shanty town) to a low culture shock project (such as a community center).

Example Timetable

Example Schedule

Requirements

All volunteers need to take two weeks of Spanish group classes before the starting their volunteer program. You will find that the two weeks of Spanish will help you immensely in not only communicating with your colleagues, but also the people you are there to help and make for a richer experience. The more Spanish you know, the greater amount of tasks you will find yourself involved with as English may not always be spoken.

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Volunteer with underprivileged youth

Quick Facts

  • Opportunities available for beginner Spanish speakers (minimum two weeks of intensive Spanish)
  • Maximun commute of 2 hours from Expanish School
  • Volunteers can expect to work an average of 15 hours per week (more available if required)
  • Start dates available throughout the year
  • Minimum 1 month commitment required from volunteers
  • Minimum age of 18

What’s included:

  • Volunteer placement (1 – 6 month placement)
  • Donation to host organization
  • Accompaniment to placement on the first day
  • Health and safety information
  • Orientation to Buenos Aires and your placement
  • Pre-Arrival advising and trip preparation pack
  • Welcome pack
  • Weekly cultural and social activities
  • 24/7 Emergency support
  • Optional weekend excursions
  • Placement certificate

Example Tasks

  • Assist in daily tasks
  • Help children with regular school work
  • Give English/ Spanish classes
  • Spend quality time with children
  • Study Sessions
  • Conversation time
  • Playing / sports
  • Educational workshops
  • Information about safety
  • Basic education classes ((Examples include hygiene, nutrition and safety)
  • Games & activities
  • Preparation of daily snack or meals

Testimonials

Hanna Rudsten - USA

I loved playing and drawing with kids. I especially enjoyed working with Oscar because he made me feel really good for volunteering there and we did a lot of activities together. I just wish there were more resources for them to do more activities other tan arts and crafts.
Hanna Rudsten – USA

Michael - South Africa

Was very rewarding preparing, cooking and serving the food to the children and their parents. They were very grateful and appreciative! Also enjoyed cultural activities and socializing with everyone at Expanish
Michael – South Africa

Sam Tosswill

When I came out to Argentina to volunteer for 6 weeks I had no idea what to expect. It was my first time traveling alone and working with children but I soon realized that there was nothing to worry about. I immediately felt at home at the orphanage where I was working and quickly connected with the kids and the carers, despite being far from confident at speaking Spanish and no one on site understanding English! However, my Spanish improved by the day until I was feeling almost fluent and I was fully involved in every aspect of day to day routine. My coordinator at Expanish was really good at making sure I was fitting in at my placement, so I never felt as though I was alone and I had an emergency contact if it had been necessary. It was really hard to say goodbye at the end of the 6 weeks after forming such a connection with the carers, children and other volunteers but I can honestly say it was some of the best weeks of my life. I would recommend this experience to anyone without a moment’s hesitation and it’s all thanks to Expanish for making it possible!
Sam Tosswill

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