Why
VolunteerThere are clearly no magical solutions. When there is social inequality and high unemployment, there is often poverty and general misunderstanding between different socioeconomic classes. Nevertheless, it is possible to progress if everyone is willing to help. If you have come this far, this is a positive beginning already.
The first task is to educate children and to keep them in school, to make them believe a better world is not a far off destiny, but something to be built.
The second task starts now by showing volunteers that they can be agents of transformation, and they can teach and promote social change.
What Does
Voluntary
Work Mean
to Us?
..Listen carefully and show respect towards the people they meet and everything around them
...Not pass judgment on what is seen, as they realize there is much to learn about how people live in difficult circumstances
...Acknowledge that every culture is unique, and their customs and traditions must be respected
...Work in a team in order to promote open communication and a feeling of solidarity among the people they are working with
...Understand that being present is a gift and a privilege; that humble people give openly and ultimately receive more than they give
...Learn to embrace and love the neighborhood people as their own family
A good volunteer knows when to say "I don't know" or "I can't" and constantly tries to seek solutions that are fair and beneficial for everyone.
A good volunteer will look a child in the eye and hug them even if they are dirty.
A good volunteer seeks to pass on their knowledge and encourage others to develop important tools for their future.
A good volunteer understands that having a higher or better education than those you are helping does not mean you have the right to subjugate a culture or judge alternative ways of doing things.
Key
Information
for
Volunteers
The acceptance of another culture is imperative when becoming a volunteer. There may be some things that shock you, and you may experience what is called 'Culture Shock'.
The term was developed in the mid 1900's to describe the anxiety that occurs when one moves to a completely different country than what they are used to.
Understanding culture shock and how you can prepare yourself will ensure a smoother transition into your volunteer placement.
Research the country you are visiting, find out more about their culture. What is accepted and what isn't. It is vital as an international volunteer to respect and understand the cultural rules of the country.
Flexible, because sometimes schedules or placements may change. There may be unforeseen events that can effect your commencement or continuation of a placement. The idea of flexiblity is that one must be prepared to work even when plans might fail.
Adaptable, the ability to adapt to new situations and work in various communities with various personalities. Conditions vary from place to place when volunteering, and this trait is critical for a volunteer. The ability to be adaptable to communication barriers, physical barriers and emotional barriers is important for a volunteer.
Teachable, because the volunteer is there not only to share their knowledge and help, but to receive. A volunteer asks questions and wants to learn who, what, when, where, how and why. Learning through teaching is one of the most memorable experiences a volunteer can develop.
When you sign up to volunteer, remember these three words. They will help to overcome the shock of various cultures, programs, projects and the overall lifestyle of some of the people you will be working with.
Remember that being nervous is something that even experienced people feel in new situations. The nervousness will disappear faster than you think because of the friendly people at the placement, tutors and teachers who will help you with your training. Stay flexible, particularly during your first days at your program. All the programs are interconnected and you can reorganize your selected work after some days.
Advice for
Choosing a
Program
Focus on your own skills, desires and motivation when you are choosing your program. As a volunteer it is important to choose a project that has a program that is right for you.
If your passion is teaching, maybe teaching English is for you. If you would prefer to further your communications or business skills, then perhaps helping the Head Office of an organization would suit you better. The options are endless.
Just remember the three words...Flexible, Adaptable, and Teachable.
At Voluntario Global we want you to be comfortable to not only experience, but enjoy being a volunteer.
Before choosing a program, ask yourself these questions:
- What do I want to learn?
- How do I want to help?
- How can I implement my skills and passions into programs provided by the organization?
- How long do I want to volunteer for?
- Does learning the language interest me?
- Where will I stay?
When you have answered these questions, search the website for a program or position that most interests you. If you have further questions, then read our FAQS page or contact us.
Voluntario Global offers programs for everyone. You can work with children or adults, teaching or in manufacturing. Whatever you chose, when you are in the placement you can organize details according to how you feel upon visiting the place.
Staying in
Buenos
Aires
If you have just arrived in Buenos Aires, ask us for information about tourism, interesting things to do and fun places to visit in Buenos Aires or around Argentina.
During your first introductory day in Buenos Aires, you will meet our "Responsible Tourism coordinator". She will take around to discover some interesting places in downtown. Then, every week she will send you by e mail a list of Touristic recommendations and meetings organized by volunteers.
