from 669€

Excellent 4.8rating (12)

Community Soup Kitchen

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Moderate response rate

Highlights

  • When helping at the Soup Kitchen, you learn how to truly connect with people and the power that these relationships can have on your life and the lives of others.
  • Here, the volunteer can learn so much about the Argentinian culture and see how many traditional dishes are prepared. It’s a place where you can completely feel the support of a community.
  • It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what language you speak, what kind of house you live in or what kind of job you have. In the end, we are all human.
  • The women love helping the volunteers learn a bit of Spanish because they are like family to them.
  • Your help is invaluable for the workers and for the community members because this center is an integral part of their everyday life.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

This Community Soup Kitchen it is part of a Community Center that tries to help the unprivileged population from the area.

This Community Soup Kitchen is located in Villa 21, which inherits its name from the military government of the 1970s that used numbers to identify the towns. It is part of a Community Center that tries to help the unprivileged population from this area that also includes various activities such as ...

About the program

This Community Soup Kitchen is located in Villa 21, which inherits its name from the military government of the 1970s that used numbers to identify the towns. It is part of a Community Center that tries to help the unprivileged population from this area that also includes various activities such as the kindergarten, playgrounds for the children between 3 and 12 years old, school support, a vegetable garden to be tended by the children when they are old enough.

Background Information

Villa 21 is a large unstable housing settlement South of Buenos Aires. It mostly lacks paved roads and sewerage; many houses are made of perishable materials and have no running water or drainage. The neighborhood faces serious health problems, as it is located on the creek that divides the capital city of the province, and is highly contaminated, causing respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases that primarily affect children. The soup kitchen is visited by approximately 50 people from the neighborhood for lunch every day. The space is also available to support teenagers when there are volunteer teachers willing to help them.

The support from social organizations is fundamental in this very poor neighborhood, mainly because its precarious situation affects families that need to face a lack of infrastructures and serious problems of public sanitation. Indeed, many families live in houses where they have problems with light and where they don't have running water nor a drainage system, in an area which has huge weaknesses in terms of sewer systems and road pavements. Moreover, it is located near a river which is highly contaminated by the chemicals released by nearby factories, and this generates respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases that mainly affect the children. Although faced with this situation, people don't receive any help from the government to improve their standards of living that are now miserable and harmful to their health. There are some housing construction projects in the works but they are slow-coming and displacing the inhabitants that are the most affected by the contamination of the river. In addition to this precariousness, today, ambulances refuse to come into the area.

Why is this project important for the community?

The soup kitchen cooks for the kindergarten and the people from the town. Thus, this organization is based on working with families and children from first to seventh grade, supporting them in their growing and development process, with a team of professionals and social workers. This Community Center was founded in 1994 and began as a soup kitchen until it expanded into a kindergarten with the help of the mothers from the area. 

The main goal of the Community Center is to offer the children's families a place of education and integral support. Moreover, the kitchen and center help to compensate these families’ economic situation. It is a place of exchange between teachers, social workers, parents and volunteers from the area and from Voluntario Global that work together for the safe upbringing of the children. It is also a place where the unemployed women from the area are able to have training sessions that take place periodically with professionals.

What do you learn as a volunteer?

When helping at the Soup Kitchen, you learn to appreciate the value of the small things, how to truly connect with people and the power that these relationships can have on your life and the lives of others, on the communities and the future. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what language you speak, what kind of house you live in or what kind of job you have. In the end, we are all human and we get so mixed up in focussing on other unimportant aspects that we forget that deep down we’re all the same. You will realise that even the smallest thing you do, can make someone else's day.

How does your work impact on the community?

Your help is invaluable for the workers and for the community members because this center is an integral part of their everyday life. Furthermore, the ladies and workers would not be able to participate in this cultural exchange if there aren’t any volunteers willing to help. The women also love helping the volunteers learn a bit of Spanish because they are like family to them. Here, the volunteer can learn so much about the Argentinian culture and see how many traditional dishes are prepared. It’s a place where you can completely feel the support of a community and you never leave the kitchen without a smile on your face.


Location

Located in Villa 21, Barracas, about 30 minutes from Downtown and easily accessible by bus.




Typical day

Role of the Volunteer

From 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, the kitchen prepares breakfast and lunch for the kids in the kindergarten and it also prepares food for the community members. The volunteer will be able to help in many tasks such as assist the women in the kitchen by washing and cutting vegetables, ...

Typical day

Role of the Volunteer

From 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, the kitchen prepares breakfast and lunch for the kids in the kindergarten and it also prepares food for the community members. The volunteer will be able to help in many tasks such as assist the women in the kitchen by washing and cutting vegetables, preparing the dessert for the children and help in the cleaning process after everything is served.

Schedule

The Soup Kitchen is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. It is available all year round, except during the last week of December and the first week of January.


Free-time activities

Buenos Aires is not a slow-paced city. In fact, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the constant whirl of events popping up and suddenly find you haven’t even seen its most important landmarks! 

 Buenos Aires offers elegant architecture, exquisite cuisine, a legendary nightlife, and ...

Free-time activities

Buenos Aires is not a slow-paced city. In fact, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the constant whirl of events popping up and suddenly find you haven’t even seen its most important landmarks! 

 Buenos Aires offers elegant architecture, exquisite cuisine, a legendary nightlife, and fashionable shopping. Argentina has become famous for its rich European flavor.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (fluently)

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Be open minded and have iniciative.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 14:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Voluntario Global

Volunteer Program

  • We ask that volunteers contribute a small fee to help cover the costs of coordination, administration, and supervision of their volunteer experience.
  • We provide support and guidance throughout your volunteer experience to ensure that you have a safe and fulfilling time in Buenos Aires.
  • Accommodation is not included, but we can help you with it and give you some recommendations.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Ministro Pistarini Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Accommodation

Please arrange your own accommodation.

Food & Beverages

Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. We assist you to find cheap flights to Argentina. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Argentina provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Argentina you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Argentina. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Requirements

1. Valid Passport & Visa: Most travelers do not need a visa to enter Argentina. Volunteers enter the country as tourists and can stay for up to 90 days. Extensions on visas are possible; our coordinators will advise you on this process.

2. Medical Insurance: Voluntario Global requires the volunteer to have adequate medical insurance for the duration of the program and must be provided with details of such insurance coverage at the time of confirming their placement.

3. Spanish Level Required: Not required

4. Minimum Stay: 2 weeks

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 669€
24 weeks (max. stay) 669€
Average fees 180€/week

Program fees

180€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 24 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Voluntario Global during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Voluntario Global

Excellent 4.8 rating (12 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2006

Verified by Volunteer World

  Moderate response rate

Coordinated by

Milena

Spoken languages: Spanish, English

About the project

We aim to connect and empower local organizations in order to take a unified approach to community development.

Meet your organization

Who we are

We at Voluntario Global NGO define ourselves as community builders. A community builder is someone who, instead of offering provisional help, gets to know a community and its people, its weaknesses and strengths. In this way, we build a strong relationship with each community. A relationship that lasts a lifetime.

A community builder supports a community and the individuals who are part of it, discovering what is strong about them and helping to work towards improvement, development and growth. We define ourselves as community builders because we work putting emphasis on the fact that no person is more nor less important than another and that we are all equals working together. Volunteers, coordinators and organizations connect and unite to achieve a common goal in local development.

What we do

Voluntario Global helps organizations from local communities and neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires to improve the work that they are already doing and work towards strengthening local development together. This help may be in the form of different tools, such as volunteers or donations, or helping them to obtain new funding, grants and training.  Sustainable development, ecologically, economically and socially, is what drives our values system and the way in which we work. Whilst our new project in Pacheco is emblematic of our contribution to sustainable development and the environment, in order to enforce sustainable development on a social and economic level it is necessary to begin at the heart of the communities who need it most; it is through their inclusive economic growth and the empowering of future generations that our vision will be realized. Indeed, it is our duty to fight for what we believe is the right way to live. If we want to change the status quo, the youth need to feel capable and worthy of pursuing further education and having the same access to job opportunities as those from more privileged neighbourhoods. It is only once this fundamental of equality of opportunity is realized that humankind will be at peace and nature understood.

Where we work

As a large network of volunteers, institutions and organisations, Voluntario Global aims to generate awareness, knowledge and tolerance through cultural exchange and reflective analysis, enhancing our understanding of the tools required for the social transformation that we seek: ultimately, an economic, social and cultural system that is not based on self-interest or predation but rather on ties of cooperation, friendship and acceptance.

We work in many neighbourhoods from Buenos Aires city and surrounded area.

Our organizations form what we call The Voluntario Global Network of Organizations and its work is sustained through the donations we receive from volunteers. At Voluntario Global, we consider volunteering to be a two way process in which the exchange between the local area and the volunteer is cultural too. It is also important that we recruit open-minded volunteers with professional skills, abilities and experiences and place them in whichever project suits these talents most. Consequentially, their impact on the community in which they are working can be maximised. For example, those studying education in their home countries are likely to be teaching English whilst our recent Psychology volunteer position is tailored for those with an interest in that field.

Suggestions about:

Money:

  • ATM availability is generally good, but you should not rely solely on using international debit cards to access funds.  Be aware that there may be a limit on the number of withdrawals you can make per day, and the amount you can withdraw on each occasion.
  • You should ensure you carry alternative forms of payment, including a credit card (accepted in most major shops and restaurants).
  • At the moment, the value of the US dollar is in a constant state of flux.  Make sure to check the rate of exchange before obtaining pesos.

Safety:

  • The most frequent incidents of crime involve pick-pocketing and bag snatching in the streets, taxis and restaurants.  Distraction theft commonly occurs in crowded public areas such as cafes, trains and bus stations.
  • Keep a close eye on your personal belongings at all times-- especially when carrying around important documents like a passport.

Transportation:

  • Buenos Aires has excellent public transportation including intercity trains, subways, and buses.  Purchase a SUBE card from any kiosco, and add funds to your card at any of the designated SUBE kiosks, which are easily identified by a sign containing the SUBE logo.
  • SUBE rates vary, depending on the form of transportation you choose.  Subway rides are currently at a fixed rate of $7 pesos, while bus fares may range anywhere from $7.00 - $11.00 pesos.
  • The subway does not run all night, like in other cities.  
  • For a higher cost, taxicabs are easily obtained throughout Buenos Aires.  If you are unfamiliar with the city and have trouble communicating in Spanish, we recommend using ‘radio taxis.’  

Our history

The founder, Valeria Gracia, spent almost eight years of volunteering in a shantytown and there, she thought about a way of creating a project that would allow to have a deeper impact in the community. She thought about starting an organization that promoted continued education and training in order to create greater equality, and could, ultimately, empower people to organize themselves, be more involved and creative in their community, to start participating in social activities looking for solutions, defending their rights.

The NGO was founded in 2006 with many members of the community with a first objective when they saw a window of opportunity for a mediating institution that would allow for a mutual exchange between the local communities of Buenos Aires and foreigners eager for a deeper insight into them. Initially we assisted in just one school support project, yet gradually other organizations contacted us and were added to our Network. Today we have added new objectives and founded our space, Pacheco Community Center.

Fundings are always used toward making improvement for the communities we work with. Towards the end of 2014, we took the decision to create and construct a new community space for ourselves and the organizations with which we work.

Who are we looking for?

We consider volunteering to be a two way process in which the exchange between the local area and the volunteer is cultural too. It is also important that we recruit open-minded volunteers with professional skills, abilities and experiences and place them in whichever project suits these talents most. Consequentially, their impact on the community in which they are working can be maximized. For example, those studying education in their home countries are likely to be teaching English whilst our recent Psychology volunteer position is tailored for those with an interest in that field. Below we have summarized the kind of volunteer positions that we offer, all of which work towards our vision of greater social mobility.

12 reviews · rating4.8

Gretchen Hayslip rating5

2020 at Community Soup Kitchen

I volunteered in Buenos Aires in the Community Soup Kitchen with Voluntario Global. I would highly recommend this organization. The communication was very clear and the people at Voluntario Global were very helpful. A staff person accompanied you on your first day and then they checked in with you ...
Cole Sterr rating4.6

2019 at Community Soup Kitchen

Voluntario Global was an amazing organization to work with. I worked and met with people from all over the world, and they were some of the most welcoming and coolest people I have ever met! I worked at the community soup kitchen, and this opportunity allowed me to step way out of my comfort zone ...
Lahav Calev rating4.8

2016 at Community Soup Kitchen

I highly recommend volunteering in Voluntario Global because of the great and inspiring people involved in the organization, the amazing experience of living in Buenos Aires and because of the sense of satisfaction of volunteering in the specific projects. I have volunteered in the community Soup ...
Bernadette Hoste rating5

2020 at Childcare Assistant

I have helped in different projects from this Association over many years. I worked with children, youngsters and adults. A great experience which has given me a lot! An exchange of knowledge, love... I definitely received as much as I ...
Laura Hammelsvang rating5

2020 at Childcare Assistant

My month in Argentina and in the kindergarten has forever changed me. I came as one person and left as a new person, full of experiences and memories for life. I learned so much working with these amazing kids and the wonderful volunteers. Voluntario global did an amazing job as coordinators and ...
Neil West rating5

2019 at Childcare Assistant

I arrived in Buenos Aires as a non Spanish speaker but was met by the volunteers at the hostel and given a fantastic induction to the program. I was placed at a kindergarten in the north of the city and was welcomed by the teaching staff and the little ones! It was a wonderful experience, teaching ...

Location

Americas > South America > Argentina > Buenos Aires

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