Nutrition Volunteering Program
Argentina's border is currently closed to most international arrivals and this program can't get the assistance it needs right now. Book now for 2021 and we'll work with you every step of the way and provide complete flexibility with dates!
Every day on this program, professionals and volunteers alike give technical and educational assistance to hundreds of Argentine children and their families. Approximately 3,500 unprivileged children have benefitted from the efforts of this program, which has in turn provided them with an opportunity to have a better quality of life and the possibility to enjoy social inclusion. The main projects this program works on include; Project Children’s Dinners: This project delivers healthy and nutritious food products (not money) to needy children and their families, Project Crecer (‘Growing’, in English): Unprivileged families are educated about the importance of healthy habits and good nutrition. It is predominantly oriented toward single mothers and children between the ages of 0 and 12 years, Project Healthy Playroom: A multidisciplinary team uses a program of 12 games to teach children healthy habits. Thus enabling the children to learn through play, Project Comparte (Share, in English): This program is based on educational and cultural accompaniment to encourage the development of unprivileged children.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide healthy food options to disadvantaged families
- Educate families and children on nutritious foods and its importance
- Improve the health and long term wellbeing of the people of Argentina
- Provide an opportunity for cross cultural exchange
How You Can Help
This volunteer program provides essential information and services to children and underprivileged families. Nutritious food is essential to health and wellbeing and its essential children grow up understanding what to eat and why it’s so important. For vulnerable families, having the knowledge and foods supplied to them makes a world of difference to their health. With no underlying political or religious affiliations, this project aims to both educate and disseminate information about healthy eating habits through a variety of methods. This program is available year round, with a minimum placement time of two weeks. A basic to intermediate level of Spanish is required. Spanish lessons are available on arrival in Buenos Aires if required (additional costs involved).
Love Volunteer’s on this truly inspirational project can expect to be involved in one or more of the above programs, which will include the following tasks:
- Assist with and actively participate in fundraising campaigns
- Teach English and other skills to underprivileged children
- Take part in some of the recreation and education programs
- Assist in preparing and distributing dinners to needy families
- Create activities depending on volunteer’s skills and interests
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the ongoing support and development of marginalized and at-risk children of Buenos Aires, Argentina. This highly interactive and varied project does not require participants to have a background in the field of childcare, as there are many ways you can assist. However, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Volunteers on this project will need an understanding of Spanish in order to communicate effectively. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Volunteers on this program will have the wonderful opportunity to stay in vibrant Buenos Aires, meet with amazing people and experience the exciting Latin American culture, while having the opportunity to explore this wonderful city. Known as the ‘Paris of South America’, Buenos Aires is filled with amazing architecture, fun nightlife and many cultural activities. Volunteers without two left feet can learn the tango – the traditional dance this country is famous for! This program offers many amazing volunteering and travel experiences for the international traveler.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. They will also provide you with your Welcome Pack, which contains a local sim phone card, local maps and a transport guide. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (aka Ezeiza Airport), Buenos Aires, Argentina (Code: EZE)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this project will be accommodated in a multi-story, dormitory-style volunteer house which is perfectly located in the neighbourhood of Balvanera, in the heart of central Buenos Aires and within a short walk from the many attractions of this vibrant city. The Volunteer House has free WiFi and great facilities for volunteers, including a roof-top terrace and barbecue area, communal kitchen and living areas, hammocks and a TV room. Nice!
Volunteers can expect to share a bedroom with up to three other volunteers of the same gender. Bedrooms are comprised of single beds and bunk beds with bedding and towels provided. Bathroom facilities are shared between volunteers with hot showers and western-style toilets.
Laundry facilities are available at the Volunteer House and there are also inexpensive laundrettes near-by.
Ingredients are provided for volunteers to prepare breakfast each day and volunteers can prepare/cook lunches and evening meals for themselves in the generous and well established communal kitchen of the volunteer accommodation which has a gas hob, oven, microwave, fridge and pantry space. Alternatively volunteers can take the opportunity to go out and experience the amazing culture and cuisine that Buenos Aires has to offer. Simply get a few of your fellow house mates together and head out to one of the hundreds of local restaurants, bars, cafes or Churrascaria’s (Argentina’s famous BBQ joints – YUM!).
Home-stay options are also available on request ($20 extra per night with no meals included or US$30 extra per night with 3 meals provided). Host families also provide the option of a private room (not available in the Volunteer House).
Additional nights in the volunteer house are US$15 p/n. In the host family accommodations extra nights are US$20 p/n.
Those wishing to arrange their own accommodations are welcome to do so. The program fee is reduced accordingly to a fixed price of US$390.
Fees
That’s just USD 88 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Prefer to stay with a Host Family or have a private room?
For those volunteers who prefer to be more immersed in the local culture, staying with one of our wonderful local host families in Buenos Aires is an excellent way to 'live like the locals do' and get first hand experience of local culture and customs.
Private rooms can be arranged with host families (this is not available in the Volunteer House).
Additional costs apply for Host Family accommodation:
Without meals US$20 per person per night
With 3 meals daily US$30 per person per night
If you would like to upgrade to Host Family accommodation, simply let us know!
Those wishing to arrange their own accommodations are welcome to do so. The program fee is reduced accordingly to a fixed price of US$390.
Want to learn Spanish?
Why not use this opportunity to improve your knowledge of Spanish and really get immersed in the local culture during your volunteering placement? We can offer both full time and part time Spanish classes at very competitive rates for you, so simply let us know if you are interested!
Intensive Spanish course: 20 hours a week (taken full-time, before or after volunteering)
- 1 week: USD 192
- 2 weeks: USD 370
- 3 weeks: USD 549
- 4 weeks: USD 723
- 8 weeks: USD 1411
*An accommodation supplement of US$130 per week is also required when undertaking full-time Spanish classes. This is instead of the listed program fee.
Regular Spanish course: 9 hours a week (taken in conjunction with volunteer work)
- 2 weeks: USD 175
- 3 weeks: USD 255
- 4 weeks: USD 347
- 8 weeks: USD 629
Fees for Spanish Classes must be paid directly to your volunteer coordinator on arrival in Argentina.