Argentina Volunteer Posting
Note: This program is closed for 2008. Please check back with us soon for the 2009 program details!
Seeking: Individuals interested in social change
Time Commitment: 2 weeks to 3 months depending on individual availability
Program Cost: Volunteers are responsible for the full cost of their placement. However volunteers will receive a $500 stipend for minimum 2-week placement, and $1000 stipend for minimum 4-week placement. Stipends must be used towards the cost of flight.
Program Purpose:Argentina, home to the largest Jewish community in Latin America, is struggling with the after-effects of an economic crisis. It is estimated that 25% of the 200,000-strong Jewish community fell below the poverty line.
Ve’ahavta is working with Jewish social assistance agencies in Buenos Aires who are working heroically to help the Jewish community by providing food, clothing, medicines, rent subsidies, as well as counseling and community-building.
Program Description
Volunteers will be placed in various agencies that serve the Jewish community. Placements are located mostly in Buenos Aires with some options in the cities of Cordoba and Mendoza.
Placement options will include:
- Baby Help Centre (Care & Development for Children and At-Risk Pregnant Mothers) (Buenos Aires)
- Le Dor Va Dor Home: (Supportive Care Residence for Older Adults)(Buenos Aires)
- Pharmacy Distribution Centre (pharmaceutical donation management) (Buenos Aires)
- Support Program for University Students (assist with program coordination and event planning) (Buenos Aires)
- Social Assistance Centres (Supportive assistance to marginalized groups) (Cordoba)
- Assisted Living Home for Seniors (distribution of supplies, organizing meals, activities, and outings) (Mendoza)
Required Skills
- Spanish language skills
- Cross cultural experience
- Ability to work well both independently and part of a team
- Self motivated and able to take initiative
- Comfort in difficult emotional situations
- Interest in social issues
- Responsible, flexible and dedicated
Ve’ahavta will provide logistical support, pre-departure training, assistance with travel, full orientation and supervision in the field, coordination of language training, cultural/social exchange activities in the Jewish community, and assistance with arranging accommodation.
All applicants are required to complete a volunteer application form, which includes a CV, two reference letters, a personal statement, and a deposit fee of $150. All applicants must attend an in-person interview.
Preference will be given to those aged between 21 and 50.
Application Deadline: Thursday, April 17th, 2008
Interviews will be conducted: April 21-25, 2008
For further inquiries, or to receive an application form, please contact:
Katie Stemeroff
(416) 964-7698 ext 18
Fax: (416) 964-6582