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.
5
