By : Jéremy Guérin and Christine Rivest
Translated by: Luke Liddy and Matt Friedland
While the unemployment rate for young persons (under 25) in the European Union reaches 23.5%, other areas in Europe are much worse off, as the unemployment rate in Greece and Spain soars to over 56%, according to the European Commission ("Unemployment Statistics." Eurostat. European Commission 2013). These tough circumstances incite ruthless competition in finding jobs, forcing young job hunters to look for other ways to improve their résumé or CV. The ability to speak several languages is often an advantage in the job application process. Additionally, acquiring volunteer/work experience through a non-profit organization can often help CVs stand out as being unique. Gaining a global perspective by donating time and effort abroad provides the chance to test various interests in a realistic situation.
“95% of volunteers at Voluntario Global decided on Argentina to learn Spanish, while 70% wanted to gain work experience” – Statistics given by Voluntario Global
To show that you are qualified to fill a job position, having previous experience and a depth of knowledge about a subject is a good place to start. Almost all employers prefer, or even require, that applicants have previous work experience. A great way to gain this experience for the first time is to work with an NGO. It provides a fantastic opportunity to develop your own style of working as well as allowing you to begin to acquire preliminary skills in your career field of choice.
Because working for an NGO isn’t a common choice for most people, the application process is less competitive. And by that same token, once you’re accepted, you are given a lot of responsibility. Most NGOs are short-staffed, so volunteers can take the initiative and start organizing their own projects. This facilitates many valuable on-the-job learning experiences.
“My friends have internships with large companies back home, but they are bored because the companies give them very few real responsibilities. They are only assigned simple, menial tasks that have no effect on current company projects. However, at Voluntario Global, I was immediately assigned tasks specifically related to my area of interest, communications and marketing, despite my sparse work experience.” -Jéremy Guérin, France
When interviewing for their next job, ex-volunteers can give specific details of projects and tell of the many applicable skills that they’ve learned.
“Voluntario Global was my first internship. It was first time that I had a consistent job and worked for several months straight. My time with the communications team continues to be an integral part of my CV, and every interviewer has asked questions about both my volunteer work and my Spanish skills.” - Andrew Furness, England
The lack of a strict employee hierarchy within many NGOs is one of the reasons that volunteers feel that they have been able to contribute so much to their respective organizations. Group work is highly emphasized and required for all projects. Through this style of working, everybody plays a role in the projects’ development and can learn many new skills throughout the process.
“As a volunteer, I felt like an integral part of the organization. People really listened to me and took my opinions seriously.” –Jéremy Guérin, France
Employers are always looking for ambitious, motivated individuals to join their companies. When they see previous volunteer experience, they understand that you have dedicated your time to a humanitarian cause in a very tangible way. Furthermore, by showing your willingness to immerse yourself in foreign cultures shows your ability to adapt, learn, and get outside your comfort zone. Volunteering exemplifies all the elements that an employer looks for in a candidate: confidence, integrity, willingness to learn and set goals, openness to change, creativity and the ability to work in a team.
Working abroad also provides an opportunity to meet new people from all over the world. Not only does this allow you to form new contacts, but it also exposes you to perspectives and experiences that you otherwise may not have even known existed. Intense cultural exchange fosters increasing comfort with foreign cultures, which is a valuable experience to draw upon when searching for a job and also in other aspects of your life. By gaining new perspectives, you learn new approaches to solving problems and become more open to new ideas. That openness may allow you to uncover new possible careers and experiences; you may discover new passions that you never knew that you had.
‘’ The experience was life changing because it inspired me to do what I love. Being surrounded by so many hardworking and passionate people genuinely trying to make a difference really made me realize the power of community work. Volunteering helped me realize that I like to teach and that it is what I want to do for the rest of my life.’’ -Arpine Hovasapian, United States
To conclude, we must not underestimate the intrinsic value of volunteering and the impact you can have by dedicating your time. Volunteering is an incredible commitment and serving others brings genuine satisfaction of all those involved. What you will learn, live, and feel will serve you well in both searching for a job and discovering your passions. http://voluntarioglobal.org/
Everything is a Surprise when there are no Expectations
Before I arrived here in Buenos Aires, everyone was always asking me what my expectations were and what I am most excited about with my trip. Honestly, I had no expectations, and I had very little understanding about what it was going to be like. Some of the other volunteers living in the VG House have told me that they did a lot of research before they came, reading books and surfing the web to gain insight on the experience that was to come, which is a completely valid venture, but just isn’t really my style. I have traveled before, with many preliminary expectations and impressions about the places I’ve been, some being met beyond my wildest dreams, and others falling short completely. So this time, before I embarked on my trip I decided I would keep my mind completely clear of expectations, and let the experience unfold as I step one foot in front of the other.
My first experience in Argentina was absolutely hilarious. While going through customs a woman got her duty-free bag stuck in the scanner’s conveyor belt, packed completely to the brim with goods she had just bought. The unknowing customs officer kept shoving bags into the scanner to keep the line moving, so all of the woman’s things were being completely destroyed by the immense suitcases piling up as she struggled to pull her bag free. As a result, the first glimpse of Argentine culture that I got to experience was one of absolute rage, a woman screaming the foulest words imaginable in the Spanish dictionary in her furious Argentine accent, while the customs officer insults her back and denies her entrance into the country. For me that was kind of an eye opener, that I wasn’t here on some tropical vacation in Hawaii where all the resort workers have bright and smiley faces greeting me hello. I was in the city, and no one, especially not the customs officers, was there to hold my hand on this journey.
In the last 3 years I have lived in 4 different cities, Buenos Aires being the one that caught me off guard the most. I didn’t expect such development, especially after living in Panama, where the bus system was graffiti painted school buses, where street names don’t exist, and where traffic signals have absolutely no significance. Buenos Aires reminds me a lot of Brooklyn, New York, with grey buildings very close together, flocks of pigeons eating on the sidewalks, and being able to feel the rumble of the subway beneath your feet. Another aspect that surprised me, along with most newcomers to Argentina I’m sure, is of course their Spanish dialect. I knew it was different, but I wasn’t sure how different. When someone is speaking rapidly it sounds like they are singing in Italian, replacing their y’s and ll’s with sh’s. Their tone is a lot lighter too, almost as if every sentence is a question, whereas in the Central American dialect their pronunciation is a lot more defined, with a heavier emphasis on certain vowels and words. 
The final aspect, which I had absolutely no idea beforehand, was the work that me, and the other volunteers do. I enjoy the luxury of being able to sleep most of the day, getting up and riding the subway for 5 minutes and being at the doorstep of my heated office where I work to try and enrich the communication and marketing of Voluntario Global through the internet and to the public. Other volunteers however, such as those who I had the pleasure of experiencing their job first hand, get up early in the morning and travel sometimes hours by train to small, impoverished towns, to teach at schools or take care of kindergarten children. I got to actually see the work that all the volunteers are actually doing, and how our combined efforts in many different projects, however small they may be, sum up to a large scale change and the betterment of the world of tomorrow. 
We have put together a list of grants and fundraising opportunities available to future volunteers interested in coming to Argentina. Some of the scholarships are reserved for only students, but some are welcome to all who have the qualifications to apply. Grants like these and others are a great way to make your volunteering experience a lot easier economically!
1. Name: Omprakash Foundation Grants
Link: http://www.omprakash.org/volunteer-abroad-grants
Description: They offer Volunteer Grants to defray travel and living expenses for individuals who are interested in serving an Omprakash Partner (Voluntario Global is a partner) and making a long-term contribution to our global educational community. Their Volunteer Grant program is open to all, regardless of age or nationality. They review four cycles of grant applications each year.
2. Name: Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant
Link: http://www.phikappaphi.org/web/awards/study_abroad.html
Description: Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Fifty $1,000 grants are awarded each year.
3. Name: Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
Link: http://www.nationalgridus.com/huntington.asp
Description: Gives a graduating college senior a budget for one year of public service anywhere in the world.
4. Name: Go Overseas International Volunteer Award
Link: http://www.gooverseas.com/volunteer-abroad
Description: Gives one award of $1,000 each academic year to anyone successfully accepted into an international volunteer program.
5. Name: LIVFund Scholarship
Link: http://www.livfund.org/scholarship/what-is-the-livfund-scholarship/
Description: Provides two $500 scholarships per month to gap year students or others interested in learning, interning, and volunteering in Latin America.
6. Name: Travel for Good Voluntourism Grant
Link: http://www.volunteerjournals.com/volunteer-travel-grants/
Description: Provides $5,000 for inspiring, Travelocity signature trips.
7. Name: “Go Fund Me” and “Fund My Travel”
Link: gofundme.com / fundmytravel.com
Description: Has helped thousands of people raise millions of dollars online, for amazing personal causes such as school tuition, sports teams, medical bills, volunteering abroad, business trips, and travel expenses. Its as simple as creating your own profile on our page for free, choosing a color, selecting a photo, and typing a message about what you want to do! Then it is ready to share to the world, personal contacts, and facebook friends. Donations are secure and online, and will be deposited directly into the bank account of the person whose cause you are supporting!
8. Name: Start –up Scholar Fundraising
Link: http://startupscholar.org/
Description: Students in need of project funding for a transformative educational experience present their ideas and projects to the Start Up Scholar platform, which helps bring together a community of people to support the development and education of students by pooling funding for their project. Donors contribute funding to support students and the projects they believe in. Depending on the fundraising model of the project, donations are either sent immediately to the project or pledged and sent only if the funding goal is reached. Some projects have perks or rewards for donating at certain levels. Students and donors interact directly and donors receive updates as the student undertakes the project.
9. Name: Gilman Scholarship
Link: http://www.iie.org/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program/Apply
Description: The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards for undergraduate study abroad and was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.
5 trucs pour éviter le choc des cultures en volontariat à l’étranger
geschrieben von Jesica FrancoPar Polly Hughes
Traduction par Jerem Guérin
En arrivant à l’étranger, presque tous les volontaires passent par une sorte de choc culturel. Lorsqu’on est complètement immergé dans un nouvel environnement, il arrive souvent de se sentir seul, nostalgique, ou perdu. Cela peut prendre quelques minutes comme quelques jours ou plusieurs semaines avant de s’en aller, mais avec l’aide d’autres volontaires j’ai compilé quelques trucs pour vous qui peuvent faciliter l’arrivée dans un nouveau pays.
) Parler avec d’autres volontaires
Il est toujours rassurant de découvrir que tous les autres ont traversé la même chose que vous- contrairement à vos amis et famille restés à la maison- d'autres volontaires comprendront exactement comment vous vous sentez et pourrons vous faire des suggestions qui vous aideront pendant les premiers jours. En outre, vous serez submergé d'invitations à sortir, à voir des spectacles, à goûter des spécialités locales dans l'un des nombreux restaurants bon marché, ou tout simplement à se balader.
2) Interagir avec les gens du pays
La meilleure façon de s'adapter à la vie du nouveau pays est de se faire des amis parmi les habitants locaux. En provenance de l'Angleterre, j'ai d'abord été surpris par la gentillesse des argentins, il semblait que tout le monde, des chauffeurs de taxi aux caissières de supermarché, s'intéressaient vraiment à d'où je venais et ce que je faisais. Avoir des amis locaux qui vous font visiter la ville n'est pas seulement un excellent moyen de pratiquer votre espagnol, mais c’est aussi le meilleur moyen de voir le côté le moins “touristy” de la ville. 3) Impliquez-vous dans votre travail de volontaire
Plus de temps vous consacrez à votre travail en tant que bénévole, plus rapidement vous sortez du “choc”. En plus d'être un moyen extrêmement utile de passer votre temps, il permet également de vous occuper, aide à oublier la maison, et faire quelque chose de bien permet toujours de se sentir mieux!
4) Apprendre quelque chose de nouveau
Bien qu'il soit impossible de profiter de tout ce que le pays a à offrir, l'apprentissage d'une nouvelle habileté redonne toujours le sourire. Les leçons de danse, par exemple, sont très populaires parmi les volontaires à Buenos aires. Les classes de langue, sont également l'un des moyens les plus efficaces pour lutter contre le choc culturel. Non seulement elles vont vous faire oublier votre nostalgie et vous aider à vous sentir plus concerné, mais encore le sentiment d'accomplissement sert à contrecarrer toute incertitude sur son voyage à de milliers kilomètres de la maison.
5) Partez à la découverte
Il y a toujours quelque chose d’intéressant, quelque chose de nouveau à découvrir, des artistes locaux, des rues typiques, des restaus rustiques, et ainsi de suite. Errer dans les rues, sous le soleil, avec un verre de jus de fruit fraîchement pressé au bord de la route est un moyen idéal pour découvrir la ville et apprendre à aimer son architecture et ses gens sympathiques, toujours prêts à aider un “stranger” perdu.
¿Qué significa ser mujer en el Centro Comunitario "Los Pibes"?
geschrieben von Jesica FrancoPor: Margaux Maxwell y Suezy Marins Traducido por: Julian Heckmatt El pasado miércoles visitamos ‘Los Pibes’, un centro comunitario en La Boca, que brinda alimentación, empleo y actividades educativas para las familias del área. Además, el centro da a la comunidad una voz con la inauguración de una nueva estación de radio – ‘Radio Riachuelo’. Ahí entrevistamos a dos mujeres por el Día International de la Mujer. Les consultamos sobre el significado de ser mujer – sus luchas, sus dificultades, sus alegrías y su sentido universal. Nos contaron sus historias.
Elizabeth, madre de 7 hijos, nativa de la provincia de Salta. Se vino a La Boca y empezó trabajando en Los Pibes hace 9 años. Nos sentamos para hablar sobre su vida como mujer. Al contar su historia, reveló qué significa ser mujer en La Boca, y cómo su experiencia de madre adolescente le enseñó el significado de la maternidad. “Mujeres y hombres no son iguales. La vida de la mujer es muy difícil – y los sacrificios no se notan bajo las sombra de los hombres – que nos tratan como esclavas” Esta es la descripción de Elizabeth, una madre soltera, que tiene que actuar como madre y padre de sus hijos. A pesar de estas dificultades, esto es lo que dijo que significa ser madre: “Yo tuve mis niños cuando era muy joven. Dejé Salta por ellos, por una esperanza de mejor vida para ellos. Trabajando en los Pibes, pude alimentar a mis hijos y a mi misma. No tuve una madre para ayudarme; estaba sola, así que me era muy difícil. La Boca era muy diferente en esa época, este edificio era una industria de motores – nuestros zapatos estaban siempre cubiertos de lubricante. Estoy muy orgullosa en lo que se transformó, es un lugar mejor hoy.” “Criar a mis hijos aquí fue muy difícil. Yo era madre pero también era niña, así que no entendía lo que la maternidad implicaba. Nunca abandoné a mis hijos, pero pasé mucho tiempo con mis amigos. Cuando crecí y fui mayor, entendí lo que significa ser madre. Es un regalo de Dios y estoy muy orgullosa de ser mujer y tener mis hijos.” A pesar del peso de su historia, o tal vez en razón de ella, se comporta en forma muy relajada. Nunca para de pensar en el porvenir, y sobre esto también nos habló: “Mi esperanza es que algún día, todos tengamos casas propias, yo y mis pares. Eso es mi sueño. Si encontramos trabajo bueno y ganamos el dinero suficiente, este sueño puede ser realidad”
Alfonsa es una mujer de buen ánimo, que cosía y escuchaba la radio con sus amigas cuando la vimos por primera vez. Feliz de hablar con nosotros, a sus 71 años, todavía trabaja en le cooperativa de textiles en Los Pibes – una organización política y social que se encuentra en La Boca. Alfonsa también es madre y abuela. Cuando la entrevistamos, nos contó su historia sobre la lucha de ser mujer y madre soltera. Nació en Misiones, que se encuentra al noreste de Argentina. Se vino a Buenos Aires en el año 1993, y crió a sus 9 hijos sola. Cuando le preguntamos que significa ser madre, nos dijo: “no soy sólo una madre sino también un padre, trabajo como hombre y mujer. Yo fui la persona que se ocupó de todo, y por esto, me siento muy orgullosa.” La simpática mujer se emociona al recordar la dura vida que sufrió al separarse de su marido y su emigración a Buenos Aires para trabajar. Se sintió realmente sola cuando su hermana con quien vivía murió alrededor de ese tiempo, y no tenia un lugar donde vivir: “no tenia donde vivir. Arrendé una casa pequeña en La Boca, pero no encontré trabajo. Llegué con una mano delante y otra atrás. Hablé con unos jóvenes y, para mi sorpresa, me ofrecieron un trabajo. Eso fue todo, y empecé.” A Alfonsa le gusta su labor, y lo considera su segundo hogar, a pesar de que ha sido un esfuerzo para ella. Nos dijo esto cuando le preguntamos cuáles han sido sus más profundas alegrías y penas: “mi batalla diaria siempre ha sido el trabajo. He trabajado desde muy joven. Eso es mi lucha. Y mi dicha es mi familia, mis hijas, mi nieto y mis colegas. Los Pibes es mi segundo hogar." Las historias de Elizabeth y Alfonsa son testimonios de la fuerza que poseen las mujeres de Los Pibes, centro comunitario de La Boca, Buenos Aires.
Día de la Memoria was celebrated in Buenos Aires between Congreso and Plaza de Mayo last Sunday, a national holiday which remembers and asks for the return of those who disappeared during the Dirty War. The same mothers who walked the streets 30 years ago during this massacre could be seen on this day, celebrating, lamenting and fighting for justice - springing forth for their usual post at the Plaza de Mayo every Thursday.
During the holiday, people from all over the county held their flags and marched from one monument to the other, drumming, chanting and singing. To be sure, the hands of passion drumming on the street floors of this city come to a full crescendo on this day.
Die Iguazu-Wasserfälle: Befolgt die Argentinische oder die Brasilianische Seite die Richtlinien des nachhaltigen Tourismus?
Liron Baur & Max BrenssellAls wir am letzen Februarwochenende beide National Parks der Iguazu Wasserfälle (einer in Argentinien und der andere in Brasilien) besucht haben, ist uns, außer natürlich der atemberaubenden Natur und den beeindruckenden Wasserfällen selbst, aufgefallen, wie unterschiedlich die beiden National Parks mit dem Thema Umweltschutz in dieser Region umgehen. Es hat uns sehr überrascht, dass die beiden Nationalparks komplett unterschiedliche Methoden zur Sensibilisierung hatten und dass die Ergebnisse ihrer Bemühungen in den einzelnen Parks deutlich sichtbar waren.
Für diejenigen von euch, die noch nie von den Wasserfällen gehört haben (keine Sorge, bevor wir anfangen haben unsere Reise nach Argentinien zu planen wussten wir auch nicht, dass diese Wasserfälle existieren, obwohl sie unglaublich schön und in Südamerika sehr bekannt sind –sie sind eines der neuen 7 Weltwunder!), hier ein kleiner Überblick auf Fakten und Geschichte der Iguazu-Wasserfälle und der beiden Nationalparks: Die Wasserfälle liegen an der Grenze von Argentinien (Misiones) und Brasilien (Paraná) und stammen aus dem Iguazu-Fluss. Sie haben eine Gesamtbreite von 2,7 km und eine Höhe von 60-82m. Aufgrund des tropischen Klimas in der Region beherbergt der Regenwald rund um die Wasserfälle mehr als 2000 Pflanzenarten, 400 Vogelarten, unzählige Insekten (pass auf die Mücken auf!) und viele andere Tieren. Der argentinische National Park wurde im Jahr 1934 gegründet mit dem Ziel der Erhaltung der Wasserfälle und der Artenvielfalt um sie herum. Rund 900.000 Besucher kommen jedes Jahr in den Park.
Der brasilianische National Park, der 5 Jahre später gegründet wurde, ist Heimat von vielen bedrohten Tierarten, darunter der Riesenotter. Rund 800.000 Touristen besuchen den Park jedes Jahr. An unserem ersten Tag, nach der Ankunft in Puerto Iguazu am Freitagabend, haben wir beschlossen, den argentinischen National Park zuerst zu besuchen, da er größer ist als der brasilianische und man dort viele der Wasserfälle aus nächster Nähe betrachten kann und dort der Zugang zur berühmten Schlucht "Gargantas del diablo "(Teufelsschlund) ist. Beim Betreten des Parks, als wir in Richtung des ersten Besucherpfades liefen, sahen wir einige Warnschilder mit Informationen über die verschiedenen Tiere und Aufforderungen sie nicht zu füttern. Uns wurde geraten, vor allem auf die Nasenbären aufzupassen (Waschbär-ähnliche Tiere, die keine Angst vor Menschen haben und es darauf abgesehen haben das Essen der Touristen zu stehlen!), weil sie bei der Witterung von Lebensmitteln aggressiv werden können und dich angreifen könnten.
Es gab auch Schilder, die die Besucher baten keine Abfälle herumliegen zu lassen, was sehr effektiv zu sein schien, da es auch um die ‚Essenbereiche’ herum sehr sauber war. Entlang der Gehwege (es gibt zwei Gehwege: den oberen und den unteren), waren viele Infotafeln angebracht worden, die den Besuchern historische Fakten über die Region bieten, Informationen über die verschiedenen Pflanzen und Tiere des Dschungels, der die Wasserfälle umgibt und Infos über die ökologischen Veränderungen, die sich in dieser Region ereignen. Wir waren von den Bemühungen, die gemacht wurden um Umweltbewusstsein zu schaffen und die Erhaltung der Natur um die Wasserfälle herum anzuwerben, beeindruckt. Die andere Besonderheit des Parks, die von dessen Engagement zum Schutz der Umwelt zeugt, ist der ökologische Zug, der die Besucher vom Ausgangspunkt der Gehwege bis zu dem Punkt, an dem der Zugang zur ‚gargantas del diablo’ Kluft ist, transportiert.
Am nächsten Tag besuchten wir den brasilianischen National Park, der einen gesamt Überblick über alle Wasserfälle neben einander bietet, der uns den Atem raubte. Aber leider haben wir auch festgestellt, dass die Touristen hier nicht so rücksichtsvoll waren, denn wir bemerkten Cola- und Bierdosen, Plastiktüten und Verpackungen, die achtlos neben den Gehwegen, im Wald liegen gelassen wurden. Eine andere Sache, die unsere Aufmerksamkeit erregte ist der Hubschrauberlandeplatz und die Hubschrauberflüge über die Wasserfälle, die der Park anbietet. Zusätzlich dazu liegt ein großes Hotel direkt neben den touristischen Pfaden innerhalb des Parks. Während diese Einrichtungen Arbeitsplätze für die Einheimischen der Region schaffen und die Wirtschaft anzukurbeln, sind sie eine große Belastung für die empfindliche Umwelt.
Die Tatsache, dass die beiden Parks das Problem der Bewahrung unserer Umwelt, so unterschiedlich behandeln, erinnerte uns an die Verantwortung, die wir als Touristen tragen, dafür zu sorgen, dass unser Verhalten der Umwelt nicht schadet und dass wir immer versuchen sollten interkulturellen Austausch mit unseren Gastgeber-Gemeinschaften zu schaffen. Der Besuch der Iguazu Wasserfälle war eine unglaubliche Erfahrung und wir können euch allen nur empfehlen, dorthin zu reisen, während ihr in Argentinien seid und die Chance dazu habt. Die Schönheit und Kraft der Natur dort, hat unsere Perspektive im Hinblick auf unsere Umwelt und wie uns um sie kümmern sollten, wieder zurechtgerückt.
The Iguazu Falls: Is the Argentinian or Brazilian side following Responsible Tourism?
Liron Baur & Max BrenssellWhen we visited both of the Iguazu falls National Parks (one in Argentina and the other in Brazil), the last weekend of February, what struck us most, besides the stunning nature and the beauty of the falls themselves, was how each National Park treated the subject of environmental preservation in that area. We were surprised to find that the Brazilian and Argentine National Parks had very different methods of raising awareness and that the results of their efforts were quite visible in the Parks themselves. For those of you who haven’t heard of the falls before (don’t worry, before we started planning our trip to Argentina I hadn’t heard of them either, even though they are incredibly beautiful and very famous around South-America - they are one of the new 7 word wonders!), here’s a brief over-view of facts and history of the falls and both National Parks: The waterfalls are located on the border of Argentina (Misiones) and Brazil (Paraná).
The falls originate from the Iguazu-river, have a total width of 2.7km and a height of 60-82m. Due to the tropical climate in the area the rainforest around the falls is home to more than 2000 plant species, 400 species of birds, countless insects (beware of the mosquitoes!) and many other animals. The Argentine National Park was created in 1934, with the purpose of preserving the waterfalls as well as the biodiversity around them. Approximately 900000 visitors come to the park each year. The Brazilian National Park was created 5 years later, it is home to many endangered species including the giant otter. Around 800000 tourists visit the park every year. On our first day, after arriving in Puerto Iguazu on Friday evening, we decided to visit the Argentine National Park, as it is larger than the Brazilian one and gives you many close-up views of the waterfalls and access to the famous ‘gargantas del diablo’ (Devil’s throat) long and narrow chasm. Entering the Park and walking towards the first tourist walkway, we saw various warning signs with information on the different animals and warnings not to feed them.
We were told to especially watch out for Coaties (raccoon-like animals that are not afraid of humans and very eager to steal your food!) as they are likely to get aggressive around food and may attack you. There were also signs asking the visitors not to leave trash lying around, which seemed to be quite effective, as even the areas around the ‘food courts’ were considerably clean. Along the walkways (there are two walkways: upper and lower), many information boards had been installed that provided the visitors with historical facts about the area, information on various plants and animals specific to the jungle that surrounds the waterfalls and the ecological changes that the environment of the falls is undergoing. We were impressed with the effort that was made to create environmental awareness and advocate the preservation of the nature around the falls. The other feature of the Park that proves its dedication to protecting the environment is the ecological train, which transports the visitors from the starting point of the walkways to the point from which they can access the Devil’s throat chasm.
The next day we visited the Brazilian National Park, which offers a complete view of the falls next to each other, which left us completely awestruck. But sadly we also noticed that the tourists here hadn’t been as considerate, as we saw empty soda and beer cans, plastic bags and wrappers, that had been carelessly left behind next to the trails, in the forest. Another thing that caught our attention was the heliport and the helicopter tours over the falls that the Park offers. In addition to that there is a large Hotel right next to the tourist paths inside the park. While these facilities create jobs for the locals of the area and boost the economy, they are a big strain on the fragile environment.
The fact that the two parks treated the issue of preserving our natural environment so differently reminded us of the responsibility we have as tourists to make sure our behavior doesn’t harm our environment and that we should always try to create intercultural exchange with our host communities. Visiting the Iguazu falls was an incredible experience and I can only advise all of you to travel there while you are in Argentina, if you have the chance. Being in the presence of such natural beauty and force gave us a new sense of perspective in regard to our environment and the way we should be taking care of it.
By Thomas Gruber and David Schweinzer Seit knapp 6 Jahren arbeitet Voluntario Global mit der Stiftung namens "Chacras de Buenos Aires" zusammen. Der Hauptsitz von Chacras befindet sich im traditionellen portenischen Stadtviertel San Telmo. Seit 2005 setzt sich die Organisation zum Ziel, durch die Umsetzung kultureller, sozialer und umweltbezogener Projekte, eine nachhaltige Entwicklung benachteiligter Gruppen und Gemeinschaften in und um Buenos Aires zu fördern. Ihre Vision stützt sich u.a. auf die Erlangung einer besseren und gerechteren Gellschaft.
Das Delta Sanfernandino
Eines ihrer Projekte befindet sich im Delta des Sanfernandino dessen Fauna und Flora einzigartig auf dieser Welt scheint. Das Delta wird seit dem Jahr 2000 als Weltkulturerbe von UNESCO geschützt. Mehr als 3000 Menschen leben in diesem Gebiet, das nur mit dem Boot erreicht werden kann. Chacras unterstützt die lokale Bevölkerung beim Aufbau kleiner Häuser, die komplett aus Holz gefertigt werden. Das Wissen über spezielle Techniken für den dortigen Hausbau wird von den Anwohner bezogen, sodass diese Häuser nicht innerhalb der nächsten Jahre durch unterschiedliche Umwelteinflüsse zerstört werden können. Seit 2005 wurden 3 Häuser gebaut, wobei bereits 3 weitere auf der gleichen Insel, für das nächste Jahr, geplant sind.
Welchen Beitrag leisten die Freiwilligen?
Die Hauptaufgabe der Freiwilligen liegt darin, Marcelo beim Bau der Häuser tatkräftig zu unterstützen. Jeder kann während der Arbeit unterschiedliche Vorschläge und Ideen einbringen. Sofern Freiwillige auf der Insel übernachten möchten, wird Nikolas zusammen mit ihnen auf der Insel bleiben. Darüber hinaus ist Nikolas auch für die Fertigstellung des Hauses verantwortlich, wobei er sich nebenbei auch um die Errichtung des Bio-Gartens, der im Erdgeschoss platziert werden soll, kümmert.
Sembrando Vida - Biologischer Garten im Neuropsychatrischen Krankenhaus „Jose Tiburcio Borda“
In der Nervenklinik, die sich mitten in Buenos Aires befindet, hat die Organisation Chacras einen biologischen Garten und ein Gewächshaus angelegt, das den Patienten einen Platz der Entspannung bietet und gleichzeitig ihren Resozialisierungsprozess positiv beeinflusst. Freiwillige von Voluntario Global und auch von anderen Organisationen sorgen gemeinsam dafür, dass es den verschiedenen Pflanzen- und Gemüsesorten an nichts fehlt.
Es arbeiten jedoch nicht nur Volontäre an diesem Projekt. Die Patienten des Krankenhauses selbst nähern sich täglich dem kleinen Biogarten und helfen bei dessen Pflege, das positive Auswirkungen mit sich bringt. Einerseits sind dadurch mehr Menschen um das Wohl des Gartens bemüht und andererseits wird der Resozialisierungsprozess der Patienten unterstützt. Im Grunde wird ihnen dadurch eine sinnvolle Beschäftigung für den Tag geboten. Da sie sich um eine lebende Pflanze kümmern können, lernen sie auch wieder auf sich selbst zu achten. In den letzten Jahren haben bereits einige, wegen guter mentaler Gesundheit, das Krankenhaus verlassen dürfen. Zwei davon helfen noch immer im Garten mit. Neben der Gartenarbeit können sich Patienten auch kreativ betätigen; und zwar im Kulturzentrum welches sich nebenan befindet. Das Projekt von Chacras beinhaltet ebenso den Bau von Häusern aus natürlichen Materialien. Aufgrund des Mangels an qualifizierten Arbeitskräften steht das Projekt jedoch immer noch in seinen Anfängen. Wer gerade dabei ist, diese Zeilen zu lesen und Zeit in Buenos Aires verbringen möchte, dem sei gesagt: Es gibt einiges zu tun und tolle Erfahrungen zu machen ;)
Welche Vorteile bieten diese Projekte für Freiwillige?
Diese Projekte bieten ein unvergessliches Erlebnis für alle, die ein Teil davon sind und es sein möchten und mehr über eine völlig andere Kultur lernen wollen. Sofern du Interesse hast, andere Freiwillige aus der ganzen Welt zu treffen, die ebenfalls neugierig auf etwas völlig Unbekanntes sind - dann bist du genau die richtige Person für unser Team! Das Gebiet rund um den Tigre bietet seinen Einwohnern einen der ruhigsten Orte rund um Buenos Aires, den man als normaler Tourist auf diese Weise sicher nicht zu Gesicht bekommt. Be part of it!
Some years ago, Voluntario Global started a collaboration with another foundation called "Chacras de Buenos Aires" which is located in a traditional neighbourhood of San Telmo. This organization tries to enforce sustainable human development by having different projects with the target of achieving fairer society.
The Delta Sanfernandino
One of the projects is located in the Delta of Sanfernandino which has been protected as part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage since 2000. About 3000 people are living in this area which can only be reached by boat and contains a unique flora and fauna. The Chacras organization supports local people by building up little houses which are completely made out of wood. The knowledge of local residents is used to build the houses with special techniques so that the houses will not get destroyed within the next years. Since 2005, 3 houses have been built and 3 more are planned to be built on one of the islands in the next year.
What will Volunteers do?
The main tasks of the volunteers will be to help Marcelo, the guy with the knowledge of how to build the houses and Nicolas who will stay at the island if volunteers want to stay there too. Volunteers are encouraged to tell others if something could be done more efficiently or in a better way than before. Nicolas is responsible for building the house as well as taking care of the organic garden which is going to be placed on the ground floor.
Sembrando Vida - Organic garden at the psychiatric hospital “José Tiburcio Borda“
At the psychiatric hospital, which is located in central Buenos Aires, the organization Chacras created an organic garden and a greenhouse to provide a tranquil space for patients to help them resocialize in the community. Volunteers from Voluntario Global and other organizations are working together with the patients in order to take care of all the plants and to enlarge the diversity by planting new crops
For the patients, this project has two sustainable effects. On the one hand, it is good that many people care about seeds and plants, and on the other hand they are doing something useful during their time inside the hospital which furthermore addresses their health and resocialization. The belief behind this program is that as patients learn to care about a living plant, they will also learn to take care of their own lives. In the past years, some patients already left the hospital because they mentally recovered. Two of them are still working in the garden. Besides gardening, patients are also able to do some creative work in the cultural centre which is placed next to the garden. The project of Chacras also includes building houses with organic materials. Due to a lack of qualified people, it is still under construction and therefore volunteers are needed urgently! So whoever reads this and wants to spend some time in Buenos Aires, there is a lot of work to be done and great experiences to make ;)
What advantages do these projects have for volunteers?
These projects provide an unforgettable experience for everyone who is part of it. If you want to get to know a completely different culture and meet other volunteers from all around the globe which are curious to see something completely unknown - you are the right person for it! In fact, the island of Tigre provides one of the most relaxing places around Buenos Aires, which you might not see as a normal tourist. Be part of it!
VOLUNTARIO GLOBAL
Voluntario Global helps local communities by being available to discuss anything that local organizations need, and offering ideas for further change and development.
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