Help Argentina helped to make our service experience so meaningful and also, successful in Buenos Aires. Through them, we were able to create strong ties to the dedicated and knowledgeable people within their organization and later with the community with whom we worked. They did a wonderful job familiarizing us with the political, social and economic realties that have contributed to many of the disparities and hardships we would later witness, which really added to the value of our work. After this orientation, as well, their volunteers at HA facilitated our project every step of the way.
As for the actual volunteering experience, although we were only in the area for a week, each day was incredibly rewarding. I think our group probably ended up getting more out of our experience in Tigre with the architect, the nuns, and the residents of the community, than we were able to give back. We spent each hour of our time there doing tough construction work - sawing, hammering, nailing, shoveling - but being able to witness our progress each day, with the construction itself and also in getting to know the neighborhood people, especially the children, was really motivating. We learned a great deal about construction work, but also about the various families and their interests, hopes and more generally, their culture. My only regret is that we were not able to stay longer, but I hope we may return some day soon.
-Anna Duning