On this project you’ll be working with an non-profit organization that works individually with children from 1 year old, teenagers, young adults and adults that suffer from different pathologies once a week for eleven months every year.
This activity is carried out by professionals that dedicate their time and energy to the practice and education of equine-assisted therapy in its 3 modalities: hippotherapy, therapeutic horseback riding and adapted horse riding for people that have affections such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or some other sensory impairment. The main goal for this organization is to build a recreational space that allows integration and social interaction for people that have organic difficulties that affect their proper development.
This kind of therapy works well with people with motor disabilities because the horse’s pelvis moves like the human hip and requires balance, coordination, and muscle strength so people exercise. It also works with people with mental disabilities because the relationship with the horse works as a mean to learn and grow emotionally.
They also provide workshops like art, cooking, computer science and social events like parties, asados (the typical Argentinean meat feast), board games and gatherings to play guitar and sing songs. They also work on to promote job placements and micro-enterprises.
As a volunteer you’ll need to collaborate with the development of the activities undertaken by the organization. Your help is needed in every area! At the workshops you’ll have to accompany and support learners, together with teachers; at the psychomotor and pedagogical cabinets you’ll support the professionals in the implementation of recreational and therapeutic activities; at equine therapy you’ll support both the instructor and the student.
You can also participate in creating events to spread the word and educate society in general about this therapy. You’ll have to assist on the preparation and implementation and broadcasting of the event afterwards. You can also help at the administrative area by documenting files, identifying and taking references and receiving parents and students. If you enjoy the close contact with nature you can help on animal care and gardening cooperating with the maintenance of the place. Keeping the horses and their boxes clean will be among your tasks.
If you enjoy nature, love horses and have a weakness for helping people with disabilities this is a great project to get involved with. You will learn a lot and have a very enlightening volunteer experience.
On this volunteer project you’ll have to work on your empathy. You need to walk on these people’s shoes and try to think what would need or like if you were them. You need to listen and to spend time with them to be able to fulfill their needs. The staff is very savvy and open to help you in everything you may need. But it is important for you to be perceptive and proactive.
The tasks named above will be arranged with every volunteer according to each one’s skills and special abilities.
As a student at this school I have been very satisfied with everything. I have felt that my Spanish has developed so much in such a short time.
This is the second time I come to Argentina and I love it! The School’s facilities are very good, we have internet access and a lot of things.
My experience in Buenos Aires was great. The teachers are well trained for each level. I liked the activities that the school offered.
