| |
 The
Location
Misiones thrives with diverse ecology—winding rivers
flow in the humid tropics, and gigantic trees grow from
red dirt. The province is home to Iguazú Falls,
one of the world’s natural wonders. Taller than
Niagara Falls and twice as wide, Iguazú
Falls consist of 275 cascades that flow in a horseshoe
formation over the Iguazú River. Misiones also
contains the largest contiguous tract of southern Atlantic
rainforest. A major chunk of this region is home to the
traditional Guaraní people—the original occupants
of Argentina, southern Brazil and a large portion of Paraguay—giving
this province an especially rich history.
The capital of Misiones, Posadas is the main commercial
center for farming communities of the provincial interior.
For travelers, it is important as an access point to the
historic Jesuit missions of the upper Paraná, and
acts as a major border crossing between Argentina and
Paraguay.
The Situation
As in most developing countries, the public healthcare system in Misiones is less advanced than systems in first-world countries. As a Maternity Health volunteer, you will have the opportunity to learn, absorb, and experience these differences as you assist and shadow local medical professionals in their daily routines.
Many misioneras (residents of Misiones) lack the resources and knowledge to properly care for their babies and for themselves. The clinic in Posadas has a decent maternity program that is improving with help from our partner NGO, with whom you will be volunteering. Your efforts will allow these women and their babies to obtain the medical care and education they need.
 What
You Can Do
As a volunteer, you can observe and assist healthcare
workers as they provide general checkups.
Depending on experience and willingness to do different tasks, volunteers can take vital signs, record medical data, assist healthcare workers the ultrasound and feeding rooms, make rounds, or keep patients company. In addition, you can deliver workshops to underprivileged
mothers concerning motherhood, hygiene, and other healthcare issues. The Maternity Health Program in Misiones will give you a glimpse
into the strengths, weaknesses, and challenges of the Argentinean
healthcare system, especially in the maternity sector.
Airport Pickup and Orientation:
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will be picked
up by a shuttle service provided by Volunteer Adventures.
You will be transported to the BridgeArgentina Spanish
School where you will meet the Volunteer Adventures head
Volunteer Coordinator. You will be given an extensive
orientation at that time. After a free afternoon to relax
and have lunch, a bus will take you to Posadas. The following
morning when you arrive in Misiones, you will start your
Volunteer Adventure by meeting with your local project
coordinator to determine your skills, discuss what kind
of work you will be doing, and learn about your responsibilities
as a volunteer.
Transportation:
Volunteer Adventures will provide you with a round-trip
bus ticket between Buenos Aires and Misiones. The bus
trip is a 12-hour overnight journey, but the buses are
quite comfortable with reclining seats, movies and an
on-board food and drink service. They are also a great
way to see the Argentinean countryside.
 Language
Classes:
Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for Spanish instruction
at BridgeArgentina, Volunteer Adventures’ partner
language school in Buenos Aires. You may add any number
of weeks to your program, either before or after your
volunteer program in Misiones. We recommend that you take
your classes before your volunteer experience in order
to facilitate the success of your work in Posadas. For
more efficient placement upon your arrival, we ask that
you take our to determine
your language proficiency prior to going abroad. You will
be placed according to your language level in a group
of four or fewer students, learning conversational Spanish
for four hours a day.
Accommodations:
You will be staying in a hotel within walking distance to the hospital. Amenities vary by hotel, but you can expect private bathrooms, a TV, air-conditioning, and room service. Some also have Internet access, a mini-refrigerator, and a restaurant.
In-Country
Support:
We work directly with our partner organization
and the BridgeArgentina language school to provide support
during your time in Argentina. You can expect help from
our head Volunteer Coordinator as well as our local coordinators,
and of course from all of the people who run the organizations.
We also provide a 24-hour cell phone number for emergencies.
 Additional Activities and Excursions:
Although you will be working at the hospital for a majority of your Volunteer Adventure, there is also time for sightseeing and other excursions. Our partner organization will be happy to arrange any of the following excursions for you, though volunteers are responsible for the cost of the activity.
 Iguazu Falls — Visit these spectacular falls, which cascade in a horseshoe shape over two miles of the Iguazu River.
South of Misiones — Take a guided tour of Casa de la Cultura, El Parque de la Sierra in San Jose, La Ciudad Concepcion de las Sierras, and do some trekking along the way.
City Tour — Get to know Misiones as you tour such sites as the refreshing Berrondo Falls, Jardin Pajaros (bird park), Secado de Yerba, (tour the factory and learn how the famous Argentine mate is made) and more.
Ruins Tour — Explore the famous Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio, Loretto, Santa Ana and Santa Maria.
Fishing — Enjoy a day along the crystal clear Rio Uruguay, a river that forms the eastern border of the Misiones Province.
Horseback Riding — Take in the scenery of the tiny town of Puerto Azara, less than 62 miles
(100 km) from Posadas.
|
