Buenos Aires is an incredible and polarized city with class discrimination that rules the streets. Most of the travelers who visit are likely to stick to the Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo neighborhoods due to the warning that everywhere else is dangerous. And that is the truth. However, there are countless barrios (neighborhoods) that are passed by and even looked down on. The most feared and therefore hidden barrio is La Cuidad Oculta, located near Mataderos which holds a killer fair every Sunday.

La Cuidad Oculta, the hidden city, is a slum on the outskirts of Capital Federal BA. It is a labyrinth of makeshift homes, flooded alleys, and uneven ground. It is not a place to visit or a place to stay, but it is as important as the shops at Plaza Serano and the museums in Recoleta. The opportunity to meet the neighbors and learn about the other side of BA is available by volunteering at a place called Centro Conviven (www.centroconviven.org.ar)

Conviven is a small community center located on the outer limits of Cuidad Oculta. It is run by a crazy and resourceful Brazilian and family from the slum. The abuela cooks every meal and is in charge of opening and closing the door for security. Her son and daughter are there helping to organize specific events such as street concerts, trips to museums and the zoo, etc. There is also a little clan of grandkids running around and keeping everyone in silly spirits.

Every day at Conviven we offer free workshops to the kids and adults of Ciudad Oculta. Since all of the teachers are volunteers, the classes are based on the talents of those volunteers who are free to teach anything they like, such as, English, French, guitar, salsa, choir, circus, and art. Our photography and weaving classes have been so inspiring that their work has been on display in a fine museum in Recoleta. Check out http://www.ph15.org.ar/
to see all the amazing work.

All volunteers become family here and have many chances to go into the slum and hang out if they want. Every month there is a musical festival in the entrance to the Cuidad Oculta where families sell traditional Argentinian food (choripan) and bands from the slum come together to jam. At the last concert, our Director managed to get a big recording label to lend us sound equipment, and later the producer offered all the bands a day in the studio to record their own CDs.

When anyone enters Conviven, they are greeted with smiles and warmth that keeps everyone coming back. The classes are free and we all eat breakfast and lunch together. It is a perfect place to improve your Castellano (Spanish) speaking and if you are patient you can learn the history of a hidden culture.

There are no barriers here. Come in, spend a part of your trip volunteering and you will walk away with more than you know. There is no need to dress trendy, here you are appreciated for just being you.