Our Story
Walking alongside children and their rights since 1986
Early years...
El Arca’s work began in 1986, when it opened its first home for children in the neighborhood of Parque Patricios. A few years later, the home was relocated to a larger house in Moreno. By 1998, the project had expanded to two homes—one for girls and another for boys.
We carried out this work until 2011, always listening to and respecting the decisions of each child who chose to live at El Arca, and supporting their processes of reconnecting with their families.
In 2000, we set out to bring our rights-based and participatory approach to the broader community of Cuartel V through a citizenship-building project that continues to this day.
1986
Founding of El Arca
We created a home for children and adolescents who were living on the streets. We sustained three residential homes and supported families. Thanks to this effort, 300 children no longer lived on the streets.
Hear the story from our founders.
2000
Citizenship Project
This project began during a time of deep social, political, and economic crisis in Cuartel V, a highly vulnerable area in the municipality of Moreno.
We’ve continued this project to this day—with over 5,000 children actively participating.
2009
A School for Los Hornos
Together with families and community organizations in the Los Hornos neighborhood of Cuartel V, we launched a campaign to build a school. That collective dream came true in 2017 with the creation of Public Elementary School No. 84.
2024
Our Daily Work
In this segment from the Telefé news broadcast, we share the work we do through one of our core efforts: school follow-up.
Alongside local women community leaders, we support children’s education and help prevent school dropout.
Get to know our work
Make your donation tax-deductible
El Arca is a nonprofit organization eligible to receive tax-deductible donations—whether one-time or monthly—within Argentina.
If you'd like to learn how to claim your donation, contact us at: desarrollo@elarca.org.ar
Coordination Team
Edgardo "Fito" Cónsoli
Lic en Sociología
PROYECTO TERRITORIAL DE CONSTRUCCIÓN DE LA CIUDADANÍA
Cristian Cónsoli
Lic en Sociología y Prof. de Educación Física.
PROYECTO TERRITORIAL DE CONSTRUCCIÓN DE LA CIUDADANÍA
Founders of El Arca
Mirta Quinteros
Secretary
Betina Perona
Executive Director
Bettina Cotta
Executive Director