Argentina was one of the first nations the Hi Kidz’ founder, Jean André, visited as a young man in the 1930s, and he always felt a strong connection to it. Each of his visits allowed him to meet new people and establish friendships that would last a lifetime.
On his numerous trips, Mr. André noticed that local children did not have many opportunities to leave the congestion of Buenos Aires and enjoy the clean air and pleasant surroundings of the countryside.
Thus, in 1972 he purchased the 183-acre El Sembrador Park outside the village of Maximo Paz, an hour from the center of Buenos Aires. His intent was for the local churches to organize youth and children’s activities there, teaching the youngsters to live the life and values of the Kingdom of God. To this day, the Park remains a place for local youngsters to escape from the city during church retreats and other events. Over the years, it has grown into a major center where thousands of people continue to gather for sports competitions, music festivals, and other events during which Christians from local churches share the Gospel with the participants. Argentina has tremendous social and economic problems. Large parts of the population, especially around Buenos Aires, are unemployed and poor. The churches are very often seen as the only source of hope. Aware of these needs, Hi Kidz is looking for ways to make the facilities more accessible to un-churched children.
Recently, local churches have started organizing day camps at the Park for the underprivileged youngsters from the area. Since these camps have been very much in demand and highly successful, we will continue to develop similar activities in cooperation with local organizations.
“I enjoyed the swimming pool; the food was very nice and games too. As I obeyed my leader, made my bed every morning, and was on time for every activity, I won a grant for camp next summer. I made friends from other churches and hope to see them again soon.” - Tomas, 9
“My family is not Christian. But in the camp I turned to Christ and became convinced that God will change my family’s heart as He has mine.” – Pedro, 13
“At camp I came to know the Lord and have been growing in my faith. This spiritual growth and fellowship are now my priorities.” – Maxi, 14
C reated as a country in the first half of the 19th century, Argentina’s population and culture were heavily shaped by immigrants from Europe, most particularly from Italy and Spain.
For much of the 20th century, internal political conflicts, authoritarian rules and military juntas defined Argentina’s history. Democracy returned in 1983.
Although one of the world's wealthiest countries 100 years ago – and still rich in natural resources, export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base - Argentina suffered during most of the 20th century from recurring economic crises. The depression culminated in 2001 in the most serious economic, social, and political crisis in the country's turbulent history.
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