Teach in Poor, Rural Schools

Project At A Glance

Location : Atenas—Barrios Central, Sabana Larga, San Isidro, Fatima, Altos de Naranjo, Mercedes Start Point : Atenas End Point : Atenas Duration : 2-12 weeks Hours : 20-30 per week Food : Provided by homestay family Room : Homestay family Date : First and Third Monday of each month, from February 15-November.

Project Summary

Poor, rural children are falling behind their rich counterparts in the cities because the schools are in bad shape physically, there isn't enough space to teach to all of the children, and there aren't enough qualified teachers or enough teachers in general to attend to all of the subjects and students. Therefore, the gap between the rich and poor is growing. These rural students attend schools in which courses such as English, art, and Physical Education are required, but are not taught because of the lack of funds and teachers. In other schools, the courses are taught, but at a very low level because the teachers are not qualified to teach these courses. Then they attend high school where they are already expected to know these subjects. Therefore, the dropout rate is very high and very few graduate. Teach art, physical education, and English in neighborhood kindergartens, elementary schools or in the local high school. These children need you.

Skill/Qualification

Basic Spanish preferred, but not required. Volunteers must be good role models for the children. Dress code is required in the schools (no shorts or sleeveless shirts) and volunteers must be presentable (no excessive tattoos or piercings). Volunteers are expected to be reliable, flexible, and patient.

Volunteer Responsibilities

As a volunteer in the school project in Atenas, you will be assisting with classes at a kindergarten, elementary school, or high school level. Teaching English, French, art, math, physical education, or other areas of interest can be pursued if the volunteer has the training or experience in the area.

Room/Food

Room and board will be provided by the homestay families in Atenas for the entire duration of the program. They will provide 3 meals a day (lunch may be “to go” if the volunteer experience requires that the volunteer has to be gone from the house throughout the day). Experience the culture of Costa Rica , the incredible traditional food, and expand your Spanish. Supervision will be provided in Atenas for both the homestay and the volunteer opportunity during the entire time of the program.