Work with Underprivileged Children in Costa Rica

Project At A Glance Location: Atenas Start Point: San Jose End Point: San Jose Duration: 2-12 weeks Hours: 20-30 per week Food: Provided by host family Room: With host family Date: First and Third Monday of each month

Project Summary

Many children in Costa Rica are in very difficult situations and live in levels of extreme poverty. They are at high risk for behavior problems, dropping out of school or turning towards crime. Education is the “way out” for these children. However, these children are disadvantaged. Their schools do not offer the opportunities that other, more affluent schools offer. English fluency is one of the best ways to escape this life and have better opportunities in their future. Our afterschool programs try to combat these disadvantages by offering these children support with their education. Volunteers will support English studies and offer guidance with other skills they may possess.

Our after-school program offers the support these children require to be hopeful for their future!

Skills/Qualifications Needed

Beginner to intermediate knowledge of Spanish is preferred (but not mandatory). No specific qualifications are required to volunteer with our underprivileged children after-school project. Volunteers need to have at least basic Spanish fluency. They must be at least 18 years old and stay for a minimum of four weeks. Volunteers are expected to be flexible and patient as well as pro-active and willing to take charge. You should have passion and love for children.

Volunteers Responsibilities

As a volunteer in the after-school project in Atenas, you will run the after-school program on your own. Possible activities are teaching English, playing games and helping with homework. Volunteers should strive to create an inclusive and fun environment full of support and positive praise.

Room/Food/Supervision

In Costa Arica, all volunteers stay with well-screened host families. Our host families are socially respected and are well versed in the art of hosting international volunteers. Host families offer a safe home, private rooms (occasionally rooms will be shared with other same-gender volunteers) and shared bathroom facilities with running hot water and a “western” style toilet. Volunteers have the ability to do laundry at the house or the host family may offer to do it for you for a nominal extra fee. You receive three prepared meals per day. If you will be out of the house during lunch hour, you can request a lunch "to go" that you can take with you or eat out on your own. Host families provide typical meals that are traditional to Costa Rica.

Throughout the volunteer project, our local staff stays in contact with volunteers either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. With longer placements, we visit our volunteers every two weeks (when possible) and volunteers are always welcome at the local office. If project placement is local, we request that volunteers stop by the office once a week to keep us posted on how they are doing with their home stay and project. If project placement is very far, then our local staff members maintain communication by either email and/or phone.