Work in Orphanage in Costa Rica

Project At A Glance

Location: Atenas or La Garita Start Point: Atenas End Point: Atenas Duration: 4-12 weeks Hours: 20-30 per week Food: Provided by homestay family Room: Homestay family Date: First and Third Monday of each month

Project Summary

The orphanage in Atenas , Costa Rica , is a private, Christian-founded home dedicated to providing children with a loving, caring home until situations within the home can be corrected (abuse cases, unlivable conditions, etc), they can be adopted by families, or are of an age to be on their own. Many have come from extreme poverty or cases of abuse and are struggling to trust people and overcome physical and mental limitations due to early abuse and neglect.

The orphanage in La Garita , Costa Rica is government-run and deals with adolescents. Teens who have been taken from the street or from family situations which are not ideal. They will stay here until the home situation is corrected or until the child comes of age. These children are dealing with issues of poverty, abuse, and street issues—drugs, prostitution, and more.

Skill/Qualification

Basic Spanish preferred, but not required. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and stay for a minimum of one month. Volunteers are expected to be flexible and patient. You should have passion and love for children. For the orphanage in La Garita , a minimum of 25 years old and experience working with street children is a plus.

Volunteers Responsibilities

As a volunteer in the orphanage project in Atenas or La Garita , you will be assisting the staff with the children/adolescents, teaching English, playing games, and helping with homework. You may also do basic needs work around the orphanage including cleaning, helping with laundry, and helping maintain the property. Must be willing to assist with a variety of needs beyond just directly with the children.

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.