Volunteer in Costa Rica

Project: Child Care Center Patarra

I have wanted to visit Costa Rica for a long time because of its vast natural resources: rivers, oceans, beaches, rain forest, swamp lands, mountains, etc. Therefore, when I realized I could afford it, I started looking for ways to not just coast through Costa Rica, but to give something, too.
I have been a teacher for a number of years and love children, but didn't want to do the conventional teaching thing on my vacation, so I started researching orphanages in Costa Rica and ways I could get involved in one while I was here. As I was doing my research, I realized that it cost a lot to volunteer. Volunteer placement organizations charge quite a bit, which was discouraging. I knew the money would go to a good cause, but it was still too much for me. When I came across uvolunteer, I saw both the opportunity to volunteer at an orphanage and the price was much less than the other placement organizations. It was then that I began my correspondence with them to see if it would be a good fit for me. I chose Patarra because it was somewhat outside of San Jose (didn't want to spend my whole vacation in a big city) and had the feel of a smaller community. I chose to volunteer for 3 out of the 4 weeks I would be in Costa Rica and travel on the weekends and during the 4th week.

When I first arrived at San Jose, I was greeted by Juan Eloy who is the coordinator for the albergue here with uvolunteer. As soon as we got to the house, I met his sister Jenny and we headed for a community celebration of San Juan for the evening. It was a blast and I got to meet the rest of the family as well as their friends and extended family. Plus, I got to dance salsa, meringue and cumbia, which I love! I realized quickly that they are a close-knit, fun loving family who accepted me immediately with open arms. The next day Juan and Jenny gave me an orientation as to my assignment at the albergue, general information about Costa Rica as well as its food, customs, common expressions and brief history as well as a tour of the community. Patarra is about 40 km. outside of San Jose with very friendly folk who all seem to know each other. Everyone I met seemed genuinely interested in me and always went the extra mile in terms of their generosity towards me. I was very humbled by this and hope to pass it on in my own country with visitors from other countries.

My first day at the orphanage was one of getting to know the children, their "tias" and to look for ways to encourage or help in any way I could. Luckily for the children, it was their first day of vacation, so I looked for ways to help them enjoy their free time with each other. The "tias" were so friendly and were so appreciative of any little thing I did to help. At first, they hesitated to let me help with general cleaning and cooking, but finally realized I can be pretty determined :. I did this only when I had some down time with the children, who were my first priority. It was such a relief when I realized that they only had 8 children. The more children there are, the more organization it takes in planning activities, like at school with my children in my class. With fewer children, it was nice to know I could focus on building relationships with each of them and giving them lots of attention, instead of trying to spread myself out thin with a larger group. So, I set to work to get to know their interests, their dreams and their talents. I also made a list of things they'd like to do on their vacation and surveyed the available materials, which consisted of a soccer ball and some paper and pencils. I wanted to do things that were relevant to them, not just my ideas imposed on them. I also spent time asking the tias questions about the needs of the kids and what the tias needed. I was careful, however, not to ask about individual children's history or background, so as to protect their confidentiality.

We played lots of hide-and-seek, freeze tag, and duck-duck-goose as well as draw pictures and listen to music at first. As the tias trusted me with these things, I was able to take the kids on a few outings close by to play soccer. I was thrilled to see that these kids are in a good situation at the albergue in that ratio of children to tias is small to allow each child to get enough attention. Also, the tias treat the children with respect in the manner they relate to them and go above and beyond to treat them like their own children instead of as 'babysitters'. The kids are actively engaged in their community in that they do daily chores and offer to help with cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping. It was like a real home. I can't tell you how much that encouraged me. Also, the kids were good kids, despite their difficult backgrounds. They are like any kid who wants attention, has lots of energy and needs to belong.

The second week of vacation, we took them on some excursions together like to go swimming and to the movies. This gave me a chance to relax and enjoy the experiences with them, instead of feeling like I needed to lead. We had a lot of fun! The third week, the children went back to school, so I was able to help them with homework, which I thoroughly enjoyed as a teacher. Also, I had sent some school supplies to them through uVolunteer before I left and they finally arrived this third week, in good timing for the beginning of school. The children always need educational supplies like pencils, paper, folders, pens, glue, etc. Also, they always need games and books in Spanish (different levels). One day, Juan and I cooked an "American" lunch for them of hamburgers and French fries with some really healthy Coca-Cola to go along with it. The tias let us know that they could get used to that!

While volunteering at the albergue, I also really enjoyed getting to know the Eloy family as well. They went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and having a good time. Lucila (the mother of the family) made coffee just for me every morning even though no one else drank it and always served breakfast, lunch and dinner "con much gusto" like it was no bother, but a pleasure to do so. Juan and Jenny became like brothers and sisters to me. We did a few things in San Jose, watched movies together, played games and laughed a lot. I loved their sense of humor and admire their determination in working towards getting their masters. They balance their jobs, their classes, their social lives and hosting a volunteer in their home. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how patient they were with my level of Spanish. I understand a lot, but speaking is still difficult for me. By the end, Jenny and Juan were finishing my sentences for me and we switched to English from time to time for Jenny and Juan to practice. It helped to laugh at ourselves and realize that the process of learning another language just takes time and practice.

After volunteering during the weekdays, I traveled on the weekends. In this manner, I was able to visit Tortuguero, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo, Turrialba, Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, Monteverde and Volcan Arenal. I went white water rafting, observed sea turtles nesting on the shore, snorkeling, dolphin watching, hiking through the rain forest, laying on the beach, canopy tour, horseback riding and scuba diving. Although there was lots of territory left to see, I feel satisfied that I got a real taste of the wildlife and adventure that Costa Rica has to offer. I'll just have to come back to see the rest of the places on my list that I wasn't able to go….

Overall, I completely enjoyed my volunteer experience both with uvolunteer as well as with the Patarra family and orphanage. I would highly recommend it for anyone. I know it enriched my life and hopefully, I did some good as well. I plan on staying in contact both with the Eloy family and the orphanage as time permits and will work on a 'pen pal' program between the kids from the orphanage and the kids from my school when I get back. I'd also like to send the kids something for their birthdays. I am grateful to have had this opportunity to serve here in Costa Rica.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions about any aspect of uVolunteer's programs. uVolunteer will provide my email adderess if requested.

Nancy Hamm: Age: 36, Country: America
Date: July 2007

Also See: Patarra's Photo Gallery.

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