Volunteer in Community Development in Costa Rica

Project Summary: We work with community development projects that are designed to create an impact on communities at a grass roots level. Whether you're working with children with disabilities, your focus will be to provide guidance and skills that can be used to help enrich the lives of those that live within the community. This is an opportunity to work with children and other groups in need, on a face-to-face basis. These types of projects have the potential to create bonds, impressions and friendships that can last a lifetime.

Many of these local grassroots organizations actively seek international volunteers for specific and general community volunteer work. Their needs are continuously changing and the type of input required varies from time to time. Volunteering with these groups and institutions contribute to the care and education of these vulnerable towns and groups. Furthermore, many of these institutions are severely under funded and resourced, so volunteers play a crucial role in these projects. More importantly, volunteers have the opportunity to act as role models for these children and help out within other groups.

Your role as a volunteer

At the school for children with disabilities, you will be responsible for engaging in activities such as conversing in English, playing games with the children, and assisting in the basic care for these children throughout the day. Other activities could include helping with homework, providing life/vocational skills through workshops, preparing meals, playing sports and teaching arts and crafts.

Program Schedule

You will typically work 3-5 hours in the mornings and/or the afternoons with a lunch break. Work days are from Monday to Friday.

Project requirements

Patience, perseverance and understanding are key qualities required for community development projects. Some projects will benefit from volunteers with specialized skills involving areas such as health, technology and administration. But there are numerous other general projects that need volunteers who have initiative, enthusiasm and the willingness to learn.

Project dress code

As the projects vary, we will provide specific information on dress code with your placement information packet.

Suggested resources to be brought to project

Stationary, books, sports equipment, board games and any other educational materials are welcome. Again depending on the type of project, some resources will be more beneficial. We will provide a detailed list of suggested resources for donation with your program information.

Activities and Excursions around project locations

Samara offers a wide range of attractions and activities. A guided tour of the town is included in your orientation. This tour will allow you to become familiar with the layout of the town and give you a chance to see some of the major attractions in Samara. During your spare time, you can relax on the beach, surfing, using the gym, horse ridding along the coastline, mountain bike through the surrounding hills, try your hand at spear fishing and catching lobster or go on a canopy tour.

Read this projects volunteer stories and testimonials
Amanda Cordova, March 2007
Julie Jobard, May 2007
Katy Webb, March 2007


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