Description

What does the project do?

The project is an adoption home that looks after children who have been orphaned or found on the streets. Children are sent to this shelter by Patronato Nacional de la Infancia (PANI) which is a government initiative that looks after vulnerable children and protects their rights. This includes the rights to health care, education, justice, work, culture and recreation, and the right to a safe and healthy family life. There is room for 14 children at the center, all of whom are aged up to 12 years old.

What's the project like?

This is the prefect project for anyone who loves children and wants to help. The center has 3 dedicated full time staff members and does occasionally receive Costa Rican volunteers, but the help that i-to-i volunteers offer makes a big difference to the center. By providing love and attention to children who've had a difficult start to life you'll have a big impact on their lives. Volunteers on this project need to be creative self-starters who enjoy working with children. You should be flexible, proactive, have perseverance and be ready to work in a new environment. You should be prepared to handle difficult situations as the children come from very difficult backgrounds and may have been affected by child abuse, or have parents with drug problems or alcoholism. A genuine love for this kind of work is required, but you'll get back so much love and gratitude from the children that their smiling faces means all the hard work is more than worth it!

Highlights

Give some care to underprivileged children in Palmares de Alajuela and sample the delights that Costa Rica has to offer at the same time!

You will be giving much needed care and attention to some amazing children that have not had the best start in life. These children need all the help that you can give so you will need lots of enthusiasm and energy to help keep them entertained for hours and go back to your second childhood in the process! It doesn't stop there either - you will also be able to sample the delights that Costa Rica has to offer and be among one of more than 1 million visitors per year that enjoy it's stunning scenery and vibrant culture!

Care to learn some Spanish to give you a good start in country? Why not add on two weeks Spanish Language school before you start your volunteering. Call us now to find out more.

Trip Highlights:
- Caring for some amazing children that have been orphaned or abandoned
- Getting to know, and make friends, in the local community
- Exploring on the weekends - beaches, volcano's, forests, they're all there waiting for you!

Qualifications

Why does the project need volunteers?

The staff at the project are very dedicated to their work, but because of the pressures of household duties and the daily running of the center they don't always have as much time as they would to spend with the children, playing games and giving them the love and attention they need. Your extra pair of willing hands will make a real difference to the center, it's staff and little residents.

Activities and schedule:

You'll be needed at the center from 8am until 4pm each day, with a break for lunch. You will be involved in organizing recreational activities for the children and helping them with their homework. Helping them with their basic life skills and giving them the care and attention that they so need is also on the agenda as well as getting involved in any household tasks or cleaning that is needed while the children are at school. Informal English lessons are a great way to have fun so come prepared with any songs or games that will keep the children entertained!

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 1,759.00 for 4 weeks, USD 330.00 for every week

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Shared room with a homestay family
* Food: 3 meals a day are included
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24 hour emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Community Development
• English Teaching
• Public Education
• Youth

Age Range

18-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994