Description

A number of homes and care centers have been set up throughout Costa Rica and although this has been done in coordination with government authorities there is a huge shortage of help available to care for the children who have been abandoned, neglected, abused or orphaned, as well as those whose parents simply can't afford to take care of them during the day. This means that without your help these children are missing out on the getting the care and attention they greatly deserve.

Highlights

Program Details:

This project has been set up to help the underprivileged children and over worked staff at adoption homes and care centers in and around San Ramon, Costa Rica. While the homes and centers have been set up by government agencies to house vulnerable children they do not have the staff or 'tias' to give these children the time care and attention they greatly deserve. The children at the homes are not able to live with their families anymore for various reasons and so any time that can be given to them is appreciated. The care centers have been set-up to help low income working parents, specifically single mothers, who have to work during the day and can't afford to pay for child care during that time.

The homes and centers help children up to twelve years of age. You will be able to get involved in a range of activities that will help a number of children, even just playing with the children or talking to them makes a huge difference to their lives. The placement in which you will be placed will depend on the need of the projects at the time. The more you put into the project, the more you and the children will get from your time with them. The activities that you will be able to get involved in will vary between the homes and care centers however will generally include:

* Taking care of the children
* Helping to organize recreational/teaching activities
* Playing games and activities with the children
* Helping them with school duties
* Teaching English
* Feeding the children
* Practicing outdoor activities
* Helping the babysitters with daily activities to give the 'tias' more time for their other duties
* Helping the 'tias' with the upkeep of the house when the children are at school

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

starting from USD 1,359

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

What's Included in the Program:

* Airport pick-up from San Jose International Airport
* Accommodation - Backpackers hostel during orientation and host family throughout program
* Orientation
* One way public transport to your home-stay
* Three meals per day whilst living with a home-stay family
* Laundry once a week
* Full support and assistance from our local coordinators throughout your project
* 24-hour support number and contact for emergencies

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Real Gap Experience's Mission Statement

We offer over 250 projects and travel options in over 35 countries. So whether you are interested in volunteering, community work, conservation, paid work overseas, teaching English, learning a new skill, adventure travel or sports and expeditions, you will find what you are looking for with Real Gap. Not only about we passionate about responsible travel, we also want to make sure you have a good time too! Our travel advisers have traversed the globe and taken their own gap years, so they can give you all the advice you need to plan yours. You will also get support from both our on-site and office staff who understand the needs and expectations of Real Gap travelers.

Year Founded

2005