Costa Rica Community Development Service Learning for Groups

My most positive experiences were working with the Kinder children I was in charge of, because at that age classes can be flexible and creatively designed. They were enthusiastic about learning new things, and although they would get restless, it was just a part of the role to get them patient enough to learn. I think I also enjoyed the spanish classes, especially since both teachers were absolutely brilliant. The basic accommodation and meeting local people, made me get a glimpse of the 'pura vida' lifestyle they lead, and has influenced me a lot. I also liked the beauty of the country itself and the great biodiversity, as well as cultural diversity. If I had more time, I would have definitely stayed on for a longer period of time.

For me personally the three best parts of the programme were to work with the wonderful kid Tony. Being able to help David with the renovation of the classroom and the adult English which I enjoyed very much. All three parts were for me unbelievable experiences.

Before departing to Costa Rica I knew that what I was going to see may be hard and these people didn’t live anywhere near the level of myself. Upon arriving to Costa Rica and at the end of my first day, I sat in my room silent and cried. I couldn’t believe how privileged I was and didn’t even know it, I sat in my room and contemplated why more people other then GVI aren’t trying to help these people. Upon my second day I learned that the reasoning behind why we had no water was because it was shut off to the citizens and only supplied to resorts and hotels. What about the people who couldn’t afford to go out and by water? Elderly? Children? How could you cut off water to people without even warning them.. in response me and my GVI team brought the kids water. I am so incredibly blessed to have had a part in not only teaching these kids as much as I could during my short stay but also getting to know them and spend time with them. The majority of these people are beautiful, warm and giving; even when they have nothing to give. My GVI leaders Luis, Diyana & Fauve set the first example of this, they were amongst the most intelligent, humble, & caring individuals I have ever met in my life. Without them my experience without a doubt would not be the same. They taught us everything and anything one could possibly know about the community and it’s struggles in the short time they had. I’m an even bigger picture they also taught us about the struggles we are going through together globally and what I could do to make a change even when I had returned home. For this I am blessed.