The aim of this program is to supply international volunteers to work with pre-school children in San Ramon in low income day care centres and in orphanages.
The Costa Rica education system is under-resourced and volunteers are desperately sought to help children learn to their full potential. The most vulnerable tend to slip through the cracks, which is why this program focuses on vulnerable children who are in extra need of care and attention.
Pre-school education provides a foundation for children’s social and educational needs and is an essential building block on which to start their educational journey, which is why it is crucial that all children are provided with a quality early childhood education. This is a really hands on program, allowing either qualified teachers or non-teacher volunteers to work closely with these amazing children. The children attending the centres where this program works require a lot of attention and most importantly, companionship.
Volunteers will be supplying essential help in the form of teaching and day to day care for children and ensuring their educational, emotional, social, and physical needs are being met, for them to not only survive, but to thrive.
Goals of this Project:
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Provide childcare to vulnerable children in San Ramon
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Improve the prospects of the children of Costa Rica
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Allow impoverished families to place their children in childcare programs and allow them to work
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Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both students and international volunteers alike.
Start Dates
This project is available year-round and programs typically start every 1st and 3rd SUNDAY of each month. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the ongoing support and development of marginalized and at-risk children of Costa Rica. This highly interactive and varied project does not require participants to have a background in the field of childcare, as there are many ways you can assist. However, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests.
Volunteers on this project will need an understanding of Spanish in order to communicate effectively. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team! Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation: emergency contact & police check.
