The mission of this program is to contribute to the children of Costa Rica, to promote education, and to ensure their proper physical, emotional, and social development.
The early childhood centres on this program provide care and education for 20 to 40 local children, aged 3 to 6 years old, and provide a place where the children of working-class parents can have a place to be educated, have friends, and to feel comfortable. Some of the children also come from single parent families who would struggle without the help and assistance provided by these day care facilities.
The children attending these projects require a lot of care, attention and most importantly, companionship. Volunteers spend their time caring for the children, helping with their schoolwork, playing games and arranging fun activities during leisure time, like sports or art. Attention and companionship is what the children in these projects need the most, and the attendance of international volunteers is always a highlight for them.
Goals of this Project:
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Provide childcare to vulnerable children in Santa Barbara de Heredia (20min from downtown San Jose)
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Improve the future 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 start every SATURDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week 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.
