Infrastructure, environmental initiatives & women's capacity building in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

Nicoya Peninsula,  Puntarenas

Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks

Description: Costa Rica means the "Rich Coast" and it was so named by the Spanish for its wealth of natural resources. Located in Central America the country although small is very biodiverse with beautiful beaches, rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes and an array of species unique to the region. While on the project, you might be located in Costa Rica's famous rainforests or in small rural communities. You'll be required to learn Spanish through direct immersion! And of course there is always time for a little meringue dancing at a traditional Costa Rican fiesta.

Although Costa Rica is recognized for its conservation and national parks programs, deforestation is widely spread as many of the national parks are privately owned. Sustainable ecotourism projects can help to protect the rainforest as well as provide an income for struggling communities. Although the standard of living in Costa Rica may be considered quite high compared with other countries in Central America, there are many marginalized communities in Indigenous reserves and rural communities that face challenges with health issues, lack of education and lack of infrastructure.

YCA works with its Alliance partner Reto Juvenil Internacional in Costa Rica to tackle these issues. Volunteer groups in Costa Rica consist of 10-15 Australians, Canadians and Costa Ricans.

The work you do on project in Costa can be quite varied. There is plenty of room for doing a range of interesting activities.

Construction projects: As with all YCA projects, construction projects are locally identified. Construction projects have included building community halls, aqueducts, schools and youth centres.

Environmental projects: Costa Rica is one of the most open and familiar countries to eco-tourism activities and initiatives. YCA volunteers have been involved in beach-clearing and improving eco-tourism facilities in local communities.

Womens Groups: Costa Rican projects are becoming increasingly focused on social issues, particularly around working with womens groups.

Education: Many groups have the opportunity to teach English while on project.The setting is often informal and volunteers have many opportunities to improve their Spanish.

Once included in the program you will be given specific project location and information around one month before you depart. The projects will differ every time.

Highlights:
- Learn and improve your Spanish by immersing yourself in community life with the locals
- Experience the beauty of one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world and contribute to grassroots environmental initiatives
- Work on a community-identified construction project that will makes a difference to the daily lives of community members
- Engage in capacity-building initiatives with local womens groups and marginalised communities

Cost in US$: please inquire for more information

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 to 25 years

This Program is open to Australian and Canadian Participants.

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 8-12

Youth Challenge Australia's Mission Statement: To engage and empower young people, through collaborative and sustainable work with communities, to create understanding and bring about positive change.

Year Founded: 1992