Costa Rica Social - PANI Shelters

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
San Isidro de Heredia

Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Year round, monthly departures

Description: Patronato Nacional de la Infancia (PANI) is the organization in Costa Rica which protects the rights of children and adolescents. This includes the rights to health care, education, justice, work, culture and recreation, and the right to a safe and healthy family life. In order to protect these rights, PANI is involved in a number of initiatives. They operate shelters and help fund daycare centres throughout the country, act as mediators between children and the justice system, remove children from abusive homes and place them in foster care or in shelters, and oversee adoptions.

Highlights: The PANI shelters need help from volunteers because they care for large populations of kids who needs support. These children are not able to live with their families anymore for various reasons and so any time that can be given to them is appreciated. Even just playing with them or talking to them makes a huge difference in these childrens' lives.

Specific tasks depend on the experience/background of the volunteer. However, this may include:
1. Playing with the kids.
2. Helping them with school duties.
3. Teaching English.
4. Practicing outdoor activities.
5. Helping the babysitters with daily activities (feed kids, dress up, etc.).

Qualifications: Outgoing person that can work independently and with a great deal of personal initiative. A love of kids and a background in pyscological pathology is strongly recommended. Volunteers should be very sensitive, respectful and be observant. Those who are not prepared to work by themselves with a few supervision may have difficulty on this project.

Cost in US$: $2775 USD for 8 weeks; $175 each additional week

Experience Required: yes

A background in pyscology/child care is recommended.

Typical Volunteer: We believe everyone can contribute by volunteering. Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available. If you are from 16-18 years old you may apply for placements near our Volunteer Abroad Office and Residence, so that we are able to give you more support. Both students and professionals are needed for placements in all our countries

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of Custom

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement: We believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished people, provided vocational training and programs for street kids and have worked in co-operation with hundreds of local organizations to distribute aid and improve the quality of life for people throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Year Founded: 1998