Women's Empowerment and Development Project in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Flexibility Year Round

Description: In this small rural community located near the Nicaraguan border, poverty is high and there are very few opportunities for women. With the goal of being more independent and self-sufficient women, they moved to form a solidarity group. With the majority of the women being single mothers, the impact from the lack of work makes it even more difficult to provide for their children. In the village there is a small school serving around 60 children, a community center, and a tiny church. The women are receiving trainings on capacity building as well as developing necessary skills to benefit the community as whole.

Help is needed to work directly with the women in their quest for personal and professional development. Volunteers will assist with formulating strategic plans, computer training, project management, micro-enterprise training, outreach campaigns linking the group to other women in the area, and most importantly, helping to build the self-esteem and confidence of each woman.

Highlights:
- Homestay with a carefully screened, welcoming host family.
- Three meals per day are included in your stay.
- Support of friendly, experienced staff in the US and in Costa Rica.
- Comprehensive accident and medical insurance
- 24 hour emergency support

Qualifications: Spanish skills are very desirable and helpful but not necessary. Experience or education in counseling, and/or teaching is helpful, but not required.

Cost in US$: USD1,150 and up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Greenheart Travel volunteers are flexible and caring people who are interested in an authentic exchange experience.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Greenheart Travel's Mission Statement: Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange. Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Greenheart is CCI's way of promoting the health and welfare of the earth and its people through cultural exchange, ethical travel, responsible consumerism, and community service.

Year Founded: 1985