Costa Rica Reading Week Building Project

  Costa Rica

• Central Pacific Coast: 
Cartago

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: best education systems in Latin America, and its 96% literacy rate makes it the most literate population in Central America. Almost every town has an elementary school and a high school and education is free and obligatory for Costa Rica's children. However, despite Costa Rica's commitment to the education of its youth, there are still many problems and inequalities that plague the education system. For example, 3 out of 10 children drop out of school before completing their basic general education, and 8 of them do not finish high school within the allotted time frame. Another problem is the economic situation of many youth  although education is free in Costa Rica, there are still costs such as school supplies and the obligatory uniforms which many families cannot afford. Though there are programs in place designed to help families of lower socioeconomic status send their children to school, there are often delays and mix-ups involved.

Another problem involves the school buildings themselves. A growing population means that space is becoming limited in schools, particularly in rural areas. Often two grades will have to share a classroom or the school day will be split into two different shifts in order to accommodate all the students. The Ministry of Education simply does not have the money in its budget to construct new classrooms in all the schools where they are needed.

Highlights: Escuela Guayabal is an elementary school located in the province of Cartago, about 40km east of the capital of San Jose. Volunteer Abroad first started working with this school in June of 2006 when volunteers began helping out with the English program. The school itself has about 170 students, ranging from 5-14 years old.

Early in 2006 the school began the construction of a new classroom due to increasing numbers of students and limited space. However construction came to a stop when the money ran out for the project and no other sources of funding could be found. The classroom right now stands as four cement walls and nothing else! In your week here we will complete the floor and roofing as well as paint the classroom and other areas of the school which need some work. You'll also have the opportunity to meet and interact with the children at the school  you'll be touched by their generosity and eagerness to meet and learn from you.

Cost in US$: 2,150 CAD

Experience Required: no

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

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Innovative Group Travel by Travel CUTS's Mission Statement: We will share our passion for learning through exploration by creating travel opportunities that enable our clients to experience the world close-up and first-hand in order that, together, we may develop a greater appreciation of the worlds diversity and a better understanding of our place in the global community.

Year Founded: 1992