Volunteer in a Day Care and Nutritional Center in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Guanacaste

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Ongoing

Description: Located in the charming town of Hojancha in Guanacaste, the Day Care and Nutritional Center was created to function as an educator for parents and kids to teach them better hygiene & eating habits. In addition, they distribute food packages to poor children who live far away from the center who are in need of a more nutritional diet, as well as providing milk to new-born babies and infants.

Hojancha is typical of many towns throughout Costa Rica - its beauty and security are mostly due to her community members who have dedicated their lives to creating a town anyone would feel proud to live in.

Their ability, willingness and energy to organize new institutions according to on-going needs are admirable: a cooperative for coffee growers, sawmills, a forest seed bank, a women's artisan association, a folklore association, environmental services grant seeking, honey and wood production, and a nursery for ornamental plants). Hojancha is still considered a small town in Guanacaste but it is one of the most respected.

When the Day Care and Nutritional Center was created, the people embraced it and took care of it. Nowadays, this center, in particular, is a model for others throughout the country. The Director in charge, Cecilia, along with Laura, the teacher, and Maria, the cook, are committed to maintaining the quality of the services they provide.

On a daily basis, volunteers will assist the teacher in keeping the children busy and under control, play games with them, tidy up the toys, provide cooking lessons, prepare the food for the children and their mothers, prepare food packages, make sure the children eat and then brush their teeth, assist the children in taking their naps, deliver food from the center, teach basic English, and pretty much whatever is needed. There are two work shifts in the center - morning and afternoon. The children normally come for one or the other, but a few of them spend all day at the center while their parents are working. At noon several mothers arrive at the center to eat lunch as well.

It is a very inspirational place, not only because of all the wonderful people who benefit from it, but because the children and the staff are just so wonderful and loving. It is an excellent place to get a dose of positive energy, humbleness and compassion.

With regard to lodging, we recommend staying with a host family in Hojancha. It gives you a unique experience and insight into the Costa Rican culture as well as practice some Spanish, taste the local food, make new friends and feel embraced. All of our host families are extremely kind and are used to hosting foreign guests. You really don't want to miss this part of the experience! However, for those who would prefer, another nice option would be to stay at the Dorati Lodge, where you will get your own cottage for a very reasonable upgrade to our regular pricing.

When in Hojancha, you don't want to miss some of the most amazing and educational tours in the area such as the Diria Coffee and Wildlife Tempisque River Tour, and a zip-line canopy tour (one of Costa Rica's must-do adventure activities). Also, make sure you visit some of the beaches in Guanacaste.

At Tropical Adventures we feel honored to be able to work with these wonderful people and such a great example of a successful project. It's really a magical place you are sure to adore.

Please visit our website photo gallery to see photos of this project and others and read what past volunteers have said about their experiences in our volunteer blog.

Highlights: Life-changing experiences, unrestricted glimpses of the Costa Rica most visitors don't know, and a way to have a positive and lasting impact on a community are all major components of a volunteer vacation with Tropical Adventures.

Live among local people, learn from them and share talents that can make a difference in a society often forgotten. Take advantage of the Spanish immersion program to enhance communication during the project work.

The vacation is not all work; plenty of play is available: snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, river rafting, canopy (zip line) tours, and several sights to see (waterfalls, butterfly garden, volcanoes, etc). We'll also arrange Spanish lessons for you if you would like.

Build bridges and return home fulfilling a community's hopes and feeling fulfilled.

Qualifications: We are seeking volunteers who love children and who are active, creative and proactive. Prospective volunteers should also have a good work ethic, a friendly attitude and be willing to immerse themselves in another culture.

Cost in US$: 1 week $995, 2 weeks $1895, extra weeks $299

Spanish language lessons, excursions and cellphone rental are available at an extra cost.

* Accommodation in guesthouses and hotels can be arranged at extra charge.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The typical volunteer at Tropical Adventures is someone who wants to experience the rich bio-diversity of Costa Rica, while learning Spanish and sharing their time, skills and love. Our volunteers like to work hard and play hard. They work well with others and enjoy submersing themselves in a different culture. Typical volunteers are college students, families or retirees.

Age Range: 16+ unless acompanied by a guardian

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

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Tropical Adventures's Mission Statement: The Tropical Adventures Foundation is a resource for empowering individuals and communities inside and outside of Costa Rica. Our goals are to: Support the inherent value of the individual, reduce poverty and injustice, help communities achieve sustainable growth, create safe environments, promote international learning and cooperation and foster personal and worldwide peace. Every community around the world faces the fundamental challenge to create social and economic systems that promote peace, human welfare and the sustainability of the environment on which life depends. We meet this challenge by supporting and encouraging initiatives by those living and working closest to where the problems are located. We promote collaboration among diverse individuals, nonprofit organizations, government and businesses from the local area and around the world, as well as from every level of society. Our experience shows such activities help build common understanding, bring forward and reinforce the inherent value of the individual, strengthen a sense of local and worldwide community, and ultimately enable people to improve their lives and reinforce their commitment to society.

Year Founded: 2005