Overview
Volunteer on Childcare projects in Costa Rica

Plan and conduct lessons, arts and games with under-privileged children and poor families in the stunning area of Tortuguero, with its world famous turtle nesting beach and National Park. Volunteers will live and work in the small village of San Francisco, located at the edge of the rainforest and on the Caribbean Coast. Volunteers will learn basic Spanish and typically work with children aged 5 to 13, planning and conducting lessons and assisting with basic education. Volunteers may also be involved in the planning and running of other activities, such as English Language lessons, arts & crafts, sports & games, helping in the school garden, environmental education or assisting the teachers in the classrooms.

Volunteers often use weekends to explore this stunning area. Opportunities exist for white water rafting, rainforest canopy tours and visiting idyllic tropical beaches.

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Working with the children in the village of San Francisco, near Tortuguero National Park, can be very challenging but it is definitely rewarding. We have lots of fun preparing and we are glad to see how fast they can learn! But the best part of the whole experience is that people here are teaching us a lot as well, about Costa Rica and about life!

Vivian Schoereder, USA

What Difference Does This Project Make?

The project takes place in a small settlement within a wildlife refuge. The families in this village have access to only the most basic education and the school is under resourced and has no formal physical education program. The school has 2 teachers and 2 classrooms and students attend for 3 hours, either in the morning or the afternoons. Education is key to assisting the community improve its economic situation and this project supplies additional personnel and funding to the school and as a volunteer you will personally allow students to receive additional assistance with their basic education. The project and volunteers supply resources which the under resourced school is not otherwise able to supply.

Highlights

Getting to know the children and families – and them getting to know and recognize you! Becoming part of the community in a beautiful and remote part of Costa Rica. Group Spanish lessons. Witnessing the beautiful wild rainforests, Caribbean beaches and local canals. Living in a peaceful area with no cars or roads. Witnessing some of the fantastic wildlife of the area such as sea turtles, toucans, monkeys and more. Seeing the direct impact you can have in a short time frame. Taking extra time to explore the wonders of Costa Rica.

Location

San Francisco is a relatively new community (first inhabitants arrived in 1989) with a current population of approximately 300 individuals. It comprises of about 70 houses, a small church, very basic school facilities (two classrooms with limited resources, a dining area, a garden and the teacher’s house), boat dock, wood shop, soccer field, small grocery store, fruit and vegetable store and a bar. The community lacks other important infrastructures – as well as proper sewage and water systems. Despite being located close to the tourist hub of Tortuguero, the relatively young village of San Francisco remains undeveloped and nearly undiscovered.

Field Conditions

You will be living in the village of San Francisco, near the ocean, and will be able to interact with locals on a daily basis. Volunteers will be staying in cabins run by local families. These cabins sleep between 2 and 4 volunteers each so be prepared to share. Most cabins will have a small living area but are fairly rustic. Meals will be cooked for you by the local families. Meals will be simple but nutritional – rice and beans, occasional chicken or fish, salads, fried plantains, fresh fruit.