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- Mother & Child Nutrition Volunteering in Costa Rica
What is the Mother and Child Nutrition project all about?
Volunteer in Costa Rica and you can help provide access to good food on this mother and child nutrition project. It is a challenge for some poor and vulnerable communities in Costa Rica to eat well and serve balanced meals. The objective is to improve the quality of life of those in-need by providing food, dietary and basic well-being education. In addition, the project provides childcare so that parents can go out to work.
This mother and child nutrition volunteer placement supports nutrition centres as well as an old people’s home. It also helps women who have suffered abuse and are in need of security for themselves and their children and disadvantaged communities. You will see that some families can’t provide more than one meal per day for themselves or their families. You will work with project staff and with young children from broken homes, whose parents suffer from alcoholism or drug addictions.
The nutrition centres focus on the healthy development of the beneficiaries as well as giving them food. The government supplies some food and in addition women who run the nutrition centre grow vegetables to supplement meals. Volunteer in Costa Rica and you can be a part of this essential work, supporting the most vulnerable in the community.
Why choose this Mother & Child Nutrition project?
Your contribution supports the most vulnerable members of the community, which is labour-intensive work. The local staff appreciate the hands-on support, especially at the nutrition centres where childcare is also offered. If you can speak Spanish, your help with additional educational workshops will be an asset. If you are a general volunteer, you will gain work experience, cultural exchange and language development. If you are a nutrition or International Development student, you will benefit from gaining an insight into basic elements of your studies. All of which are assets for any CV/Resume.
Role of the Health Nutrition Volunteer
On your placement, you will help to prepare and serve nutritional meals for the mothers, the children and the elderly. You will gain a thorough understanding of the demographic of those in need by preparing and serving them food. You will learn about meals and foods that are used to supplement diets to enhance nutritional value.
At the nutrition centre and the old people’s home, you will mainly focus on preparing and serving meals. Your help is needed to support workshops for the residents, enabling them become self sufficient with their nutritional needs. You will also be expected to help with day-to-day care and support of the residents and children. If you speak Intermediate Spanish (B2 on CEFR) and are happy to pursue some self driven initiatives, please contact us.
What skills do I need to be a Health Nutrition Volunteer in Costa Rica?
If you have interest, experience or qualifications in nutrition, this project is perfect for you. You need to be compassionate, understanding, approachable and non-judegemental towards the beneficiaries. Having a reasonable level of Spanish (Basic User Level A2 of CEFR) is recommended. Spanish lessons are also arranged alongside your placement to increase your confidence.
If you have skills and experience, are self-motivated and able to work without supervision, you may be able to develop and present workshops yourself for topics that you are passionate about. You would also need Intermediate User Level B2 of CEFR of Spanish to do so. Please speak to a Kaya advisor if this interests you.
You will be asked to send your CV/Resume before being accepted onto this project.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
To ensure the healthy development of vunerable children
Because you want to help support disadvantaged members of the community
To enjoy the breathtaking scenery and pleasant climate
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
Where will I work in Costa Rica?
You will be based in one of two locations, Alajuela or Atenas. Alajuela is located in the Central Valley, near the bustling capital of San Jose. It has a year-round pleasant climate and it sits at the base of the volcanic slopes of Poas Volcano. As one of the oldest towns in the country, Costa Rican history, tradition and culture are deeply rooted here. Atenas has a very friendly population and is surrounded by agrarian villages where coffee, mangoes and other produce are farmed. There is plenty to keep you busy at both of these fantastic locations.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 2+ weeks
- Cost: £1527 / $2384 for 2 weeks
See drop-down menu for additional weekly pricing - Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Alajuela, Costa Rica
- Working hours: Monday-Friday; 08.00-12.30. You can combine this with another project so please speak to a Kaya advisor
- Project availability: All year round
- Arrival day: Saturday
What is included
- Accommodation: Single or shared room in a homestay (according to availability)
- Food: 3 Meals per day
- Airport pick up and drop off from San Jose International Airport
- Training: Pre-departure preparation pack, on-site orientation, project induction and Learning Reflection Manual provided
- Support: On-site coordinator providing 24 hour support
- Activities: 1 dance class and 1 cookery class included. Staff help organise evening and weekend activities.
- 6 hours of Spanish language classes per week
- Transfers to and from your orientation to your project location
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Daily transport between your accommodation and your project
- Police/Government Background Check- US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies); all other nationalities must provide local police check.
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we’ll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
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