Mother and Child Nutrition

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. For an additional cost, Spanish lessons can be 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.

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