Volunteering for teenagers in Costa Rica

What is the Volunteering for teenagers in Costa Rica all about?

If you are looking to spend your holidays doing something different and help others through volunteering overseas, why not join Kaya and work on one of 4 projects in Costa Rica that accept teenagers from 15 years old? If you are 15, 16 or 17 years old, you can join local staff and older volunteers to work in pre-schools, primary schools, childcare centres, a coffee cooperative, a bilingual school a turtle protection project or a veterinarian clinic.

The projects support communities in and around Atenas, and they provide for many a low level of income, which is generated through agricultural activities, such as coffee or orchid growing. The communities rely on drop-in nutrition centres, located next to elementary schools, where children can have a meal and nutritious snacks while their parents work. The parents are often looking to generate extra income, which is why coffee cooperatives have been set up. Children are taken to childcare centres so parents are able to work. In elementary schools, there is often a lack of resources and extra classroom help is always welcomed. There is also a project to protect land turtles, which are often overlooked in favour of sea turtles.

Bring your enthusiasm and willingness to help where needed and support local communities and initiatives in Costa Rica through volunteering in your spare time.

Why choose this Volunteering project for teenagers in Costa Rica?

Volunteering for teenagers in Costa Rica offers you, as a young person, the ability to share your enthusiasm and energy with the communities of Atenas. Extra pairs of hands are always needed in these poorer communities, and you will be welcomed by all. If you want to develop your Spanish skills, this is a great way to put your language into practice with your homestay family, the project beneficiaries and staff. As a teen, you’re probably looking for ways to improve your CV in order to apply for jobs, internships or university placements. This cultural exchange will certainly help to make you stand out from the crowd!

Role of the Community volunteer

Your role as a volunteer will vary depending on your project choice. All projects have a range of tasks that you will participate in while working alongside local staff. Here are the choices available to you as a teenager volunteer: 

• Coffee cooperative for men in the community – harvesting in December / January, drying and roasting the coffee beans, office work, watering plants. A very interesting placement.
• Childcare Centre for pre-school children – aged under 5, supporting local childcare workers with games, activities and snack time. A fun placement.
• Primary schools – assist teachers in the preparation of lesson plans and other projects that are needed in the classroom.  The kids are really enthusiastic and keen to learn and everyone loves taking part in this project.
• Veterinary clinic project – You can give a hand as this clinic’s staff attend to different domesticated animals. 

Tasks vary depending on the time and duration of your placement and the needs of the project.

What skills do I need to be a Teen volunteer in Costa Rica?

A basic level of Spanish (Basic User Level A1 of CEFR) is required as you will be living with a local homestay family. This level will also enable you to build relationships with the project staff and beneficiaries. Spanish lessons can be arranged alongside your placement to improve confidence and increase the benefit of from your time here. You should have a positive attitude, a willingness to help out and an interest in working with other people.  All volunteers will be asked to attend a telephone interview and obtain parental consent forms for acceptance onto the projects.

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