Costa Rica with GVN

Over the course of 2 weeks, I will stay with a local host family splitting my time working with orphans and on contruction projects in impoverished areas.

Having traveled all over the world it would wrench my heart seeing impoverished women and children not attend school and live in poor conditions.  Last year, I had the opportunity to join the GVN Peru Distribution Trip where I spent time at different orphanages in the Cusco area as well as meet some inspiring young ladies who were becoming empowered through the GVN support programs; it was my 1st volunteer travel experience and I would like to continue helping women and children all over the world every year (thankfully I was able to personally fund this past trip). 

At the Costa Rican orphanage and childcare placements, I will organize a variety of activities for the children as well as assist with their school work. Alongside the orphanage work, I may also work in shelters, community centres or childcare facilities in impoverished housing areas, always working alongside severely underprivileged children.

While working on one of the construction projects based in and around San Jose, my tasks will include renovation work (painting, plastering and repairs) and full construction projects (carpentry, masonry, laying tiles and plumbing). The construction placements are located in extremely impoverished housing areas or schools, and are guided by a Spanish speaking foreman, experienced in guiding international volunteers.

Why volunteer in another country?

This gives me the opportunity to live outside of my comfort zone to help empower others through my experiences or things that I have learned.  This also gives me an opportunity to build relationships with young girls who need a role model or someone to help build self confidence.  These are life long relationships that I am building.

Time to brush up on my Spanish!

Donations

If you prefer to send me donations directly (instead of through the site), email me at [email protected] to make arrangements.  Any fund raising above my goal will be donated to GVN projects. 

About GVN

The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a New Zealand Charitable Trust (non-profit NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our Charitable incorporation number is: CC46460. GVN has been verified and approved by Idealist (the largest volunteer portal on the internet. GVN is also a member of the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (WANGO), and our ‘sister’ organization the GVN Foundation has been granted special consultative status on the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Prestigious web sites such as Lonely Planet and Goabroad.com have placed web links to us with recommendations made by Bill Gates and CNN.  Addtionally, GVN has a proven track record with community focussed support using the idea of "local solutions to local problems".