Elyce Scannell: Costa Rica Turtle Project Program

Global Volunteer Network is a non-profit organization, based in New Zealand, which places volunteers in a range of community projects in locations such as Kenya, Ecuador, Nepal, and Peru.

I have been accepted into the Costa Rica Turtle program for 4 weeks. Starting in March 2013, I will work with the endangered Olive Ridley, Leatherback Black and/or Green turtles along the beautiful coastlines of Costa Rica. Both species' populations are in sharp decline due to over harvesting of eggs, beach development, fishing, pollution, and being killed for their meat and leather. This program gives me the chance to make an important contribution to the preservation of these species, assisting local communities who carry out conservation work and gaining first-hand knowledge into Costa Rica's biodiversity and culture. I will be working alongside a very poor, local population as a part of the project, and will be based in a very rural setting (4-7hr drive outside of San Jose).

I will be housed in either a family-stay or dorm-style accommodation.

Airfares, vaccinations, insurrance and the program fee itself are all paid for with my personal savings. I am now working hard to raise the funds needed to enable me to contribute to this opportunity to help others. If you are able to contribute financially in some way it would be greatly appreciated!

Elyce

Donations or gifts that are always helpful include:

-Educational: books, notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, markers etc. (new or used)
-Hygiene: soap, shampoo, lice treatment, toothbrushes, toothpast, towels
-Health: band-aids, antiseptics, wet wipes, vitamins
-Clothes: socks, shoes, undershirts