Join uVolunteer’s Orphanage and Children’s Home Project to provide hands-on help with deserted and often mistreated youngsters in Costa Rica. We work with a number of small orphanages in San Ramon, where babies and children up to the age of 15 receive educational and emotional support, as well as a safe place to live. With your help, children receive support through this difficult time.
Volunteers look after children and organize their daily routines, providing much needed assistance at the homes where the child-to-staff ratio is high. You will teach English, lead educational activities and share your skills with the children.
This project is only suitable for female volunteers, though males may apply as part of a couple. No formal qualifications are required to volunteer, but we are looking for creative, self-motivated individuals who enjoy working with toddlers and children.
Download the program brochure to learn more about becoming an orphanage and children’s home volunteer in Costa Rica.
As an orphanage and children’s home volunteer, you will work with disadvantaged children at small centers in San Ramon, providing emotional and educational support, teach English, lead creative play and activities, help out with homework and support staff with the general upkeep of the centers.
Orphanage and Children’s Home Project volunteers work four days per week, from Monday to Thursday. You will spend approximately six hours per day working at your placement.
The orphanages that we work with are within a 30 minute bus ride from our volunteer dormitory.
The orphanage is open year around.
However, a uVolunteer worker came along with me to show me which bus to take and where to get off and walked with me to the orphanage. He also stayed with me my entire first day to help me get comfortable.
Jenna Siewertson, Read Jenna's Testimonial
It allowed us to work at something we felt connected with and yet still share a common experience. Derek appreciated the friendships he forged at the construction site and has a new appreciation for gloves and electric tools.
Jamie Durbin, Read Jamie's Testimonial
Hot showers, kitchen, movies, books, and clean house with comfortable beds and pillows were more than I could have expected! I truly enjoyed working in Hogarcito Palmares. Since the first day, I felt I was doing something important, which in my other volunteer programs, hasn't always been the case.
Anne Mari Ikonen, Read Anne's Testimonial
Thinking back, and now having completed the trip, I'm not sure why I worried so much. Prior to the volunteer trip to costa rica, i was anxious, nervous, and having many doubts. Thinking back, and now having completed the trip, I'm not sure why I worried so much.
Tanya Leclerc, Read Tanya's Testimonial
I knew I wanted to travel to Costa Rica but I've never traveled alone and couldn't convince any of my friends to do it. I found uVolunteer when researching programs online and liked this one because of the dorm option, the location, the price, and the fact that I could volunteer at an orphanage, something I have always wanted to do
Hannah Guletz, Read Hannah's Testimonial
However, seeing the bright smiles on the children's faces made it all worthwhile. Also, many children from the orphanage would after leave after about a week or two to go live with a family. While we were happy that they were reuniting with their loved ones, it was very difficult to say goodbye.
Lindsey and Sana, Read Lindsey's Testimonial
While working at La Granja I've realized that instinctually we are all the same. The children are perfectly content solely with love and that's something the founders, workers, and volunteers give in spades. I wouldn't change a thing about my volunteer vacation and I truly believe I'm a better person for having experienced this.
Della Adams, Read Della's Testimonial
It was really nice to be able to talk about your day with someone going through a similar experience.I have also spent a few weeks with a Costa Rican family which has been great. I wanted to experience how Costa Rican people live and I certainly have.
Madeline Joll, Read Madeline's Testimonial
This is something I had previous experience of but volunteering here in Costa Rica was tremendously rewarding as the students were so keen to learn (obviously they weren't as excited about the Christmas holidays as the kids)!
Karen Tindall, Read Karen's Testimonial
They enjoyed dancing and playing soccer most of all. It was also a pleasure getting to know the tias. They are great role models for the kids. The tias always treat the kids with affection and nurture them.
Mary Gerardo, Read Mary's Testimonial
If you are interested in joining the program in Costa Rica, you should download and read our destination guide.