When I read about uVolunteer it somehow felt right, the amount of money you had to pay was reasonable and it clearly explained where your money was going. In addition I was free to get in touch with other volunteers and read about their own personal experiences. So off I went and sent my application. The process was rather smooth they clearly answered all my questions and found me a program placement according to my preferences, Child Care.
I was introduced to my host mum Dona Nidia and given a program orientation, description of the placement location and wander around the city where I was going to be living for the coming 2 weeks.
Living with Dona Nidia, was fantastic, not only she would make you feel at home but would also make sure you lived a Costa Rican experience by cooking all the typical local dishes such as Gallo Pinto, Fresco and by the way the best Ceviche in town!:-)
First day at work I met the 13 kids who lived with the “tias” in the Child Care Centre “Albergue” in Naranjo. 13 kids with 13 different backgrounds and of course 13 names to remember! They were a bit shy at first but soon felt at ease with me when we began to play cards, bowling, football, draw; I even taught them English and helped them with their homework. Day by day I would try my best to put their minds off their devastating family experiences and situations to be able to reach the hearts of these children in great need of unconditional love, care and affection.
Day by day I would try my best to put their minds off their devastating family experiences and situations to be able to reach the hearts of these children in great need of unconditional love, care and affection. I was astounded by the sound of her experience and decided it would be a terrific idea to spend my summer holidays contributing to the well-being of other people and their communities. I soon started my volunteer program search and came across many different non for profit organizations who offered various ways of cooperating as a volunteer.
uVolunteer also offered me the possibility to fill in my afternoons by volunteering in other projects. Soon I found myself surrounded by 30+ kids in a Kindergarden called CAI, a centre who looks after children from 2-5 years of age whose families work and cannot afford private child care.
I really enjoyed playing with the kids and helping the “ninas” (child careers)..it actually felt great to hear the kids calling you “Nina Cristina”…
I also had time to do some traveling throughout the weekends. I visited Fortuna, Volcan Arenal and the Tamarindo in the Pacific Coast . Costa Rican landscape is truly amazing.
My Trip Gallery
