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Brilliant 4.71rating (174)

Community Worker for Children

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Put a smile on the children's faces with your volunteer work
  • Experience the "tico" way of life in Costa Rica and life the "pura vida"! :-)
  • Gain Spanish fluency by living and working with a local community

Highlights

  • Put a smile on the children's faces with your volunteer work
  • Experience the "tico" way of life in Costa Rica and life the "pura vida"! :-)
  • Gain Spanish fluency by living and working with a local community
  • Unwind at dream beaches directly at your program place
  • Visit the amazing National Parks that Costa Rica is famous for

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Take an active role in child development and education. Help disadvantaged children in a rural area, right at dream beaches. Get to know Costa Rica off the beaten tracks

    This volunteer initiative is situated in the province of Guanacaste, in a rural area right on the Pacific. It works in the coastal communities of Playa Potrero and Playa Brasilito, where there is a dearth of resources and public services and exclusion of people, especially women, children, and ...

    About the program

    This volunteer initiative is situated in the province of Guanacaste, in a rural area right on the Pacific. It works in the coastal communities of Playa Potrero and Playa Brasilito, where there is a dearth of resources and public services and exclusion of people, especially women, children, and socially marginalized groups, despite an economic boom brought on by rising tourist and foreign investment. Insufficient public education, joblessness, marginalization, aggression, and impoverishment hinder individuals from capitalizing on the economic prospects in the area.

    The goal is to stop the cycle of poverty and violence and help adults and children attain economic stability by offering comprehensive educational and community development initiatives. Children from low-income families can spend their spare time learning, playing, and exploring at the community center. Because many of them come from challenging backgrounds marked by domestic violence or are members of immigrant families from Nicaragua, they also find that someone is listening to their difficulties.

    In addition to English lessons, the program offers various age groups (4-6 years, 7-9 years, 10- 12 years, and teenagers) tutoring in math, reading, writing, and homework support, sports, games, and creativity (art, talent shows, etc.), career guidance for teens, health education, preventing violence (youth and interfamilial), environmental workshops, and much more.

    The center is also dedicated to the general and professional development of the community, as evidenced by the various programs it offers, including adult education, adult English classes, women's self-defense, adult sports, local women's economic development, adult sports programs, a donated computer lab, and community-wide events.

    Volunteers who are tolerant and open-minded are needed for this volunteer program. There is a lot to do, regardless of your abilities in athletics, the arts, listening, presenting, teaching, or tackling. Positive outlook, tolerance, readiness to assist, empathy, and adaptability are what matter.

    Typical day

    You have the exceptional chance to learn more about moral and appropriate voluntary work as a volunteer. Your talents and knowledge will benefit the local community even after you finish your volunteer job. In addition to helping local families and kids, you also advance the area's economy.

    This ...

    Typical day

    You have the exceptional chance to learn more about moral and appropriate voluntary work as a volunteer. Your talents and knowledge will benefit the local community even after you finish your volunteer job. In addition to helping local families and kids, you also advance the area's economy.

    This project has a wide range of tasks. The volunteers can assist with adult education and general community work in addition to their primary support of the children's programs. The majority of the work with the kids happens in the afternoon, which frees up the morning for other pursuits.

    Volunteers work Monday through Friday. When the kids get home from school in the afternoon (between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m.), this is when the majority of the work gets done. Mornings can also be used for administrative tasks, event planning, beach clean-ups, and other activities.

    Tasks that could be assigned include:

    • English language instruction for kids or adults
    • Kids' homework assistance and tutoring
    • Adult computer education
    • Kids' and adults' physical education (ball games, Zumba, surfing, swimming, etc.)
    • Children's and teens' artistic workshops
    • Organizing an event
    • Beaches clean-ups
    • Assistance with women's vocational training programs
    • Support for fundraising
    • Support for administration
    • Control over social media platforms

    Note: There may be variations in the tasks. The quantity of volunteers, the climate, the time of year, the project's present requirements, and self-motivation are some of the variables that affect them. Maybe not every volunteer will take on all of these responsibilities.

    Free-time activities

    The volunteer program is located in a paradise: Playa Potrero, a little coastal hamlet in the northwest of the country, immediately on the Pacific Ocean, about 30 minutes' drive north of Playa Tamarindo, a well-known tourist destination (Guanacaste). About 140 kilometers separate it from San Jose, ...

    Free-time activities

    The volunteer program is located in a paradise: Playa Potrero, a little coastal hamlet in the northwest of the country, immediately on the Pacific Ocean, about 30 minutes' drive north of Playa Tamarindo, a well-known tourist destination (Guanacaste). About 140 kilometers separate it from San Jose, the capital. Above all, this area is known for its stunning bays, peninsulas, and white sand beaches, some of which are the most beautiful, least frequented, and most isolated in the entire nation.

    This region includes well-known national parks including Rincon de la Vieja, Santa Rosa, Monteverde, and Arenal. Guanacaste is the most truly representative of the ancestral cultural legacy (a blend of Spanish and Chorotega culture) in all of Costa Rica. The horse and cattle ranches, where the "Sabaneros" with their horses, big white sombreros, and lassos define the everyday picture, are the characteristic places in the coastal hinterland where people live. Guanacaste is often known as "the Wild West" of Costa Rica because of this.

    Diverse recreational pursuits can be found in the neighboring Tamarindo area, including kayaking, surfing, sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, horseback riding, golfing, hiking, and mountain biking. There's a peaceful hideaway for people who just wish to unwind on the gorgeous beach. In the nearby national parks and private reserves, nature enthusiasts can investigate the tropical plants and animals. Tamarindo offers an appealing nightlife that includes restaurants, bars, discos, live music, and even a casino, so night owls get their money's worth.

    This area experiences year-round sunshine and quite comfortable temperatures, which range from 22°C to 34°C. Even though there is a lot of sunshine throughout the dry season, the shore always seems delightfully fresh because to the constant breeze from the north.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV and volunteer questionnaire

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12:30 - 18:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Our volunteer community work in Costa Rica includes:
    • Single room in local homestay
    • Breakfast & dinner
    • Advice from our experienced staff
    • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
    • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
    • Your placement in the volunteer project
    • Pre-departure information
    • Packing list
    • Country handbook
    • Intercultural guide
    • On-site volunteer coordinator
    • 24/7 emergency number
    • Advice on travel insurance
    • Certificate of participation

    Accommodation

    As part of this volunteer program, lodging is offered in homestays with neighborhood families, giving you the chance to practice your Spanish and fully immerse yourself in the culture. You will experience ordinary life off the beaten path with your hosts, and you will always have someone to contact for advice, queries, and local dos and don'ts. 

    Because breakfast and dinner are included in your homestay, you'll also have the opportunity to experience the local food firsthand.
    You will be housed in a single room while the bathroom can be private or shared.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast & dinner are included.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The volunteer program is up and running throughout the year with the exception of December and January as well as the first two weeks of July. Arrivals are flexible and the program can be started on any day.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $308 per week 4 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    2026
    Ich war zwei Wochen lang im Katze heim bei Xaviera und habe dort mitgeholfen. Am ersten Tag wurde mir alles super erklärt, Xavier spricht ...
    Fiona Schafferer

    Support a Cat Shelter

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Playa Potrero

    Meet your project coordinator

    Marion
    174
    reviews
    4.71
    Brilliant
    2003
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, English, German
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

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    Contact Marion
      Good response rate
    Spanish, English, German

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details