Work with Disabled Children

The Project

In Costa Rica, institutions and schools for disabled children are dedicated to helping children with physical and/or emotional disabilities that cannot attend a typical school. These schools help children with a range of disabilities, such as autism, hearing and vision problems, or Down Syndrome. Autism is a psychiatric disorder characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction, preoccupation with fantasy, language impairment, and abnormal behavior, which can include excessive attachment and repetitive acts. Autism is usually associated with an intellectual impairment. 

These schools often lack professional staff and equipment to properly help the children. For this reason, the schools heavily rely on volunteers to assist with teaching and taking care of them. 

There are no specific skills required when assisting the disabled in Costa Rica, however, any skills that could be of assistance to the institution are very welcome. 

There are two different schools where we place volunteers, which are attended by between 250 and 560 children. The children range from babies to teenagers, and there are also young adults between the ages of 18-21 that attend as well. 

Your Tasks 

On a day-to-day basis, you will be expected to help teachers during classes by assisting the students and preparing teaching materials for the classes. Since English is becoming an increasingly important language in Costa Rica, you will be expected to teach the children English on a regular basis. You will also help with the general operation of the schools through daily tasks.

Here is a small overview of what your tasks may include:

• Helping the teachers during classes
• Teaching English
• Preparing extra lessons
• Organizing games and activities
• Playing sports and games
• Helping out with day-to-day operations
• Providing caring attention to the children
• Assisting the teachers
• Help with feeding and bathing the youngest children
• Monitoring naptime for the small children
• Supervising the children while they play, eat, sleep, or study

At work, you will be surrounded by other volunteers and teachers who are all passionate about helping children. This creates a welcoming, safe atmosphere for both children and volunteers alike.

Volunteers are also encouraged to be as creative as possible and promote a fun atmosphere in the schools.

Being in the vibrant city of San Jose, there are many activities to do in your spare time. There are regular concerts, and a wide range of sports to participate in. Weekends are the perfect time to enjoy an exciting hike through Costa Rican nature.