The Issue
The facilities where our volunteers work are non-profit organizations. They often lack professional staff and sufficient financial means to be able to work properly. Volunteers, especially those with previous therapeutic training, are urgently needed to help care for the children and to support the teachers during the lessons.
The Program
Schools and social institutions for disabled children are dedicated to attending children with physical and/or mental problems who can’t attend a regular school. Some of the children are only slightly impaired, while others have severe disabilities. At the special schools where our volunteers help in Costa Rica, there are mainly autistic children, children with hearing difficulties, children with learning disorders and children with Down Syndrome. Autism is a developmental disorder, which is characterized, among other things, by certain deficits in communication skills and social interaction. Features of autism include absent-mindedness, language difficulties, and atypical behavior, such as performing repetitive activities or being excessively focused on a particular object.
There are
two different schools where we place volunteers, which are attended by between
250 and 560 children. The children range from toddlers to teenagers.
The Location
Costa Rica's capital San José located in the heart of this small country. From there, you can reach all of Costa Rica’s attractions in a few hours, some natural beauties like the Irazu volcano and several national parks are even right at the doorstep! With around 340,000 inhabitants, San José itself is not very large, but due to its role as the capital and its central location, it is the country's economic, political and cultural center.
The inhabitants call themselves "Josefinos" and most are descendants of Italian or Spanish immigrants. These influences are reflected in the architecture and cityscape, which seem very Mediterranean. San José is a pretty town with attractive theaters, museums, art galleries, cultural events – and not at last a lively nightlife. Colorful markets invite you to stroll and shop and on nice places you can relax and watch the hustle and bustle.
As in all of Costa Rica, there are hardly any "real" addresses in the capital - street signs are usually not found, just like house numbers. Addresses are rather descriptions, like: Name of the district, 200m south of the red church, the house with the green door. Or: Fourth house next to the gas station behind the supermarket. Sounds adventurous? But it works!
