Working with Kids projects take place in orphanages, community centers, day cares, and other forms of childcare facilities. All of our childcare projects work with severely underprivileged children and your work there is highly valued.
The children at these projects require a lot of care, attention, and most importantly companionship. Volunteers are encouraged to use their unique skills and interests when working with the children.
Volunteers at Working with Kids projects may be asked to:
- Spend time and do activities with the children
- Develop workshops on music, dance, jewelry making, aerobics, etc.
- Plan games and/or arts & crafts.
- Help the kids with their school work
Participants should expect their childcare project to feel disorganized, understaffed, and underfunded. In fact, this is why they need volunteers! The children are always happy to see volunteers and are very welcoming. Enthusiasm and creativity are truly needed and appreciated.
Volunteers are always supported by Maximo Nivel’s in-country coordinators but they are not on site at the project every day.
The majority of our projects are located in and around San José. Travel time varies widely from project to project and volunteers should expect to spend 20-90 minutes traveling each way. The city bus system is generally the most effective and cheapest way to get to and from your project, though taxis are widely available and are still an option. For the first visit to the project, volunteers are taken by a Máximo Nivel representative using the local transport and given additional information about how to get to and from the project. Local bus rides are very affordable and a one way trip will rarely cost more than ₡350 (about $0.75).
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