Need Volunteer work in Costa Rica July-August 2008

[dkharlan]

I am wondering if anyone would know of any type of volunteer work that I could do during my stay in Costa Rica, July-August 2008. I do own a small condo in Ocotal and I really do want to get involved in something while I am there.

I don’t know if that would be helping out at the school, (I am not fluent in Spanish, but learning) maybe helping to teach English and learn more Spanish at the same time. Maybe doing some type of work related to wildlife or plants….I just feel like I need to give something back during the times that I am here.

I don’t know if I could even hope to get involved since I am basically a white outsider, but I really feel like there may be something that I am supposed to do. I am not talking about coming in and “saving” people because I am a Gringo. I am more interested in giving back to the country since I have taken something from it.

I definitely don’t want to get paid and take money away from people who live in Costa Rica, but I just feel like there is something that I have to do and I don’t know what it is yet.

I can’t explain how I ended up buying in Costa Rica, it is not something that had been a dream of mine. I know, I know it sounds hokey, but it is true. When I am in CR I get all emotional and I don’t know why.

I talked my husband into this idea. Actually it only took me five months to do the research, hire the attorney and buy the condo in Ocotal. I don’t know why, but one day I had this thought and got online and did research.

The only time I have ever been in Central America was for 5 weeks in Panama through work and that sort of changed my life, I guess. It was the most awful, amazing, beautiful 5 weeks I had ever experienced.

I have traveled quite a bit throughout Europe and Canada and I have never had these strange feelings that I get when I come to Costa Rica. Right now I don’t get to spend as much time there as I would like. I still live in the States and work.

I am so happy and lucky to have found my condo in the area that I did, I don’t know what drew me to the Ocotal area because I knew nothing about Costa Rica at all.

I absolutely LOVE the area and when I see all the Ticos on their bikes, the families together, the two churches in town, the school, I actually start to tear up and I have no idea why.

I still have so much to learn about the culture and the country and I feel so lucky to have this wonderful opportunity to experience this, I just can’t put it in words. I know everything is not all peaches and cream and I don’t have rose-colored glasses on about life in CR. I do realize that it is not the US and things are different and I will have those less than satisfying experiences, but I will take the good along with the bad.

During my stay in July and August I probably will not have a car so I will be riding my bike with the rest of the people in Ocotal. (I really love doing that.) I am interested in getting involved in something in the Ocotal/El Coco area. If anyone has ideas or contacts, please let me know.

[mediatica]

Hi dkharlan:

That is great that you found a great property in Ocotal. That is a great area up there. I live near Conchal and volunteer with a non-profit group called CEPIA. Here is their website: http://www.cepiacostarica.org

Even though I believe CEPIA is in our area, I know if you call and speak with Letitia or Max (the directors, who both speak English) they will be able to let you know of their affiliations OR other groups in your area that need help. The number at CEPIA is: 653-8533. I am sure you’ll be able to get involved in one way or another.

I teach English to a group of boys and girls ages 11-13. I find it to be very fun and the kids really like coming and learning a new language. I try and make it fun for them.

I am sure volunteering will really make your stay that much more fulfilling. Best of luck.

Take care, Becky

[rebaragon]

I wanted to thank you for providing this link to CEPIA. I didn’t know about them and just took a look–They seem to have an extensive program that I’m sure the people in these communities appreciate. It’s always nice to see what can be done when people care…Pura Vida!

[dkharlan]

Thank you!!! I will definitely check into that. I believe I have heard of this group and may have met someone connected with them on one of my flights to Costa Rica.

[mediatica]

dkharlan: That is great. Best of luck to you. CEPIA is a great group and you’ll enjoy working with them and the children.

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