Community Development: my first volunteer placement

On the June afternoon I graduated from St George’s school, I was already heading off for my first trip to Central America. I was going to spend my summer in Costa Rica, working as a volunteer, helping children from broken homes. I was sent with the international organisation i-to-i. For years I had wanted to visit Central and South America to do some sort of humanitarian work. My goals before leaving were to return having learnt new skills and gained confidence. This was to encourage me to complete my university studies in view of later returning to South America as a teacher. I have accomplished these goals and many more. The experience was life changing, never to be forgotten. Everything about Costa Rica was a phenomenal adventure- the sights, the wildlife, the entire endeavour. More amazing of all was the time I spent with the children, who all brightened each day and made every moment I was in Costa Rica special. I head off to King’s College this September fully motivated.

Before leaving for Costa Rica I had done some research and decided it would be advisable to spend the first week familiarising myself with local habits and customs. Because Costa Rica has the advantage of being relatively small, my friend Laurence and I were able to explore it end to end in just 10 days. Virtually everywhere you will encounter wildlife, about 25% of the country being set aside as wildlife reserves or national parks. It was a tropical treat, beginning with the bird watching in the Central Highlands, followed by an aquatic jungle journey in Parque National Tortuguero, a dip in steaming hot springs at Volcan Arenal, hiking in Monteverde, a visit to Playa Samara to see turtles nestling and finally the nature walk at Manuel Antonio National Park. Coffee plantations were also a must as I was drinking some four cups a day!

My first few days in Costa Rica taught me that while these natural resources have made the country a well-known tourist destination, its unique and vibrant culture provides an ideal environment for fostering cultural understanding and working with the local community. In 1953, Costa Rica abolished its military in favour of working toward social improvement, a decision that has made the country a pillar of stability in Central America. Along with its history and geography, it is this sense of progressive thought in which Ticos (the people of Costa Rica) take great pride. In Costa Rica, there is a saying that the greenery of Costa Rica hides its poverty. As an international traveller I became aware of the peaceful nature of the country and its natural beauty; however, there are many needs to be attended to in every community.

Before starting my volunteer placement I attended an obligatory week of Spanish classes in the city of Alajuela. During that week I was able to meet other volunteers, 90% of whom were doing conservation work. It was great to meet other young students with the same dreams. Then on Saturday morning I was heading off for the town of Palmares, where I discovered that taking the bus is a journey in itself. Palmares is a town with about 300 people and its only claim to fame is the annual fiesta, held for 10 days in the middle of January. Once in Palmares I was greeted by my host family, Marita and Edgar the parents, and Edgar André (14 yrs old) and Yohannah (19 yrs old) the children. We instantly hit it off well, and I grew to love them as my own extended family. They gave me my initiation in local customs with a crash course in beer drinking and family closeness. Marita spoiled me all the time and loved me like another daughter.

The following week I was finally able to start my volunteer work. I headed off bright and early for it was a 3km walk from the bus stop to the Hogarcito, where I would be working. However my first day at work didn’t go as I had planned. I arrived at the centre where I was told by a tía (supervisor) that my help was not needed and that they were fed up with foreigners thinking they know best. Nonetheless, I refused to be discouraged. The next day I arrived bright and early again, but this time with a box of Swiss chocolates, that always does the trick! I explained to the head tía that I was there to help with the children but mainly the tías, therefore I didn’t mind doing the cooking or cleaning the house. That immediately put a smile on her face and I suppose that is why my first task was to clean Poopee’s diaper!

The Hogarcito is a protection for minors centre as well as an adoption centre. Children are sent to this shelter by the PANI (a state entity). The work was very hard at the beginning and I had to learn to be mature enough to be able to handle myself in difficult situations as the children come from very difficult backgrounds (child abuse, parents with drug problems, alcoholism, etc.). My work as a volunteer was to be creative and able to work with limited resources. As well as helping the children with their homework, or simply playing with them I helped with the ornament of the centre and helping the tías in different labours. The Hogarcito has 3 employees, Mireya, Sonia and Sandra, working 24/7. The age range is 45 years to 60 years for the permanent staff and the children from babies to adolescence. The maximum capacity for the shelter is 14 children. The centre is a private, non-profit and social welfare project. It receives an annual budget from the PANI for its administration. However the Hogarcito also has 250 private sponsors.

It only took a few days for the children to reach out to me. I felt a sense of relief each time I walked into the little playroom. It was definitely more welcoming than the bumpy bus ride up the hill and the 3 km walk. There are many fond memories such as the day when I brought some string and lots of cut up, colourful straws for the purpose of creating necklaces. José was so little. He was three years old. He let go of the blue straw and it slipped down the string to meet his hand. He glanced at me with the grin of accomplishment spread wide across his face and my heart skipped a beat. His teeth are rotted out on top. I had noticed previously that there are toothbrushes above the communal sink, but they never come down. The rotted teeth behind his wondrous smile seem to epitomize a certain contradiction in his life. These children are so young, I think. They thrive under circumstances that we deem unliveable, and yet, José smiles at me as if he is the happiest child on earth. There is another moment I will never forget. On my second day I had brought pictures of my family and friends. I sat down on the floor when I arrived and Jennifer was lying with her head in my lap. I played with her short brown hair and begin to sing. They gathered around me and we all sat together. Joaquin seemed uninterested. He was sitting in the corner with his small dinosaurs. All of a sudden, as I was catching my breath, he started to sing his own song. One voice turned into twenty and I was sitting in the middle of a chorus of expressive voices and clapping hands. Simple, honest, joy.

During my volunteer placement in the Hogarcito the children started school, which therefore meant that I had a lot of free time. I made the most of this to do some more volunteer work. My schedule took shape: In the morning from 7am till 11am I would work in the nursery home for single mothers. It is there that I became a skilled diaper changer and swore never to have children. The age range was from new borns to 4 year olds. Not only did I learn Spanish baby talk but also the art of being patient, very patient! Then I would head off to the local school where I would pick up the Hogarcito children and head back, to help the tías make lunch and then play with the children all afternoon. It wasn’t just playing that I did with these children, but reassuring them that they were loved and cared for. Most of the time I found that it was me who couldn’t stop kissing them. They have such beautiful smiles and warm hearts. I remember Mario telling me that sharing was beautiful so could I help him give out the peanuts he had received at a school party. These children have basically nothing, but always want to share; that is just wonderful. Then at 6pm I would head off to the old people’s home, just down the street from the Hogarcito. Those were also precious moments, and it is here that I was able to discover the rich history of Costa Rica. In the nursing home I would just sit and listen to the amazing stories of each individual. Family being very important, I was able to meet their children as well as grandchildren. It was fantastic. On one afternoon I was invited to assist the football match of Fabio’s eight year old grandchild Esteban. I just loved the feeling of community in Costa Rica. Everyone looks out for each other. It would take me forever to get home at night because everyone wanted to invite me for coffee.

My experience in Costa Rica was more fulfilling than I could ever have imagined. I have kept good memories of special moments. I will remember watching Poopee make his first steps thanks to my help; teaching Diana how to give a kiss; playing football with Mario and Joaquin; losing at football to a six and ten year old; explaining to José that using a toilet was a little better than the flower pot; house cleaning with Mireya. Even my not-so-good moments such as discovering a tarantula in my room, sleeping in a £2 a night hotel cabin with bats in the walls, changing diapers or attempting to feed toddlers, have all turned into fond memories.

This summer spent in Costa Rica has not only given me the opportunity to discover a part of Central America but also let me discover my hidden abilities. The experience gave me some sense of self-reliance that I can survive without everything at home. It’s been an unforgettable experience and I have made friends I hope I will see again. I also learned that regular routines need challenging. This has been such a unique experience that I have yet to absorb it all. I was prepared to commit myself in spite of the uncertainties, learnt that I can adapt readily and that I can adapt to the unexpected, and that is what made it all the more great. I had a fantastic time in Costa Rica. I really miss the children in the orphanage who were all wonderful. Every morning they would greet me with ‘Hello Eliiii’ and the smile on their faces is etched on my heart.

I am most thankful to the many sponsors who contributed so generously to make my first volunteer placement a possibility. I recommend such an experience to all those leaving school to learn how giving is truly receiving.

Elizabeth Burrus

August 2003