VOLUNTEER IN COSTA RICA

Community Phase

Sustainable development goals: 
1 – end to poverty. 3 – access to education. 8 – economic growth. 9 – infrastructure. 11 – sustainable communities

Why are we there? To improve access to education in indigenous communities

Costa Rica has 24 indigenous territories inhabited by eight different peoples. These regions face significant educational and infrastructural challenges, making volunteer involvement crucial. Raleigh Costa Rica partners with a number of the indigenous communities where Venturers contribute to improved access to education, infrastructure development, and public services, while fostering long-lasting connections with these communities.

For example: The Alto and Bajo Chirripó Indigenous Territory is one of the most remote areas in Costa Rica. There are low levels of school attendance, high levels of illiteracy, and high levels of poverty. One of the key barriers to culturally appropriate development is a lack of education due to poor facilities and difficult access. Venturers work on building school buildings and raising awareness activities with the community on topics like waste management and climate action.

Environmental phase

Sustainable development goals
12 – responsible consumption and production. 13 – climate action. 14 – life below water. 15 – life on land

Why are we there? Costa Rica boasts an impressive 5% of global biodiversity but has areas which are biologically vulnerable.

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is a true natural treasure. The border area with Panama is facing challenges such as deforestation and habitat loss. These issues intensify the impacts of climate change, leaving indigenous communities who depend on these lands.

What you’ll experience:

• Implement eco-friendly practices to promote sustainability and build environmental awareness.
• Engage with the community to learn about their traditions and approaches to sustainability.
• Acquire essential survival skills such as shelter-building, creating a camp kitchen and locating water sources.
• Attend speeches led by an experienced biologist
• Participate in trail design and clean-up efforts
• Building bird feeder stations
• Hawkwatching – identification and data gathering
• Food garden and nursery planting

Adventure Challenge

You’ll trek approximately 260 km through varying landscapes – rainforest, mountainous and rural community areas. 

Trek takes you on a journey of personal growth that will continue for the rest of your life. No matter what trekking experience you have, everyone starts and finishes trek together – come rain or shine!

Supporting one another, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.