Holiday and Childcare Program

I had the opportunity to become involved in Maximo Nivel's program here in Costa Rica for two weeks. I was intending on only doing the childcare program, but ended up being a part of the Holiday Program as well.

For the Holiday Program, Maximo worked with local daycare and nursing home facilities where volunteers, such as myself, were able to go and interact in various ways. On the first day of the Holiday Program, we were actually able to do a beautification project, in which we visited Ositos Daycare and helped clean up, paint, and improve the visual and overall quality of the playground, allowing kids to fully enjoy their time. Not only that but we were also able to return to the same daycare and entertain the kids as well. Some were able to teach them a little bit of English and/or draw and write with them. In complete honesty, there was a mutual learning experience. We taught the children a few English words, and they, in return, taught us a few Spanish words. The nursing home was just as enjoyable, and being in an environment where we were welcomed and loved despite our short time there really lifts spirits. The project manager there said it best: "You will leave here with your hearts filled with love."

The Childcare portion of my stay here was definitely an experience that I am happy to have had. Many facilities in Costa Rica have a ratio of 20 kids to 1 teacher, and being able to help those teachers was the least we could do. During this week, we assisted in playing with the kids, completing activities, watching over them during the times they were at the playground, and at times, feeding them. The kids always have love in their hearts, and if you take the step to return that same love to them, the experience will not only be worth it, but you'll wish that you can stay longer. :)))