Programa de Voluntariado

Misión

Brindar espacios de crecimiento y desarrollo integral al voluntario, apoyando proyectos socio-ambientales en comunidades rurales.

Detalle General
VIDA y su Programa de Voluntariado organiza y prepara grupos conformados por 10 y 30 personas (estudiantes de colegio y universitarios), en periodos que van de 2 semanas y hasta un mes. Los voluntarios realizan proyectos específicos coordinados con  lideres de las organizaciones comunales y miembros del Programa de Voluntariado, Algunas experiencias de proyectos son: mejoramiento de infraestructura comunal (escuelas, iglesias, y salones comunales), construcción de alcantarillas  y mantenimiento de senderos en reservas naturales. De la misma forma se desarrollan visitas educativas y fuera de la comunidad, como visitas a aguas termales ó Parques Nacionales. Los voluntarios se hospedan en casas de familias de la comunidad, teniendo un contacto directo con su realidad social y cultural. Cada grupo es liderado por personal de VIDA, para favorecer una experiencia total para el grupo y la comunidad.

Meta clara de nuestra Asociación es mejorar la calidad humana de los pobladores y la posibilidad de crear una conciencia basada en un desarrollo sostenible de beneficio directo para la sociedad
Actividades organizadas entre voluntarios y miembros de las comunidades, propician un mejoramiento integral del entorno comunitario, donde el voluntario pasa por  experiencias vivenciales altamenteeducativas  y la comunidad se beneficia del proyecto concluido, además del vínculo de amistad que se crea durante esta relación de cooperación internacional.

Experiencias personales

Voluntarias de Canada World Youth

There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about or wish that I was back in Quebrada Grande, Costa Rica with my host family. At first, like most people I had my doubts about going abroad to volunteer. I was discouraged by many people about going to Costa Rica as they thought it would be too dangerous or that I may get sick and so on. Though danger waits for us at our front door, a specific destination does not make one more susceptible to being hurt. As nervous as I may have been, I swallowed my fears and followed my heart (as corny as that may seem).
Maya Angelou, a famous writer, once said that life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. There was something new and beautiful to discover everyday in Costa Rica. Sometimes it was as captivating as a waterfall in the middle of the rainforest or it was as simple as my host sister giving me a hug and saying “Buenos noches”. The one thing that I treasure the most about being in Costa Rica is how closely knit the community is. Growing up in Toronto I have learned the art of three minute conversations, for example, “Hi. How are you doing? How is your parents/kids/boyfriend/girlfriend etc?” And that would be enough to get you through an encounter with your ever so friendly neighbour. However, in Costa Rica neighbours do not exist, the community is one big family where the elders treat everyone as their children and vice versa. We were surrounded by a plethora of platonic love.
Living in Canada we often take for granted many of our conveniences like hot showers, paved roads or easy access to telephones. Though in Canada these amenities are not the concern of the average citizen, but it is the job an urban planner or a member of parliament. In Costa Rica these problems are the concerns of all the members of the community. Together the members of the community find resources to try to repair the school or plant more trees. The members of the community seek to better their environment and appreciate the assistance that is provided by various groups. The Duke of Edinburgh/Canada World Youth participants worked to restore the look of the local school by repainting it. We also fixed the steps that led into the rainforest and netted the fishery to prevent birds from eating the baby fishes. We helped our families on their farm and most importantly built everlasting relationships with our host families and group members.
I went to Costa Rica with intentions to change someone’s life or at least make a tremendous difference in a small rural community, but I believe that I gained more than I could have ever given back. I did change someone’s life; though, it was my own. I learned how to appreciate the little things. I realized that the lifestyle in Canada does not allow us to stop and smell the flowers, or play soccer with the local children, or walk into our neighbour’s home and borrow milk without asking. We are too busy, all the time. So while it lasted, I took the time to gaze at the stars and appreciate the one thing we are missing in this land of democracy; freedom. Quebrada Grande may be behind in its development and a little under privileged; however, in my eyes, it is a land full of the richest people with the most amazing personalities and the biggest hearts. Everyday that passes I wish I was there. “Pura Vida Costa Rica.”

By: Suzanne Narain,
Quebrada Grande, Costa Rica 2005

Quebrada Grande is a rural town embraced by a dense rainforest. Here, the air is fresh, the locals are friendly and children’s laughter fills the air. As beautiful as it is, I feel like a total stranger. This is my first impression of Quebrada Grande.

On the first day of my arrival, I was greeted by warm welcomes, but the new environment was frightening and the language barrier was a huge obstacle. At the first meal that I shared with my host family, my host father attempted to teach me how to eat tortilla. He spoke slowly as he motioned to me, but I did not follow his words or gestures. I was dumbfounded and annoyed at my inability to communicate at the same time. If only they spoke English or Chinese, then communication would be much easier and smoother. It was during the two weeks that I spent in Costa Rica when I learned the importance of gestures in communication.

Although my first night with my host family was a discouraging experience, I did not give up in talking to them, and I was more determined to learn Spanish after then. I started to pay closer attention to their actions as my host family spoke with me, and I often stayed home with them after dinner to learn more Spanish. My Spanish dictionary became my best friend and despite the tremendous amount of effort required to make a simple conversation in Spanish, I enjoyed talking to my host family as well as the locals. Soon, I developed a strong bond with my host family. Every night before I went to sleep, my host mother hugged me to bid me good night. One night when I was conversing with her after dinner, I told her that I have soup every night at home in Canada. So in the following night, she made me a pot of tasty soup, and I had as many as three bowls. The family was shocked by my appetite and my host brother nicknamed me “whale”. On the last Sunday that I spent with my family, my host father took my roommate and me to swim in the river. In the afternoon, my host mother and sister taught me how to make pancakes. As time went by, I also developed a great relationship with the locals. Every time I walked by the grocery store, the store owner greeted me affectionately with “Hola Chinita”, and once he even offered me a pack of gum for free. I also danced with my friend’s host children at a dance party and played soccer with my host sister’s friends.

In the morning of our departure, everyone was taken to the bus stop by his host family. I told myself that I will not leave in tears, but as soon as I hugged my host mother and sister, a surge of warmth rushed through my entire body and my eyes were suddenly filled with tears. I took a last look at the beautiful Quebrada Grande. The rainforest is as green and dense as before, the air smells as fresh and sweet as the first day, the people are as friendly as always, and I am no longer a stranger.

Over the two weeks that I spent in Costa Rica, I learned an important lesson about communication. There are two forms of communication: oral communication and sign communication. Oral communication is a privilege that comes with knowing a language. Through the use of words, we can convey ideas quickly and effectively. However, at times when oral communication is not possible, gestures becomes a powerful tool in communicating. At the same time, I discovered that I have a gift in bonding with people, and this is one of the important qualities for a successful physician, which is my future career goal. My journey to Costa Rica was not only memorable but it also led to the discovery of my strengths and weaknesses. Better yet, I am more confident after the trip, and I am very proud of myself for overcoming another challenge in life that was brought to me by Costa Rica and the Duke.

By: Carmen Yue
Quebrada Grande, Costa Rica 2005