Volunteer Work in Costa Rica

During my spring break from March 1st to 9th, I embarked on a journey to Costa Rica for a service mission, marking my inaugural visit to a Central American nation. The pinnacle of this expedition was the opportunity to contribute to Costa Rica's community endeavors, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and fostering a more sustainable future for the region. My primary activities included participating in beach clean-ups to safeguard sea turtle habitats and engaging in community service initiatives at the local school. I discovered this enriching opportunity through WorldPackers, an interactive online platform that facilitates connections between travelers and hosts worldwide, enabling individuals to exchange their skills for accommodation or service. While some hosts offer free participation in service work, I opted to contribute $20 per day to cover volunteer materials and support the local community. My accommodation was situated approximately four hours east of San Jose in a remote coastal area devoid of electricity and internet access. We relied on solar panels to charge our phones for an hour daily, utilizing them primarily as flashlights in the absence of other sources of illumination. The community, nestled in the jungle by the river, necessitated boat transportation due to its isolation from the mainland. The boat rides provided refreshing and memorable experiences, offering glimpses of the region's unique beauty. One particularly challenging day involved a four-hour beach trek under the scorching sun to collect trash, followed by the arduous task of transporting heavy bags of waste over miles back to our accommodations. I vividly recall the novelty of carrying a trash bag on my head for the first time. However, despite our efforts, the reality of waste management in such remote locales proved disheartening, as collected trash was merely amassed in designated areas due to the exorbitant costs associated with recycling. This sobering realization underscored the pressing need for sustainable solutions in these communities. Reflecting on my journey, I am humbled by the transformative impact of these experiences. However, I recognize that better preparation, such as improving my Spanish proficiency, would have enhanced my ability to communicate with the local populace, given the absence of internet connectivity for translation assistance.
Overall, this trip taught me many life lessons and memories with people I met there that I will never forget.