By Kelly Reid, Marketing Intern
In the Talamanca region of Costa Rica lays the quiet and very small community of Alto Katsi, which has about eighty people residing in around sixteen structures. The subsistence economy is particularly fragile because the region is susceptible to flooding, which makes a fruitful harvest impossible. There is no electricity, no running water, and no commercial goods close by. The simplicity is serene, but because of its remote location, necessities such as educational supplies and feel-good items like soccer balls are often hard to come by. In fact, before Tropical Adventures assisted with the construction of a schoolhouse nearby, the children often had to walk very long distances in the morning and evenings to attend classes. Thankfully, this is no longer the case and lessons are now held within the community. Materials, however, are still a challenge for the locals.
This past December, a group of Tropical Adventures staff and volunteers from Stony Brook University visited the Alto Katsi village to deliver a wide range of valuable goods that were generously donated by our supporters. The children were thrilled to be presented with sports equipment, educational tools, and health items such as tooth brushes and toothpaste. Volunteers were able to play with the children and teach them essential personal hygiene skills. And few things can bring a group of people together like a soccer ball. The volunteers and Indigenous folks alike were able to enjoy a few impromptu games in the lush green spaces of this beautiful region.
To see many more pictures of these volunteer efforts, please visit our Facebook page as well as our Flickr page – the photos of the smiling children won’t disappoint!
Related posts:
