Together with the school boards and teachers, we have created a program to improve school infrastructure and materials. Oftentimes companies, private education centers and universities choose to sponsor one of the projects. Most of them including volunteering side-by-side with the parents of the community.
Each year, 15 schools share with the Casa Milagro Foundation & Tropical Adventures their needs so we can help them find a sponsor and a volunteer group that may contribute.
In order to participate in this project, we need a minimum group of 15 pax to work at least 2 mornings. For 2013, four public local schools have already requested this assistance.
We at the Casa Milagro Foundation believe in the benefits of cross-cultural collaboration and try to involve parents and community members in everything we do. Volunteers love interacting with local residents, and typically find it the nicest thing they experience while in Costa Rica.
Nice and clean classrooms have been proven to help improve the motivation of the students. By painting, volunteers are adding to the quality of life of these kids.
Scholastic needs may vary from time to time. Painting of school areas is the most frequently need. If sponsors want to do more than volunteering in a school, they may also help by donating money for other projects (e.g. purchasing materials, equipment, etc.).
Added Bonus: On the last morning, volunteers may also choose to sponsor an environmental field trip for the kids. For approximately $15/pax, both volunteers and your sponsored kids enjoy a morning together. The price includes costs of transport (one departure and one arrival location), snacks and entrance (for places such as butterfly farms or turtle nest conservation areas).
Costs: It takes about $950 to cover paint and material costs, a large group is able to help paint 3 classrooms, and one extra area like the kitchen or bathrooms. Prices of materials can be reduced depending on the number of working days. The minimum is $500 to paint two classrooms in two mornings. Lodging, meals and transportation are extra.