Costa Rica Final Update
August 12, 2008
Saludos from Costa Rica! This marks the Volunteers’ last week in community. Since midterm, Volunteers have been working on putting finishing touches on their projects, holding one or two last campamentos in the schools, and enjoying every last moment in community. Some examples of projects the Volunteers and their community members have been working on are: building a community center, constructing tables and chairs for schools, community gardens, and karaoke/bingo nights to raise money for youth groups. Other secondary projects are being set up to continue after the departure of the Volunteers utilizing the money fundraised throughout the summer.
Our Festival last weekend was a huge success! Over 500 people came to the event —mostly those from AMIGOS communities and other surrounding areas. Communities sold food and crafts such as bracelets and purses, held carnival games, performed various dances, and brought soccer teams to play in the tournament. Volunteers and community members had a chance to share what was going on in their communities as well as raise money for additional projects.
A despedida was held at Casa de la Juventud, our partner agency, on August 11. Select community members were invited to share in a celebration of the summer’s successes as well as a dinner followed by a slide show. On August 12, Volunteers and Project Staff head to Manuel Antonio National Park, where Volunteers will be able to enjoy a day on the beach as well as explore the beautiful flora and fauna Costa Rica has to offer. Volunteers will have time to unwind and reflect upon their summer before heading home on August 14.
Over the last six weeks Project Staff has been very impressed with the amount of creativity, enthusiasm and initiative the Volunteers have shown in their projects and communities. We are very proud of our Volunteers here in Perez Zeledon for becoming an integral part of their communities in a little over five weeks. Volunteers and community members have left lasting impressions on each other and will always remember the close friendships they have formed this summer.
