Volontariat auprès de filles en difficulté sociale au Costa Rica (Alajuela)
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About the project
Volontariat auprès de filles en difficulté sociale au Costa Rica (Alajuela)
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Niños con Cariño is a non-profit association founded in 1978 in the city of Alajuela, Costa Rica.
It manages a boarding home for girls between 4 and 15 years old who live in situations of risk and social vulnerability.
The organization offers a comprehensive educational and emotional support program: medical and psychological care, academic tutoring, recreational and cultural activities, and family guidance.
The girls stay from Monday to Friday until 5:00 p.m., and go back home on weekends to maintain family ties.
The organization promotes values such as responsibility, respect, empathy, and solidarity, helping the girls to develop their full potential in a safe and caring environment.
💼 What the programme involves
Volunteers will join the educational and care team, supporting daily activities with the children and contributing to their personal and social development.
Main tasks during the school year:
Support educators in daily routines and activities;
Help prepare snacks and assist in the kitchen;
Assist with cleaning and organizing dormitories;
Support the girls with their homework;
Participate in sports, artistic, and recreational activities;
Encourage games and educational workshops.
During school vacations (mid-December to mid-February):
Prepare educational material;
Reorganize dormitories;
Sort and arrange clothes and supplies.
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30/4:00 p.m. (lunch provided by the project).
🏠 Accommodation on site
Volunteers are hosted by a Costa Rican host family selected by ACI Costa Rica.
Accommodation includes meals and a private or shared room depending on availability.
Families live in Alajuela or nearby, allowing easy access to the project site.
🍲 Food
Lunch is provided by the project.
Volunteers with specific diets (vegetarian, allergies, etc.) should inform ACI Costa Rica in advance.
If necessary, they can bring their own lunch.
Host families provide breakfast and dinner.
📍 About the location
Alajuela, known as “The City of Mangoes”, is located 20 km northwest of San José.
It is a lively and welcoming city surrounded by coffee plantations and close to the famous Poás and Arenal volcanoes.
With its mild climate all year long, Alajuela combines a friendly local atmosphere with easy access to Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
Volunteers can enjoy local markets, museums, and traditional cafés, or explore nearby national parks and waterfalls on weekends.
🎒 Leisure activities
During their free time, volunteers can:
Visit Alajuela’s central market, parks, and museums;
Explore San José’s National Theatre and Gold Museum;
Hike in Poás Volcano National Park;
Join ACI Costa Rica cultural excursions;
Enjoy weekend trips to the Pacific beaches or nearby rainforests.
⚠️ Requirements
Minimum age: 18 years old;
Motivation to work with children and adolescents;
Patience, empathy, and responsibility;
Respect for confidentiality and institutional rules;
Basic level of Spanish recommended (Spanish courses available at ACI Costa Rica);
Minimum stay: 4 weeks (up to 12 months).
Note: The project hosts only girls (4–15 years old). Volunteers of any gender are welcome.
🤝 Meeting point
Volunteers will be picked up at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José.
ACI Costa Rica organizes the transfer to the host family and provides a one-day orientation in San José including a city tour, cultural introduction, safety instructions, and transportation guidance.
ℹ️ Additional information
Participation fee:
650 USD per 4 weeks
100 USD for each additional week
Includes:
Accommodation and meals in a host family;
Transfer from the airport to the host family;
One-day orientation in San José with lunch;
Local supervision and coordination by ACI Costa Rica.
School vacation periods (when activities may vary):
Easter (1 week)
Mid-July (2 weeks)
Mid-December to mid-February (2 months)
The project runs throughout the year and welcomes volunteers during both school terms and vacation periods.
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📅 Available sessions
ACICRC24-20
01/01/2024 at 00:00 → 23/02/2026 at 00:00
ACICRC24-20AUTO-EXT
24/02/2026 at 00:00 → 18/04/2028 at 00:00
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–99 years old
Solidarity donation
650.00 USD ≈ 582 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
2RF3+46H Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Costa Rica
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Costa Rica Colon (CRC / ₡)
Exchange rate
1 CRC = 0.001986 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
Timezone
Central Standard Time
Local time: 22:12 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
🗣️ Languages spoken