Documentary of the Canadian LEGAC Association Organizing Students to Participate in Volunteer Medical and Education Projects in Costa Rica
Students from various provinces in Canada will participate in an eleven year international volunteer and internship program in Costa Rica from January 27, 2023 to January 6, 2024. From January 2nd to January 5th, 2024, the Costa Rican International Volunteer Medical and Educational Assistance Program is nearing completion after four consecutive days of work.
On January 2nd, volunteers visited the "Los Ositos" children's daycare center located in a poverty-stricken community. The center provides care for children aged 2 to 12 and is divided into two buildings, accommodating children aged 2 to 5 and 6 to 12 respectively. Due to the fact that daycare centers do not receive government funding and rely entirely on donations to maintain their operations, many children come from impoverished families, and some even have to bear the burden of their families. The center is committed to helping these children stay away from the streets, providing them with learning opportunities and a safe environment, allowing them to enjoy their childhood.
Volunteers first remove the Christmas decorations and put them away for reuse next year. Subsequently, they interacted with children aged 6 to 12 on the playground, enhancing mutual understanding through games. Despite language barriers, the children still enthusiastically communicate with the volunteers, demonstrating a strong sense of community belonging. Volunteers also use their learned skills to check the vital signs of children and monitor their health status. Faced with farewell, the volunteers felt deeply reluctant, and this experience made them more aware of the strength and optimism of these children.
On January 3rd, the volunteer team of the LEGAC Association also visited the Maria Selena Calderon Sanatorium and the "Road of Hope" Care Center. At the sanatorium, volunteers assist nursing staff in providing daily care services to residents and spend time with them. Since its establishment in 2005, this sanatorium has continuously provided a safe and comfortable living environment for residents aged 18 to 60. Volunteers also interact with residents suffering from various psychological and physical illnesses on the 'Road of Hope', providing them with warmth and support.
On January 4th, LEGAC Association volunteers also participated in the construction of the Abraham Plan community center. The center provides childcare services, medical care, and housing support. Volunteers assist in building apartments for single mothers to help them take care of their children with peace of mind during their studies.
On the last day of the internship on January 5, the volunteers carried out a series of nursing and companionship activities in the elderly home of the San Pedro Crawford Poor sisters Association. This nursing home has a history of nearly 30 years and currently has about 50 elderly residents. Volunteers try to interact with elderly people who are bedridden or have limited mobility, helping them with basic daily activities and improving their physical and mental health.
After the ten day volunteer medical aid activity in Costa Rica, volunteers expressed that this experience not only allowed them to see another side of the world, but also made them feel sincere communication and care between people. Every resident and child they encountered during the event deeply touched their hearts, giving them a deeper understanding and new perspectives on the work they were involved in.
Overall, this volunteer activity not only broadened the volunteers' international perspective, but also allowed them to improve themselves in the process of serving others. They expressed that this experience has strengthened their belief in continuing to devote themselves to public welfare and look forward to returning here again in the future, with full love and hope, to continue serving those in need.