Become a Friend to the Monkeys of Costa Rica: Volunteer Opportunities
Recently while having dinner with Barry and Friends in San Jose I met a young woman preparing to return home for a family reunion back in North America .There was something about the spirit of this woman who beckoned a stranger's conversation . This despite the fact that she appeared to be enjoying the alone time in the chic art cafe. Little did I know that visions of "Monkeys" not "Sugarplums" were still dancing in her head.
Meet Katie Mann.....A young woman making a difference in Costa Rica by, applying her master's degree in primate conservation at Oxford Brookes University in Oxford, England . This , by helping protect a Costa Rica monkey population at risk of extinction in Northern Punta Banco, Costa Rica.
http://www.amigosdelosmonos.org
Talk about making a difference! In our Costa Rica Personal Growth Retreats, I am often asked about Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica! Amigos de Los Monos, translation: Friends of the Monkeys , should be at the top of the volunteer list for anyone who has a love for animals, and a particular fancy for playful rainforest monkeys. I am happy to report that some of our participants in our Go Wild! Go GREAT! Personal Growth Retreats look to extend their stay with volunteer assignments . They do more on vacation than work on themselves and their tans....They give back to Costa Rica.
To get a snapshot of the Peril of these incredible Panamanian Red Spider monkeys, take at look at these statistics.
Estimated Costa Rican population (Ateles geoffroyi):
- 1995: 26,000
- 2007: 7,225
- Decline: 72%
. Imagine a volunteer opportunity to truly make a difference through both an extended volunteer hiatus in Costa Rica and/or your Financial Support:.
Volunteers are sought to assist Katie in all facets of the project. Current areas of investigation include
- mapping of Ngäbe properties and land management practices
- Guaymí socioeconomic interviews
- surveys of primate populations
- development and implementation of educational materials.
Other responsibilities include assistance in grant writing, newsletter writing, attendance at community meetings, and communication for networking. So Here's your Volunteer Job Description:
Requirements:
- oral and written proficiency in English and Spanish
- minimum 6-month commitment with a 1-month trial period
- experience living in tropical countries
- excellent physical condition.
Volunteers must be able to finally support themselves—there is no financial support available. (Note: very reasonable lodging )
All applicants should possess the following qualities:
- adventurous
- great people skills
- open minded
- flexible
- ability to work independently
- takes direction well
- willingness to be mobile
- the belief that YOU can make a difference!
It is expected that students will take advantage of the rare opportunity to spend nights with Ngäbe families. This not only contributes to the local economy, but it may add convenience depending on where studies are being carried out.
The Price is Right for Volunteer Accommodations in Punta Banco
Hey, Punta Banco is one of the most Blessed Places on the Planet. I know, I've been there. It was in Punta Banco that I witnessed my one and only moon setting in addition to playful monkeys. Warning: It's a haul! About an 8 hour drive from San Jose, but WOW! is it worth it!
There are three locally owned cabinas where visitors and volunteers can stay in Punta Banco. All of them have private and shared rooms in addition to shared bathrooms. Each establishment also has a restaurant (soda) that serves typical Costa Rican food.
- Cabinas Raquel: $5 a night
- Cabinas Titijuana: $7 a night
- Cabina Las Lapas: $10 a night without meals, $15 a night with meals
Comments