Develop Leaders in At-Risk Communities, Costa Rica

I came to Boy with a Ball Costa Rica a few months ago, to begin my university volunteer requirement, ‘TCU’. Since then, the experiences I’ve had have been incredible. I began mid-quarantine, however, we still had the opportunity to go on community walkthroughs and be at the foundation house in Los Cuadros. During those walks I can say with great confidence that you learn to value what you have and that we are all capable of giving our grain of sand, even if it is not a lot, together they makes a difference.

The children of Los Cuadros are so wonderful, with those smiles, they make us laugh with their silliness and some surprise us with their intelligence. They are incredible and I hope to see them again soon, however, due to the pandemic and increase in cases, we have suspended the walkthroughs for now. Since then I have worked virtually, tutoring with a little girl named Saidelis. The experience with her has been incredible, she is an extremely intelligent girl, a little distracted and playful, in fact, she reminds me of myself as a child, so full of energy. She has taught me more than I have taught her, because each class shows me that, despite the circumstances, she fully adapts to virtuality, from a cell phone, without the comforts of a desk and computer, she has proven that you don't need any of that when you want to learn. There are times when she sends me audio messages outside of class and they are so fun, they bring me joy. The experience of working with her has been mutually beneficial, I am very happy to work with such a capable girl, in addition to her exemplary mother. She stays online with her daughter as we connect, helping me keep her attention, a wonderful role model for her daughter. The Boy with a Ball Costa Rica team is active, we are present and above all we are working hard to offer our children in the community all of our support and love, regardless of distance.