Abriendo Mentes could not be a more appropriate name for this organization. Translated as “opening minds”, perhaps the long-term goal of this non-profit is to engrain in these small communities that the world is full of exciting things which they have not even scratched the surface of. Our main work here at Casa Brasilito (a small, newer branch of Abriendo Mentes) is working with kids by providing them with after school programs. We offer a range of classes such as english, art, and computer for grades K-6. These programs allow the students to start fine-tuning different skills that will help them be successful in the future no matter what they do. Tourism is a major business here in Costa Rica, and english classes provide a head start to the kids who want to go into a field where english as a requirement. Computer classes are also a great and fun introduction to many different opportunities, as the world is becoming more and more reliant on technology.
Aside from working with kids, us volunteers have a lot of other opportunities to work with and for the community. Every other week we have beach clean ups, where we pick up trash along Playa Brasilito and I am always astounded by how many trash bags we have at the end of it filled to the top with garbage. We also work with Banco de Alimentos, a food bank here in Brasilito. Banco de Alimentos receives hundreds of donations from grocery stores around the region of Guanacaste, and it is our job to help sort and box it so that it can be distributed to people who need it most.
Besides working Monday–Friday and occasional miscellaneous weekend volunteer opportunities, there is plenty of free time to laze on the beach or explore many of Costa Rica’s beautiful and exciting towns, which are only bus rides away. My personal favorite is Playa Conchal, a short walk from Playa Brasilito. I often go to Playa Conchal on the weekends to enjoy this white-sand, clear-water beach.
I can’t believe I only have three weeks left in Costa Rica. I’m going to miss hearing my students call out “Hola maestra!” as I pass them in the streets during my daily runs. I’m going to miss them asking me “Hay clase de Inglés?” every single day even though I know you know we have english class every day at 2:15, JEFERSON. Most of all, I’m going to miss their excited faces when they’re proud of something they’ve accomplished in the classroom. It’s been an amazing, frustrating, hilarious, and eye opening time all wrapped up into one experience. Amazing because I’m impressed and intimidated by all of the hard work and time that the people here at Abriendo Mentes put into making their organization effective and successful. Frustrating because learning to communicate with kids who don’t speak your language earns you a lot of blank stares and confusion. Hilarious because no matter where in the world you go kids are goofy yet remarkable creatures. And finally, eye-opening because getting the chance to live in a community where most houses are made of scrap metal and don’t contain things most take for granted such as indoor plumbing and walls that don’t meet the ceiling.
All in all these past nine weeks have flown, and I can’t wait to see how the next three treat me. It will be sad to say goodbye to all of my little friends that I’ve made here, but know that they will be in the wonderful hands of Casa Brasilito.
— Shannon Hall
