The German volunteers have now arrived here in Costa Rica. They’ll be spending a sabbatical year, contributing to ILCO´s different programs and helping in the activities of faith communities.
These young adults will be put on different projects where they’ll be able to put their skills and knowledge into work while integrating themselves into the community’s everyday life.
This exchange program was founded sixteen years ago, and their work is for the church of major importance, specially for the children's’ programs such La Carpio open daycare and Alajuelitas circle for children. They’ll also be working in the migrant program, the self-sustainable enterprises program and teaching German and English.
The purpose of this program is to promote the cultural exchange, where the volunteers get the opportunity to learn about the social, economic and educational problems of the Costa Rican society and the lutheran comunities in Costa Rica.
The actors of this exchange program are: The Lutheran church in Costa Rica, Mission Eine Welt of Bavaria and Bread for the world from Germany.
Johannes Gahleitner, one of the volunteers tells us:
‘’The program gives us a chance to learn, to help and to make new friends! That is the beauty of it.’’
It’s important to mention that the volunteers are working here nonprofit and they have an international insurance for illnesses, medical and living expenses. In addition the volunteers are not employed by ILCO.
Once their work is over the volunteers will return to their home country where they’ll have the opportunity to share their experiences and strengthen the ecumenical work and brotherhood between churches.