About this role
Youth Development Educator
Project Description: Ready to help the next generation become confident leaders? Costa Rican schools and communities are looking for you!
Young people in Costa Rica represent nearly one-third of the population, making them one of the country’s greatest assets for the future. More than a third of children under the age of 12 live below the poverty line though, and girls ages 12–19 face disproportionate responsibilities at home than boys the same age. This limits their opportunities for healthy development and place additional pressure on schools that are navigating issues, such as violence, drugs, mental health concerns, and resource deficiencies. Recognizing education’s critical role in national development, the Ministry of Public Education is interested in strengthening life skills education, encouraging youth leadership, and expanding prevention-focused programs.
As a Youth Development Educator, you will collaborate with school staff to equip youth with essential life skills. Working alongside teachers and counselors, you will create opportunities for youth to become positive community leaders through service, recreation, arts, and cultural activities. Over time, this work strengthens families, schools, and community networks, contributing to safer, more supportive environments and advancing Costa Rica’s development goals.
Required Skills: Bachelor's degree in any field.
Living Conditions: For the first 4 months, Volunteers will live in a private room within a host family’s house. The Volunteer may then move to independent housing, such as a small building or apartment, if available within five kilometers of the primary work site. The Volunteer will walk, bike, or use public buses to commute.
Activities: Conduct a community assessment with school staff, counselors, and leaders to identify priority youth needs.
Develop and implement a strategic youth development work plan.
Deliver engaging life skills lessons that build communication, emotional well-being, and problem-solving abilities.
Lead structured empowerment programs for girls and targeted education activities for boys.
Facilitate sports, arts, and recreational activities.
Guide youth participation in service-learning and volunteer projects.
Collaborate with teachers and service providers to foster a united, supportive network.
Engage parents and caregivers in activities that promote positive family relationships.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as enriching art classes and team sports.
Training: As a Youth Development Educator, you will be trained in the positive youth development approach, participatory methodologies, and how to design and facilitate training sessions. Peace Corps/Costa Rica will provide advanced Spanish classes to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.
After 11 weeks of training, you will move to a rural, semi-urban, or urban community where you will collaborate with the staff at a public school. You will work with the community to assess the youth development needs and develop solutions based on assessment findings.
Job Highlights: Develop international experience in youth programming and life skills education that will support a global career.
Inspire the youth in Costa Rica to become confident leaders through meaningful service projects.
Develop Spanish language skills while forming authentic, lasting connections with community members.