Brown Bag Lunch at the IBCR: a look back at the exciting experience of volunteer cooperation in Costa Rica

On May 9, a Brown Bag Lunch was held at the ICBR office on the experience of Diana Carvajal, who participated in the PRODEF volunteer cooperation programme on the protection of the rights of children, women and other vulnerable communities.

The legal adviser was pleased to participate in her second mission to the program, flying to Costa Rica this time to work with the Paniamor Foundation on various issues such as early marriages and the application of a new law against inappropriate relationships.

At the event, Diana proudly shared her mission, highlighting the Paniamor Foundation’s hard work with young people in vulnerable situations in Costa Rica. In particular, she was able to carry out her legal duties at the heart of initiatives led by the organisation, such as the Girasoles project and the Youth Pathways programme. Diana shared inspirational stories about these projects that aim to better integrate these young people into the job market by developing their professional skills. Among other things, she has been touched by girls who are beneficiaries of Girasoles – a programme designed to empower women – who are often affected by social exclusion based on gender inequalities in Costa Rica. Diana has also facilitated workshops with various judiciary and social workers to improve law enforcement against inappropriate relationships and remedies available to victims.

 

Diana has only positive experiences of her mandate. According to her, the most memorable element of her voluntary cooperation was the contact she had with the young people, as well as their reactions to the workshops given by Paniamor. Although her departure was difficult, Diana is reassured knowing that these young people now have all the tools necessary for their personal and professional success.

If you are interested in volunteer cooperation and would like to have experiences like Diana’s, IBCR invites you to visit the PRODEF Cooperation Programme page to discover mission opportunities.