Located between downtown San Jose and the upscale suburb of Escazu, Lifting Hands has become a beacon of hope for the impoverished residents of the Bajo de los Anonos community. Here local residents can learn from and be motivated by volunteers like ourselves who share their time, expertise and resources with both children and adults. Lifting Hands primary focus is creating a safe and fun learning environment where school-aged children from 5-years to 17-years are taught various classes and workshops by 100% volunteers. These range from English classes, computers lessons, mathematics, arts, dance, yoga, cooking, swimming, physical education, Jiu Jitsu, and much more. Lifting Hands provides a healthy outlet that keeps the kids off the streets where negative influences can be around any corner in their impoverished community.

The parents of the children are also offered classes and workshops like on-going education, creating employment opportunities and teaching healthy family lifestyle practices. These adult workshops range from computer lessons, English classes, food preparation, and business development. In Los Anonos the average home has 10 people living in it, so Lifting Hands serves as a resource to help improve the quality of life for those who seek the opportunity.

Even if you aren’t coming to Costa Rica you can still help out the local community at your next travel destination. Pack for a Purpose has operations in over 60 countries so even if your next vacation with us is to Panama, Belize, Nicaragua, or Guatemala we can find a local hotel that partners with Pack for a Purpose as well.

If you are traveling to Costa Rica and happen to have a night in San Jose let us know if you’d like to visit Lifting Hands personally. You can join one of our volunteer classes, hang out with the children, tour the Anonos community, and/or bring your donations directly to the foundation center.