Support Bailey's Mission Trip in Costa Rica with MedLife

I have received an amazing opportunity to travel to Tamarindo, Costa Rica in January 2025. University of Delaware offers MedLife Movement and it immediately sparked interest with their mission and goals. MedLife is a global non-profit organization that works to improve access to medicine, education, and development in low-income communities. I will be volunteering for a week and will also have time to explore Tamarindo. This means a lot of me not only because I am able to see new parts of the world also but offer my help to others in this experience. Below is some information about MedLife and Tamarindo!

Tamarindo is a town on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, in the province of Guanacaste. Playa Tamarindo and Playa Langosta are two of its well-known surf beaches. Playa Grande, located in the northern portion of Las Baulas National Marine Park, is an important nesting place for giant leatherback turtles. Howler monkeys and crocodiles are among the wildlife that thrives in the mangrove-lined estuary of the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge.

1.1 million people live in poverty in Costa Rica. Around 20 percent of the population lives below the national poverty line, earning less than $155 monthly. Poverty and income inequality are persistent issues in Tamarindo, particularly among residents who may not benefit from the tourism industry. Factors contributing to poverty in Tamarindo include limited access to education and job opportunities, a high cost of living, and income disparities between urban and rural areas. The tropical weather and lush scenery attract many tourists. However, that same equatorial climate also brings still water and multiple mosquito-borne illnesses, which significantly impact the health of the residents.

I want to thank everyone for the support! I will be making an album to share all of my pictures during the trip :)