Hello everybody, thank you for visiting my page.  My name is Zachary Ortwine.  I'm 23 years old, and I am from Richmond, Virginia.  I am a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College with a degree in Economics and Commerce.  Since I was a child, my parents and family instiled and cultivated the value of helping other people.  Leadership studies at Hampden-Sydney College and with Luck Companies has also reinforced the importance of helping other people to live a more fulfilling life.  The value of helping others is fundamental to positive leadership and our family; this is what motivates me as a volunteer for Global Vision International (GVI) to help others in Costa Rica. 

I am currently volunteering in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica in a small community called El Cocal.  I have been a volunteer for seven weeks, and it has changed my life in a very positive way.  Most of the volunteering experience involves helping underprivileged children in El Cocal.  Volunteering with the kids has been a life-changing journey as I learn about some of their struggles while working to provide hope and positive values.  El Cocal is a very poor community with limited resources to help the children.  I primarily volunteer at the local school and the community center.  

GVI is hosting a bodyboarding tournament to raise money and awareness for El Cocal.  One of the local children recently won the world title for best bodyboarder in the Under 18 age group, and this has inspired the bodyboarding tournament.  All of the proceeds from fundraising will be used to renovate a classroom in the school and to purchase sporting supplies.  If you can, please help support a better learning environment for a better future for the kids in El Cocal.