World Challengers from Hampshire Collegiate School Reviews of COTORCO

Review 1:  

            The work COTORCO does is amazing; they are purely dedicated to helping the turtles and educating others. Without COTORCO I don’t think, as many turtles would survive. Phoebe, the coordinator is so passionate about the organization and it’s clear in the way she talks about turtles and the organization.

            COTORCO isn’t just about helping the turtles, they educate others about red lights on their torchs and also pay their local workers by making coconut oil made by collecting on the beach and through a whole process which I have had a fun experiencing and making, this you can purchase at Finca Exotica. You can also buy their t-shirts and hats to help promote them and the vital work they do for the turtles.

Erin Evans, Hampshire Collegiate School, Team 2

Review 2:  

            

We arrived in Carate with 9 World Challengers from Hampshire Collegiate School (Team 2). This was our project phase, working at COTORCO. We weren’t sure what to expect but were happy to learn about sea turtle conservation and contribute to the work Phoebe and her team so and perhaps even see a sea turtle nesting. In 3 days we have:

• ·     Had a presentation on the hazards sea turtles face.
• ·         Collected 42 coconuts.
• ·         Picked up plastic and rubbish from the beach.
• ·         De-husked, grated and squeezed the coconuts to extract the oil.
• ·         Made a sign.
• ·         Ladled and bottled the coconut oil.
• ·         Tidied the hatchery.
• ·         Made bamboo meshes to protect the nests.

We also had an amazing tour of the grounds and ate a range of fruits and spices including lemongrass, turmeric and curry leaves.

            We went out last night to try to see a turtle but unfortunately we weren’t lucky. We are keeping our fingers crossed we may see one tonight.

            It has been an amazing insight into what is happening here and it is obvious that they are passionate about working along side the local community.

Pura Vida,

Leah, Mickey and Nick

Review 3:  

     I have really enjoyed my time at Finca Exotica. It is so peaceful here and I love how we are so close to the beach. The people who work here are really lovely and polite, really nice people to talk to. I really enjoyed all the activities we did, especially making coconut oil.

Freya Crompton

Review 4:  

            COTORCO has been an amazing experience and I have loved learning about sea turtles. My favorite thing was making my own coconut oil. I also, found the experience very educational and would love to do it again. I would love to come again and learn more about the turtles.

Save The Turtles!

Gabriella Hebert

Review 5:  

            I have loved visiting COTORCO! It has been such an amazing experience and I have learnt so much in such a little time about sea turtles.  I’ve loved everything from clearing the hatchery to making coconut oil. And would love to do it all again! I will definitely look to do some fundraising of my own for COTORCO when I return home, as I never realized how endangered sea turtles are!

            Thank you for the experience COTORCO! I hope your funds keep improving!

Leila Shaw x

Review 6: 

            I have really enjoyed my time here, especially where we are staying. I have learnt a lot of things about turtles and wildlife, which I didn’t know before, and now I am going to try to support COTORCO as much as I can in the future.

Zoe

Review 7:  

            This trip has been amazing and where we are staying has made it better. I’ve learnt lots in this small space of time and I would love to learn some more. I loved learning about the turtles and helping them which felt good!

Matthew

Review 8:  

            My time here has been amazing I have really enjoyed learning about wildlife and most of all helping the turtles. Where we are staying is amazing and I would love to come back and help again one day.

Joe

Review 9: 

            Over the three days here, I have enjoyed seeing the different wildlife and culture that I have experienced. I have also enjoyed learning about turtles and I can’t wait to find out more about turtles in the future.

Charlie

Review 10: 

            I came to COTORCO as a part of my World Challenge expedition. Although I did not fully know what to expect I have really enjoyed my time here. Making coconut oil and cleaning out the hatchery have been great fun! I will really miss everyone here and I will try to continue to help the guys here at COTORCO however I can.

Leo Tongue