Summary

Local teachers in Mal Pais and Santa Teresa have to manage several grades at the same time. This project aims to supply additional teachers, classrooms, and textbooks for students at the local schools.

Background

Mal Pais and Santa Teresa are some of the fastest growing areas for tourism in Costa Rica. The towns are growing fast and the population is swelling beyond the capacity of local schools. This projects aims to supply additional teachers and materials for students and access to English language tuition for students and adults.. The project also works with local adults to supply additional education to facilitate access to the growing tourism trade.

Project aims

The project wishes to assist local schools and employ experienced and qualified teachers, build new classrooms, supply text books for every student, facilitate English courses and supply extra curricular classes for students and local adults. We also aim to assist schools to establish a small resource center and school library, internet access, an IT center with a printer and photo copier, and a basic playground. Work has started at the smaller of the 2 schools and will expand as finances allow. The project has worked hard locally to fundraise. We have already gained the support of various local businesses and residents who have kindly agreed to match any funds raised from the local community, tourists or internationally. Additionally, we hold many events locally to raise money from within the local community and local tourist trade.

Long-term sustainability

The project is run in partnership with local community members who presently donate time and labor but aim to be able to support the project financially in the longer term. The project has the long term aim of improving the economic situation of the local community through increased levels of education and access to the tourist trade, with the longer term aim of the community assisting the school without the need of outside donations.