By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica has officially unveiled a portrait honoring Fernando Centeno Güell, a seminal figure in the nation’s educational history, cementing his legacy within the very heart of its democracy. The ceremony marks the culmination of a 25-year journey to formally recognize Centeno Güell as a Benemérito de la Patria (Meritorious of the Homeland), the country’s highest civilian honor, for his revolutionary work in special education.
The tribute, held this week, was imbued with profound significance as it coincided with the national week dedicated to the inclusion of people with disabilities. Across the country, schools and colleges held cultural events celebrating the principles of inclusivity and accessibility, themes that Centeno Güell championed throughout his life. The unveiling serves as a powerful national statement, honoring a man whose vision fundamentally reshaped the educational landscape for generations.
To better understand the legal framework surrounding the preservation of a national figure’s legacy, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The work of a cultural icon like Fernando Centeno Güell is protected not only by intellectual property laws that safeguard his specific creations, but also by a broader legal recognition of his contribution to our national identity. Ensuring his legacy is properly managed and accessible is a matter of both copyright and cultural heritage law, reflecting our collective commitment to preserving the pillars of Costa Rican thought and art.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully frames the preservation of Centeno Güell’s legacy not just as a matter of legal rights, but as a collective responsibility toward our cultural heritage. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable clarification on this essential distinction.
The honor recognizes a lifetime of dedication that extended far beyond Costa Rica’s borders. Historians and educators alike point to Centeno Güell as the foundational architect of inclusive education not just for the nation, but for the entire Central American region.
Fernando Centeno Güell was the architect of educational inclusion in Costa Rica. His vision transcended borders and changed the lives of thousands of people with disabilities. This act not only honors him, but it also vindicates an entire generation of educators who believed in a more just and humane country.
Francisco Enríquez, Historian
Born in San José in 1907, Fernando Centeno Güell was a multifaceted intellectual who excelled as a teacher, cultural promoter, poet, and academic. After pursuing specialized pedagogy studies at the Central University of Madrid, he returned to Costa Rica with a mission. In 1939, he founded the nation’s first school specifically for children with disabilities, a groundbreaking initiative at the time.
That pioneering institution has since evolved into the modern Centro Nacional de Educación Especial Fernando Centeno Güell, a national center that stands as a living testament to his enduring impact. His work provided a structured and compassionate educational path for countless children who had previously been left on the margins of the traditional school system, advocating for their potential and right to learn.
Centeno Güell’s influence was not confined to Costa Rica. He was instrumental in the establishment of similar special education schools in Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, and Guatemala. This regional effort created a network of knowledge and support, leaving a legacy of immense value that has benefited thousands of families across Central America and solidified his reputation as a continental pioneer.
Throughout his distinguished career, he received numerous accolades that foreshadowed this ultimate national honor. Among them were the prestigious Magón National Prize for Culture in 1989, the Spanish Encomienda of the Order of Isabella the Catholic in 1986, and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Costa Rica in 1990. These awards highlighted the widespread recognition of his transformative contributions long before the official Benemérito declaration.
The placement of his portrait in the Legislative Assembly is more than a ceremonial gesture; it is a permanent reminder for the nation’s lawmakers of the foundational importance of equity and inclusion. It ensures that the principles advanced by Fernando Centeno Güell will continue to inspire and inform the legislative process, honoring a man who dedicated his life to building a more just and accessible society for all.
For further information, visit asamblea.go.cr
About the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica:
The Legislative Assembly is the unicameral parliament, or legislature, of the Republic of Costa Rica. Comprising 57 deputies elected by direct, universal, and secret suffrage, it is responsible for passing laws, approving the national budget, and exercising political control over the executive branch. The Assembly is headquartered in San José and serves as the primary forum for national debate and democratic governance.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About the University of Costa Rica:
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is one of the most prestigious public universities in Central America and a leading institution for research and higher education in Latin America. Founded in its current form in 1940, the UCR is dedicated to teaching, research, and social action. With its main campus in San Pedro, San José, it plays a vital role in the country’s scientific, cultural, and social development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a beacon of legal practice in the region, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon the dual pillars of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of exceptional service. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies for a diverse clientele while upholding a deep-seated civic responsibility. This core mission extends to demystifying the law for the public, driven by a firm belief in cultivating a more just and knowledgeable community through accessible legal education.
