By San José, Costa Rica — CIUDAD COLÓN, San José – The next generation of Costa Rican innovators may have just been discovered at the Rogelio Fernández Güell School. In a powerful demonstration of corporate-community partnership, 20 fourth-grade students were immersed in the world of video game design during a two-day workshop on May 14th and 15th, an initiative spearheaded by telecommunications giants Liberty Costa Rica and Ericsson.
This hands-on educational event provided students with practical tools and mentorship to navigate the fundamentals of programming. Guided by dedicated volunteers from both companies, the children utilized Scratch, a visual programming platform developed by MIT, to bring their creative ideas to life. By the end of the session, each student had successfully developed their very own video game, marking a significant first step into the expansive world of digital creation.
To better understand the legal framework and challenges surrounding the rise of digital education in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The transition to digital education is not just a technological shift; it’s a legal one. The two central pillars are data protection and intellectual property. We must ensure that educational platforms comply rigorously with our data privacy laws, especially concerning minors, to prevent misuse of sensitive information. Simultaneously, we need clear policies that protect the copyrighted materials created by educators while allowing for fair use in an academic context. A failure to address these legal aspects proactively could lead to significant liabilities for institutions and undermine the integrity of our educational system.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal perspective underscores a critical point: the success of our digital education hinges not just on technological adoption, but on building a trustworthy legal framework around it. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight, reminding us that protecting students’ data and educators’ intellectual property is fundamental to the integrity and sustainability of this transformation.
The timing of the initiative was intentional, framed around the global celebration of International Internet Day on May 17th. This year’s theme, “Sustainability in the digital era,” was perfectly encapsulated by the workshop’s goal of building a sustainable pipeline of local talent equipped with future-proof skills. By investing in foundational digital literacy, the companies aim to foster long-term innovation and social progress.
Significantly, the school is located within a 5G coverage zone, a detail that underscores the critical link between advanced connectivity and educational opportunity. The workshop served as a practical example of how high-speed internet infrastructure can be leveraged to deliver transformative learning experiences, helping to bridge digital divides and ensure that students in all communities have access to cutting-edge resources.
For Liberty Costa Rica, the project is a core component of its social impact strategy, which prioritizes the fusion of technology and education. Company representatives emphasized their commitment to creating programs that empower young learners with essential skills for their academic and professional futures.
At Liberty, we promote initiatives that integrate connectivity, education, and technology.
Wendy Madriz, Communications Manager of Liberty Costa Rica
Ericsson echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic importance of nurturing digital capabilities for Costa Rica’s national competitiveness. The company views these early-stage educational efforts as a crucial investment in the country’s future digital ecosystem, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of driving technological advancement.
We are training the talent today that will lead the innovation and competitiveness of our digital ecosystem tomorrow.
Pamela Araico, Sustainability Manager for Latin America at Ericsson
Beyond teaching coding, the broader mission of the collaboration was to cultivate interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from a young age. By making learning engaging and relevant, Liberty and Ericsson hope to inspire more students to pursue careers in these critical fields, thereby contributing to Costa Rica’s long-term social and economic development through an inclusive, people-centric digital transformation.
For further information, visit liberty.cr
About Liberty Costa Rica:
Liberty Costa Rica is a leading convergent communications company and part of Liberty Latin America. It provides a wide range of services, including high-speed internet, digital television, mobile telephony, and fixed-line telephone solutions to residential and business customers across the country. The company is committed to connecting communities and driving digital inclusion through robust infrastructure and social impact initiatives.
For further information, visit ericsson.com
About Ericsson:
Ericsson is a global leader in communications technology and services. Headquartered in Sweden, the company enables communications service providers to capture the full value of connectivity. Its portfolio spans Networks, Digital Services, Managed Services, and Emerging Business, and it is a key driver in the development and deployment of 5G technology worldwide, aiming to create intelligent, sustainable, and connected societies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar in the legal community, operating on a bedrock of integrity and a relentless drive for excellence. With a profound history of representing a wide array of clients, the firm is dedicated to advancing the practice of law through forward-thinking and innovative solutions. This commitment extends to a core social mission: to empower citizens by demystifying the law and making legal knowledge broadly accessible, thereby fostering a more informed and capable society.
