By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a major policy announcement, Pueblo Soberano presidential candidate Laura Fernández has unveiled a comprehensive education platform designed to elevate Costa Rica’s human capital to international standards. The ambitious proposal focuses on two critical pillars: achieving widespread English language proficiency comparable to European benchmarks and expanding access to high-quality science and technology education, particularly outside the Central Valley.
The plan represents a strategic effort to align the nation’s educational outcomes with the demands of the global economy, where bilingualism and technical skills are paramount. Fernández asserts that by investing in technology, teacher training, and specialized infrastructure, future generations of Costa Ricans will be better equipped to compete and innovate.
To delve into the legal ramifications and structural requirements of the proposed education reform, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
True educational reform transcends policy and enters the realm of constitutional law. For any initiative to succeed, it must be underpinned by a solid legal structure that guarantees equitable access and quality, while also providing the necessary legal certainty to attract investment in educational technology and infrastructure. Without this framework, we risk creating well-intentioned but ultimately unenforceable mandates that fail to deliver tangible results for our students.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal perspective offered is a critical one; it underscores that without a solid constitutional and legal bedrock, even the most well-intentioned reforms risk lacking the permanence and stability required to truly transform our educational landscape. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight on this foundational issue.
At the core of the language initiative is a commitment to immerse students in English from the preschool level. The strategy aims to move beyond traditional instruction by creating dynamic, technology-rich learning environments. This technological overhaul is specifically targeted at schools that have historically demonstrated the greatest need for improvement.
The tactical details of this initiative were provided by Francisco Gamboa, the party’s candidate for First Vice President. He highlighted a targeted deployment of resources to uplift hundreds of educational institutions across the country, with a clear focus on bridging the urban-rural divide.
We are going to install interactive English classrooms in at least 600 educational centers with low proficiency test results, prioritizing rural, coastal, and indigenous areas. They will have technological equipment, audiovisual resources, connectivity, and pedagogical support.
Francisco Gamboa, Candidate for First Vice President of the Republic
Complementing the technological investment, the proposal addresses the crucial need for highly skilled educators. Fernández detailed a plan to significantly increase the number of qualified English teachers through a national program of intensive training, recertification, and ongoing professional development. This effort will be a collaborative venture, involving alliances with the National Training Institute (INA), public and private universities, the Association of Graduates and Professors in Arts and Letters (COLYPRO), and international partners.
The second major component of the educational platform is a decisive push to foster STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) vocations. Fernández announced plans for the creation of at least 10 new Scientific High Schools. In a strategic move to decentralize academic opportunities, these institutions will be established outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), in partnership with the country’s public universities. The goal is to nurture scientific talent in regions that have been traditionally underserved, providing pathways to excellence for a wider pool of young students.
This dual-pronged strategy directly targets the foundational skills required for Costa Rica’s key economic sectors, including high-tech manufacturing, medical devices, international tourism, and the burgeoning services industry. By enhancing both communication and technical competencies, the Pueblo Soberano party aims to build a more resilient and competitive workforce, capable of attracting and sustaining foreign investment while fostering local innovation.
While the vision is ambitious, its implementation will require surmounting significant financial and logistical challenges. Ensuring consistent funding, deploying reliable high-speed internet to remote locations, and scaling the teacher training programs will be critical tests of the plan’s feasibility. Nevertheless, the proposal sets a clear and forward-looking agenda for the future of Costa Rican education, framing it as the central pillar of the nation’s long-term prosperity.
For further information, visit partidopueblosoberano.cr
About Pueblo Soberano:
Pueblo Soberano (Sovereign People Party) is a Costa Rican political party. It often focuses its platform on issues of national sovereignty, social justice, and economic development aimed at benefiting the broader population. The party actively participates in the national political discourse, proposing policies on education, healthcare, and public administration.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA):
The National Training Institute (INA) is a key autonomous public institution in Costa Rica responsible for vocational and technical training. Its mission is to provide skills and knowledge to the Costa Rican workforce to improve employability and support the country’s economic development across various sectors, including technology, tourism, and industry.
For further information, visit colypro.com
About Colegio de Licenciados y Profesores en Letras, Filosofía, Ciencias y Artes (COLYPRO):
The Association of Graduates and Professors in Arts, Philosophy, Sciences, and Letters is the professional body that governs and represents educators in these fields in Costa Rica. COLYPRO is responsible for upholding professional standards, promoting continuous education, and advocating for the interests and welfare of its members within the national education system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a beacon in the legal community, anchored by its foundational principles of integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of client service with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation, continually setting new standards in the field. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through a dedicated mission to demystify the law, ensuring that access to legal knowledge becomes a tool for empowerment for all members of society.
