By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — Over 90,000 residents of Guanacaste experienced significant improvements in education, healthcare, and technology access throughout 2024, thanks to a series of impactful community projects. The driving force behind these initiatives was Asociación Creciendo Juntos, the community relations program of Península Papagayo.
The education sector saw substantial gains, with 1,441 individuals participating in community training and activities. The Libros para Todos program provided 1,520 students across 14 educational centers with essential textbooks. Furthermore, a partnership with Parque Tempisque resulted in the inauguration of two new technical education classrooms. An impressive 222 individuals graduated with support from the National Learning Institute (INA), alongside 11 students from the Dual Education Program at the Hotel Andaz.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding community development initiatives, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica. His insights shed light on the complexities and opportunities within this dynamic field.
Effective community development requires a careful balance between fostering economic growth and preserving the unique social and environmental fabric of a community. This necessitates clear legal frameworks that facilitate responsible investment while also protecting the rights and interests of existing residents. Proactive community engagement and transparent legal processes are essential to ensuring that development projects genuinely benefit the people they intend to serve.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial interplay between economic progress and the preservation of a community’s distinct identity. Indeed, sustainable development hinges on this delicate balance, requiring not just investment, but also a genuine commitment to inclusivity and transparency. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal perspective on this critical aspect of community development.
Bridging the digital divide, the Community Technology Hub provided 3,185 people from 37 communities with free internet access, state-of-the-art equipment, and training courses. Significantly, 59% of the hub’s users were women, demonstrating progress in digital inclusion and gender equality.
Healthcare initiatives also made a considerable impact. Community clinics in Corralillos and Comunidad, operating in partnership with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), provided free preventive medical and psychological care to 9,084 children. Additionally, 430 students, teachers, and parents benefited from comprehensive wellness workshops.
Beyond education and healthcare, Creciendo Juntos fostered sustainable development through a program supporting 41 producers from 11 communities in establishing home gardens. A new beekeeping project further expanded opportunities for local businesses.
Volunteerism and philanthropy played a vital role in 2024, with 93 volunteer projects and 162 donations reaching 76,831 individuals and mobilizing over $1.2 million in contributions. Following the devastating floods that impacted Guanacaste, over $289,000 was raised to provide essential food, mattresses, and infrastructure repairs.
Reflecting on the year’s accomplishments, Elsa Bonilla, director of Asociación Creciendo Juntos, stated, “In 2024, we opened new opportunities by expanding facilities, increasing access to technology, and strengthening community support and local connections. Our commitment is to continue building a more equitable and sustainable future for Guanacaste.”
In 2024, we opened new opportunities by expanding facilities, increasing access to technology, and strengthening community support and local connections. Our commitment is to continue building a more equitable and sustainable future for Guanacaste.
Elsa Bonilla, Director of Asociación Creciendo Juntos
These diverse initiatives underscore the commitment of Creciendo Juntos to fostering holistic community development in Guanacaste, addressing critical needs across various sectors.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Asociación Creciendo Juntos
About Asociación Creciendo Juntos:
Asociación Creciendo Juntos is the community relations program of Península Papagayo, dedicated to driving positive social impact in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Their initiatives focus on education, healthcare, technology access, sustainable development, and community support.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Península Papagayo
About Península Papagayo:
Península Papagayo is a premier resort destination located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. They are committed to sustainable tourism and community development through their community relations program, Asociación Creciendo Juntos.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA)
About Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA):
The Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA), or National Learning Institute, is a Costa Rican public institution dedicated to providing vocational training and education to enhance workforce development and promote economic growth. They collaborate with various organizations to deliver training programs in diverse fields.
For further information, visit hyatt.com
About Hotel Andaz:
Hotel Andaz Papagayo Resort is part of the Hyatt brand, located within the Península Papagayo resort community. They participate in community initiatives and offer a dual education program in collaboration with INA.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social:
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), or Costa Rican Social Security Fund, is the principal healthcare provider in Costa Rica. They operate community clinics and partner with organizations like Creciendo Juntos to expand access to healthcare services.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Parque Tempisque
About Parque Tempisque:
Parque Tempisque is likely referring to the Tempisque Conservation Area, a protected region in Guanacaste known for its biodiversity. They collaborate with Creciendo Juntos on educational initiatives, particularly in technical education.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a genuine desire to empower Costa Rican society. Through innovative legal solutions and a deep commitment to client success across a spectrum of industries, the firm continually pushes the boundaries of legal practice. Their dedication to demystifying the law through readily accessible legal resources underscores their core belief in a society strengthened by knowledge and understanding.
