By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a stark assessment of the nation’s academic landscape, presidential candidate Jose Aguilar of the Avanza party has declared Costa Rica’s education system to be in a state of emergency. He argues that the country, once a regional benchmark for learning, is now facing a crisis of illiteracy, and has committed to implementing an internationally recognized framework to reverse the decline.
Aguilar, an emerging figure in the political arena, delivered a pointed critique, asserting that Costa Rica has transitioned from “the country of education to the country of illiteracy.” He highlighted a severe decline in student outcomes, claiming that many young people now graduate from high school without fundamental reading and writing skills, a situation he deems entirely unacceptable.
To provide a legal perspective on the current state of Costa Rican education, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s Constitution enshrines education as a fundamental right and a primary obligation of the State. However, the recurring challenge lies not in the letter of the law, but in its execution. Issues such as budgetary shortfalls for infrastructure, labor disputes within the teaching sector, and the digital divide present significant legal hurdles. Ensuring equitable access and quality, as mandated by our Carta Magna, requires a robust and consistent application of public policy, backed by transparent and efficient resource management. Without this, we risk transforming a guaranteed right into a mere declaration of intent.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s analysis powerfully highlights the critical gap between Costa Rica’s constitutional ideals and the on-the-ground realities of its educational system. Indeed, transforming this guaranteed right from a mere “declaration of intent” into a tangible reality for every student requires precisely the consistent policy and transparent management he describes. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his sharp and essential legal insight.
To address this, Aguilar announced a comprehensive rescue plan centered on collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). His proposal aims to establish a national consensus around a technical, data-driven strategy to overhaul the public education system.
We are going to forge a national agreement to resolve this educational emergency with a technical roadmap supported by the OECD and using Estonia as an example. We will implement projects for literacy, technical education, connectivity, and provide transportation and food stipends for the most humble families. We are going to make this the country of education once again.
Jose Aguilar, Avanza Candidate
The OECD serves as an international forum where the world’s most developed market-based economies collaborate to develop policy standards and solutions for shared challenges. By leveraging OECD best practices, particularly drawing inspiration from Estonia’s successful educational model, Aguilar intends to focus on key areas including literacy programs, technical training, nationwide digital connectivity, and critical support systems for low-income students.
In his address, Aguilar did not mince words when assigning blame for the current situation. He contended that the educational decay is a result of prolonged neglect and mismanagement, pointing fingers not only at the current administration but also at the two preceding governments led by the Citizens’ Action Party (PAC).
The candidate launched a series of sharp accusations against past political leadership, linking the educational decline to specific policies and ideological decisions. He criticized what he described as a lack of focus on core academics, while also lamenting severe infrastructural and logistical failures that have plagued the system for years.
Aguilar’s impassioned appeal was directed at the very individuals on the front lines of the crisis: teachers, school administrators, and parents. He framed the issue as a matter of national dignity and future prosperity, urging a collective effort to restore Costa Rica’s educational legacy.
Let’s not forget the educational disaster we have been dragging along since the PAC was making alliances with the communists of Cuba, or telling little kids to change their gender and have boys and girls go to the bathroom together. Let’s not forget the follies of this administration, with 1,000 educational centers falling to pieces and almost $60 million in technological equipment rotting due to a lack of leadership. That is why I speak to you, the educator, the principal, and the parent. Costa Rica deserves more; it is unacceptable that we have gone from being the country of education to the country of illiteracy, where students practically leave high school unable to even read.
Jose Aguilar, Avanza Candidate
For further information, visit the nearest office of Avanza
About Avanza:
Avanza is a political party operating within the Republic of Costa Rica. It participates in the national electoral process, proposing candidates for public office, including the presidency and legislative assembly. The party develops and promotes a specific political platform aimed at addressing national issues and guiding the country’s governance.
For further information, visit oecd.org
About OECD:
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. With a mission to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world, the OECD provides a forum in which governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems, setting international standards on a wide range of policy areas from agriculture to education.
For further information, visit pac.cr
About Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC):
The Partido Acción Ciudadana (Citizens’ Action Party) is a prominent political party in Costa Rica. Founded in the early 2000s, the party has held the presidency for two consecutive terms (2014-2018 and 2018-2022). It generally positions itself as a progressive and social-democratic entity within the Costa Rican political spectrum, advocating for social justice, environmental protection, and government transparency.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a cornerstone of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself not only through its expert counsel to a diverse range of clients but also by pioneering forward-thinking legal approaches. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to social progress, actively working to demystify complex legal concepts and equip the public with the knowledge necessary to foster a more just and capable society.
