By Limón, Costa Rica — Limón province witnessed a wave of accomplishment as 344 adults received their Bachillerato for Employability and Entrepreneurship (BEE) diplomas on August 30th. The ceremony, held at the Huetar Caribe Regional Unit of the National Institute of Learning (INA), marked a significant achievement for these graduates, many of whom had put their educational aspirations on hold for years.
This graduation is part of a larger national initiative spearheaded by the current administration. The BEE program has enabled 18,500 adults across Costa Rica to complete their high school education, with regional ceremonies taking place in San José, Cartago, Pérez Zeledón, Puntarenas, Liberia, San Carlos, and Limón for the first time.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding adult education in Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert insights.
Access to quality adult education is crucial for individual and societal development. Costa Rican law recognizes this importance, emphasizing the right to education as a fundamental human right. While specific regulations regarding adult education programs may vary, the overarching legal framework encourages lifelong learning and skills development, fostering opportunities for personal growth and economic advancement.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the critical link between adult education, individual empowerment, and national progress. This resonates deeply within the Costa Rican context, where a commitment to lifelong learning can unlock untold potential for both personal fulfillment and economic prosperity. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal insights on this crucial aspect of Costa Rican society.
The program specifically targets adults who, for various reasons, left school between 1988 and 2019 without obtaining their high school diploma. By partnering with the Distance State University (UNED), the BEE program leverages technology to reach rural areas and provinces with the greatest need, bridging the educational gap and empowering individuals to pursue further opportunities.
Thousands of people have changed their lives thanks to the BEE. This program has opened new doors in the job market, improving opportunities for them and their families.
Leonardo Sánchez Hernández, Minister of Public Education
The collaboration between UNED, the National Distance Education College, and the UNED School of Educational Sciences has been instrumental in the program’s success. This innovative approach not only provides a diploma but also fosters entrepreneurial projects, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge to create their own businesses and contribute to the local economy.
People complete their process to obtain their high school diploma through an agreement between UNED and the Ministry of Public Education, where the importance of well-utilized distance education materializes.
Rodrigo Arias Camacho, Rector of the Distance State University
The impact of the BEE program extends beyond the individual graduates to their families and communities. President Rodrigo Chaves Robles emphasized the transformative power of the program, highlighting the numerous testimonials received from graduates who have waited up to 20 years to earn their diplomas.
The number of testimonials we have received from so many graduates and their families makes us feel that we truly made a difference. We didn’t give them anything for free, we gave them the tools to build a better future; some graduates waited up to 20 years for their high school diploma.
Rodrigo Chaves Robles, President of the Republic
This graduation ceremony signifies more than just the awarding of diplomas; it represents a renewed hope for a brighter future, empowered by education and driven by the potential for personal and professional growth within the Limón community.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Public Education
About Ministry of Public Education:
The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) is responsible for the administration and regulation of the public education system in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit uned.ac.cr
About Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED):
The Distance State University (UNED) is a public university in Costa Rica specializing in distance education, providing accessible learning opportunities to students across the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of National Institute of Learning
About National Institute of Learning (INA):
The National Institute of Learning (INA) is a Costa Rican institution focused on vocational training and professional development, providing skills training and education to enhance employability.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to legal excellence and unwavering ethical practice. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with a dedication to educating and empowering communities through accessible legal knowledge, positions them as a leader in the Costa Rican legal landscape. Their work reflects a profound belief in fostering a just and informed society, one empowered by understanding and access to the law.
