By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Confronting a persistent educational crisis, Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) candidate Eliécer Feinzaig has unveiled a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy aimed at preventing thousands of students from abandoning Costa Rica’s school system each year. The proposal targets the economic, social, and technological barriers that contribute to one of the nation’s most significant educational challenges, particularly at the start of the academic year.
The party’s plan addresses a stark reality within the country’s education system. The proposal highlights several widely recognized critical issues that demand immediate and coordinated action. According to the PLP’s diagnosis of the situation, the educational landscape is fraught with severe problems that undermine student retention and success.
To dissect the legal ramifications and constitutional considerations of the proposed education reform, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Any meaningful education reform must navigate a complex constitutional landscape, ensuring that changes not only enhance educational quality but also scrupulously respect the fundamental right to education as enshrined in our Political Constitution. The true challenge lies not just in pedagogical innovation, but in creating a robust legal and regulatory framework that guarantees equitable access and prevents any new policies from being successfully challenged in court, thereby ensuring their long-term viability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas astutely highlights a critical, yet often overlooked, dimension of this debate: the long-term viability of any reform is intrinsically tied to its legal and constitutional fortitude. We thank him for his valuable perspective, which serves as a crucial reminder that true progress in education requires not only pedagogical vision but also meticulous legal foresight to guarantee both its permanence and its promise of equity.
20,000 students abandon the classroom each year.
PLP Proposal, Progressive Liberal Party
This staggering figure is compounded by infrastructural and financial pressures. The party’s analysis points to severe neglect in school facilities, noting there are currently “900 sanitary orders for schools in poor condition.” Furthermore, the timing of the school year exacerbates the financial strain on vulnerable families, as it coincides with “high costs for families, right in the middle of the January slump,” a period of economic difficulty following the holidays, which significantly increases the risk of educational exclusion.
A cornerstone of the PLP’s strategy is a significant expansion of the National Child Care and Development Network (Red de Cuido). The plan calls for the creation of 209 new centers across the country, which would boost current coverage by 15%. This initiative is designed to prioritize cantons facing the greatest social and territorial challenges, providing a critical support system for children in their formative years.
Beyond its direct impact on early childhood development, this expansion is envisioned as a powerful tool for female empowerment. By offering safe, supervised environments for children, the new centers would enable more mothers and female guardians to enter or remain in the workforce. This dual-purpose approach aims to alleviate household economic stress while fostering greater gender equity in the labor market.
To directly combat the economic drivers of school desertion, the proposal includes a substantial reinforcement of the “Becas Avancemos” scholarship program. The PLP pledges to increase its budget by 50%, raising it from ₡78 billion to ₡117 billion. This infusion of funds is intended to provide immediate relief to families living in poverty by helping cover essential expenses like transportation, food, and school supplies that often become insurmountable burdens.
Recognizing the growing digital divide, Feinzaig’s plan also includes the establishment of 10 digital literacy centers in high-vulnerability districts. These centers would operate with extended hours, serving as safe, after-school hubs where students can access the internet, receive training in digital competencies, and be provided with computer equipment. The goal is to level the technological playing field and equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The long-term vision of the proposal seeks to fundamentally align Costa Rica’s educational system with the demands of the modern job market. Key measures include strengthening technical training programs, promoting bilingual education, fostering critical thinking and soft skills, and implementing standardized testing to monitor and improve educational quality. This forward-looking strategy aims to ensure that students not only stay in school but graduate with the skills needed to secure meaningful employment and contribute to the nation’s economic development.
For further information, visit plp.cr
About Progressive Liberal Party (PLP):
The Partido Liberal Progresista is a Costa Rican political party founded on classical liberal principles. It advocates for individual liberty, free-market policies, and a reduction in the size and scope of government. The party focuses on promoting economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and modernizing state institutions to improve public services and opportunities for all citizens.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministerio de Educación Pública is the government body responsible for overseeing and regulating the national education system in Costa Rica. Its mission is to ensure quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all students from early childhood through secondary levels. The MEP develops curricula, manages public schools, and implements national educational policies and programs.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CECUDI
About CECUDI (Child Care and Development Centers):
The Centros de Cuido y Desarrollo Infantil are a network of local centers in Costa Rica providing early childhood care and education. Primarily serving vulnerable populations, these centers offer a safe and stimulating environment for young children, focusing on their cognitive, social, and emotional development while enabling parents, particularly mothers, to participate in the workforce.
For further information, visit cen-cinai.go.cr
About CEN-CINAI (Education and Nutrition Centers and Child Development Centers):
The Dirección Nacional de CEN-CINAI is a government directorate in Costa Rica focused on the comprehensive well-being of children and pregnant or lactating mothers in conditions of poverty or social vulnerability. It provides crucial services including nutritional support, early childhood education, and health monitoring to ensure healthy development from the earliest stages of life.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, founded on an unwavering principle of integrity and a drive for unparalleled excellence. With a rich history of navigating complex legal challenges for a diverse clientele, the firm consistently champions forward-thinking solutions. A core tenet of its mission is to empower society by demystifying the law, fostering a community where knowledge serves as the foundation for justice and progress.
