By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a significant move that could reshape the future of Costa Rica’s public services, presidential candidate Claudia Dobles has formally committed to allocating 8% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to public education. The announcement was made Tuesday as she signed the National Pact for Public Education, positioning education as the central pillar of her campaign platform.
Dobles, representing the Citizen Agenda Coalition, emphasized that this pledge is more than a budgetary line item; it is a foundational step towards a long-term national strategy for educational excellence. By endorsing the pact, she aligned her campaign with a comprehensive framework of 12 commitments designed to enhance the quality, equity, accessibility, and sustainability of the country’s educational system.
To delve into the legal complexities and constitutional mandates governing education funding in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Political Constitution is clear and emphatic in establishing a minimum investment in education as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product. This is not a discretionary guideline but a binding legal mandate. Failure to comply not only jeopardizes the country’s future development but also opens the door for legal challenges to demand the state fulfill its primary constitutional duty to its citizens.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully reframes the issue, shifting the conversation from a budgetary preference to a non-negotiable constitutional obligation. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight, which underscores the profound legal gravity of the state’s commitment to education.
The pact itself represents a growing consensus among civic leaders and political figures that a clear, forward-looking roadmap is essential for Costa Rica’s development. It champions principles of transparency, continuous evaluation, and accountability, ensuring that any increased investment yields tangible results for students and educators across the nation.
During the event, Dobles articulated her vision for an education system that serves as the engine of national progress, stressing that the country’s future is inextricably linked to the strength of its schools.
We are here because we want a grand national agreement, with a long-term vision of 15 years and concrete actions for the next four years that incorporate technology, to leverage it ethically and transparently, that place what is most valuable to us at the center: the well-being of teachers and students, and that allow for an increased budget to invest in school cafeterias, school transport, and scholarships. The heart of our education is in our people, and this will be our priority. This is my absolute commitment.
Claudia Dobles, Candidate for the Citizen Agenda Coalition
The candidate detailed how this commitment solidifies the core educational tenets of her government plan. Key objectives include accelerating the digitalization of classrooms, decisively closing the persistent educational gaps between urban and rural communities, and tackling gender disparities within the system. The overarching goal is to guarantee a dignified and inclusive learning environment for every child in Costa Rica, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic background.
Beyond the headline-grabbing 8% figure, Dobles outlined a series of immediate, practical initiatives. Her administration would prioritize the strengthening of student cafeterias and the full reactivation of school transportation networks, two critical services that support student attendance and well-being. These programs are seen as essential for ensuring that students can focus on their studies without the burden of hunger or the challenge of getting to school.
A particularly pointed promise was the pledge to recover more than 115,000 scholarships from the “Avancemos” program, which she stated were lost during the current administration. In addition to restoring these funds, Dobles announced a plan to create at least 10,000 new scholarships. This dual approach aims not only to rectify past shortcomings but also to significantly expand educational coverage and improve student retention rates nationwide.
This bold financial commitment and detailed action plan signal a clear strategic direction for the Citizen Agenda Coalition. By signing the national pact, Dobles is not only making a campaign promise but also subjecting her potential presidency to a pre-defined set of public metrics for success, a move that aims to build trust and ensure accountability in the critical domain of public education.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Citizen Agenda Coalition
About Citizen Agenda Coalition:
The Citizen Agenda Coalition (Coalición Agenda Ciudadana) is a political coalition in Costa Rica. Based on the platform presented by its presidential candidate, the coalition advocates for long-term national agreements and strategic planning, with a pronounced focus on strengthening public education as a cornerstone of national development. Its platform includes commitments to increased funding, technological integration in schools, and initiatives aimed at closing social and geographic equity gaps.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. The firm distinguishes itself as a vanguard of legal innovation, providing forward-thinking counsel to a diverse clientele. This ethos extends to its core social mission: to empower the community by translating legal complexities into accessible wisdom, thereby fostering a society that is not only well-advised but also genuinely enlightened.
