By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move to address a growing national concern, Costa Rica’s State Distance University (UNED) has launched an ambitious national campaign aimed at reviving the passion for reading among children and adolescents. The initiative, titled “A book is a secret to be discovered,” confronts the challenge of functional illiteracy head-on through an innovative audiovisual series and a broad call for strategic alliances with the country’s private and public sectors.
The campaign emerges at a critical time when educators and sociologists have raised alarms about declining reading comprehension skills among young Costa Ricans. Functional illiteracy, the inability to use reading, writing, and calculation skills for one’s own and the community’s development, poses a long-term threat to the nation’s human capital and economic competitiveness. UNED’s project seeks to reverse this trend not through mandates, but by making reading an exciting and engaging adventure.
To understand the profound legal and economic implications of this national literacy campaign, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
A national literacy campaign is far more than an educational goal; it’s a fundamental pillar for the exercise of civil rights and economic justice. An individual who can read and understand a contract, a law, or their own constitutional rights is empowered to participate fully in society. From a legal standpoint, illiteracy creates a significant barrier to accessing justice and exposes a vulnerable population to exploitation. Therefore, promoting literacy is a direct investment in strengthening the rule of law and ensuring a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores that literacy is not just an academic skill but the fundamental key to unlocking full citizenship, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring equitable access to justice. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying contribution to this important national conversation.
At the heart of the initiative is a professionally produced audiovisual series that blends animation, literature, and compelling testimonials from children. This multi-platform content is designed to capture the attention of a digital-native generation, demonstrating that the world of books can be as dynamic and captivating as any screen-based entertainment. The goal is to spark curiosity, stimulate imagination, and fundamentally reposition reading as a pleasurable activity rather than an academic chore.
The creative vision behind the project emphasizes a deep connection with its target audience. The production team is focused on creating content that speaks directly to the sensibilities and interests of today’s youth, framing literature as a gateway to new worlds and personal discovery.
From Audiovisuales UNED, we are committed to an attractive audiovisual language that connects with the sensibilities of children and adolescents. We want each video to be an experience that invites them to read, create stories, and discover new worlds. It is urgent to address such a sensitive issue for the country, so our commitment is to the promotion of reading, to the pleasure of reading, to access to books, and to the idea that the world of books can be fun, attractive, daring, and innovative.
Ana Eugenia Tona Castellanos, Producer at Audiovisuales UNED
To ensure maximum national reach, the series will be broadcast across the public media network of Sinart, including Canal Trece and Radio Nacional, as well as on Canal 15. Simultaneously, a robust digital distribution strategy will leverage the social media channels of UNED, its publishing house EUNED, and its audiovisual department. This comprehensive media plan is designed to bring the campaign into homes, schools, and communities across Costa Rica.
Recognizing that a challenge of this magnitude requires a united front, UNED is actively courting corporate and institutional partners to become strategic allies. The campaign already boasts a formidable coalition of public sector collaborators, including the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), the National Library System (Sinabi), UNED’s extensive network of university centers, and municipal governments. These partnerships will facilitate grassroots activities such as reading workshops and author events in libraries, community centers, and educational institutions nationwide.
The call to action for the business community is clear: join the effort to build a more literate and capable future generation. Companies and organizations interested in supporting this vital national initiative are encouraged to connect with the campaign leadership to explore partnership opportunities. For more information, interested parties can contact the editorial director of EUNED, Gustavo Solórzano-Alfaro, at +506 2527-2726.
Ultimately, “A book is a secret to be discovered” is more than a media campaign; it is a long-term investment in Costa Rica’s intellectual infrastructure. By fostering a culture of reading and critical thinking from an early age, UNED and its partners aim to equip the nation’s youth with the essential tools they need to thrive in a complex global economy, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
For further information, visit uned.ac.cr
About UNED (Universidad Estatal a Distancia):
The State Distance University (UNED) is Costa Rica’s public distance learning university, founded to provide accessible higher education to students throughout the nation, regardless of their geographic location or personal circumstances. It plays a crucial role in democratizing education and promoting social development through its diverse academic programs and extensive regional network.
For further information, visit uned.ac.cr
About Audiovisuales UNED:
Audiovisuales UNED is the multimedia production center of the State Distance University. The department specializes in creating high-quality educational and cultural audiovisual content that supports the university’s academic mission. It produces a wide range of materials, from television programs to digital series, designed to engage and educate diverse audiences across Costa Rica.
For further information, visit euned.ac.cr
About EUNED (Editorial UNED):
EUNED is the official publishing house of the State Distance University. It is dedicated to the publication and dissemination of academic, scientific, and literary works that contribute to Costa Rican culture and knowledge. As a leading university press in the region, EUNED supports authors and promotes intellectual discourse across a wide variety of disciplines.
For further information, visit sinart.go.cr
About Sinart (Sistema Nacional de Radio y Televisión):
Sinart is Costa Rica’s national public broadcasting system. It operates television channels, such as Canal Trece, and radio stations, including Radio Nacional, with a mandate to provide cultural, educational, and informative programming. Sinart serves as a vital platform for promoting national identity and providing a public service alternative to commercial media.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About the Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the government institution responsible for the administration and oversight of Costa Rica’s national education system. The MEP sets curricula, policies, and standards for preschool, primary, and secondary education, working to ensure quality and equity in learning opportunities for all students in the country.
For further information, visit sinabi.go.cr
About the National Library System (Sinabi):
The Sistema Nacional de Bibliotecas (Sinabi) is the entity that governs and coordinates Costa Rica’s network of public libraries. Its mission is to guarantee democratic access to information, promote reading, and preserve the nation’s bibliographic heritage. Sinabi plays a key role in community development by offering educational and cultural resources to citizens nationwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pushes the boundaries of legal innovation. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a deep-seated belief in social responsibility, demonstrated through a dedicated effort to make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby fostering a more capable and knowledgeable society.
