Newsletter July – September 2024

Successful Boys’ Circle

This innovative program has reached five communities: Portegolpe, Cartagena, Pinilla, Paraíso, and 27 de Abril taking the initiative to understand how ideas of masculinity and femininity are socially learned and taught. They have been able to identify the expectations society imposes, such as the pressure to constantly reaffirm their masculinity through behaviors like physical violence or emotional repression. If replicated, these behaviors can negatively impact their surroundings and the people around them. The participants of the project have learned that emotions have no gender and are a fundamental part of being human. Therefore, their sex does not limit the expression of feelings such as fear or sadness.

Psychological Care and Holistic Health

Free psychological care was provided to 40 new minors in the external psychology service, along with their families. They were supported using various psychotherapeutic approaches, such as brief psychotherapy, EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and family therapy. Common reasons for consultation were identified: depressive symptoms, anxiety, and sexual abuse.

Additionally, from the perspective of community psychology, innovations have been made in bringing group psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic therapies to the communities. As part of this effort, eight young people participated in sessions on managing their emotions, eight adults attended a workshop on grief due to loss and 7 adults attended the positive discipline workshop.

Our Impact:

“After her father left, my daughter didn’t want to write at school, but now she has excellent grades and works well in class.” (Mother of a 7-year-old child)
“It helped me feel good about myself, helped to not depend on others and to feel good about myself” (15-year-old teenager)
“I’ve learned that I can cry for her, express my pain without always having to be strong; it was my daughter who passed away.” (Woman in group therapy after losing her only daughter)

Psychological Care for Minors in the CIDAI Program

Coordination continued for the implementation of psychoeducational workshops to inform, raise awareness, and bring about changes both in minors and their families. One such workshop, titled “Trafficking of Girls, Boys, and Adolescents,” was made possible thanks to the support of the Warnath Group and their team of facilitators, who provided this space for the families of CIDAI. This workshop aims to apply effective practices in the fight against human trafficking, with a special focus on preventing commercial sexual exploitation.

In August, the program joined the anti-vaping campaign organized by the Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (IAFA) to engage the group of CIDAI youth. This has been a useful way to guide young people, who often say, “I don’t smoke, I vape.”

The program continues to strengthen parenting skills with love and respect among parents. In August, a new group therapy session focused on positive discipline was launched, benefiting five mothers.

Regarding individualized therapy, a total of 39 minors were supported through family therapy, psychotherapy, EMDR, and crisis intervention approaches.

Professional Training and Employability

The program launched courses in Plumbing, Beginner’s English, and Computing. We welcomed 64 new students, and it is a privilege to receive so many individuals committed to improving their quality of life and that of their families through the acquisition of new skills.

In recent months, the program also launched two courses from its vocational offerings: Electrical Installations and Plumbing for homes and hotels. This responds to an analysis of the area’s needs, where there is a demand for trained personnel to fill available job positions.

Thanks to the agreement between the program and the National Learning Institute (INA)—which offers courses at our community center—the Beginner’s English course started in July. This is one of the most sought-after courses by community members who wish to learn the language to access better job opportunities.

As part of the program’s employability services, and in collaboration with staff from the National Employment Agency (ANE), two workshops were offered to the community in July. During these sessions, participants registered on the ANE platform, where they can apply for job vacancies and access other government resources, such as INA courses.

We extend our gratitude to the donors and volunteers who play a crucial role in the program, with special thanks to John & Donna Sommer, Ted Alexander, and Kenneth Hollingsworth. We also thank the teachers Marvin Granados, Isaac Lezama, Germán Chávez, and Richard Ramírez, the latter of whom has volunteered with CEPIA for over eight years.

Strengthening Families in Vulnerable Conditions

At CEPIA, we recognize the importance of maintaining close contact with families benefiting from the programs offered by the organization, which provide comprehensive care tailored to their needs. For this reason, home visits have become a key tool within the social work department’s tasks. Through these visits, social workers can gain a deep understanding of the family situation in their environment, observing their dynamics and living conditions. Additionally, this exercise allows families to share their experiences and needs more openly with the team. This closeness enables the design of more personalized interventions, offering not only emotional support but also training and resources to access opportunities.

Home visits are essential for the success of CEPIA’s programs, as they allow for a better understanding of each family’s realities and foster trust between the institution and the beneficiaries.

After-school classes

Between July and September, the swimming classes have been highly beneficial for the children of Brasilito and Potrero. Likewise, the Successful Girls Circle in Playa Grande celebrated the closing of the 2023-2024 cycle with a graduation ceremony; this space has provided the girls with tools to improve their life skills. The I Am the Answer project completed its second module, where participants created a Healthy Living Guide to apply at home, while continuing to learn about wellness, health, and healthy habits.

The educational project for Playa Grande School is an initiative in collaboration with the Playa Grande Sustainable Association (APGS). It continues to provide academic support to students at Playa Grande School, enhancing their learning along with weekly English and swimming classes thanks to teacher David Coltran. The Brasilito Football groups and the S4Y (Surf for Youth) team have also maintained high participation levels, with weekly training sessions, surf tournaments like SANDPIPER SURF ACADEMY, DHARMA TRAINING, and WESURF COACHING, and environmental actions.

The children develop values such as discipline and perseverance through music classes. In September, dance classes (Hip Hop and Jazz Funk) began. A total of 14 scholarships were awarded to girls thanks to our partnership with Elevate Movement Studio. Weekly, we are transporting boys and girls from 9 different communities to attend jiu-jitsu classes at Hero Academy.

We are deeply grateful to all the organizations and individuals who have made these achievements possible, including Sailing Center, Hotel Las Tortugas, The Coast Hotel, Playa Grande Sustainable Association, Sandpiper Surf Academy, Dharma Training, WeSurf Coaching, Hotel Dorado, Witch Rock, Cheaboards, Hero Academy David Coltran, and our volunteers Fiorenza Echecopar, Lea Hammerschick, and Dilara Kosar.
Thank you for your unconditional support!

Successful Girls’ Circles

On September 4th, the girls from the Playa Grande community had their graduation to mark the end of the circle. They were given many tools to improve their life skills. We thank Hotel Las Tortugas for their support in making this activity possible.

I Am the Answer

Module II was developed as part of the program. In it, children learned that well-being is not just the absence of illness but involves a series of actions and habits to feel good and be well every day. They also created a Healthy Living Guide, which they take home to measure their health.

Additionally, they receive lessons on personal care and healthy and mindful eating, learn the importance of rest and recreation, and understand the value of connecting with nature to achieve well-being, peace, and harmony.

A huge thank you to The Coast Hotel in Playa Langosta for funding the “Yo Soy La Respuesta” (“I am the Answer) Program for the third consecutive year.

We had the opportunity to participate in the Botanical Fair at the Apami Wildlife Rescue Center with the Planet Guardians group. The children took a tour to learn about the animals and helped plant poppy stakes along the park’s trails.

Thanks to the partnership with CEPIA’s youth group and their teacher Karla Marín, we crafted Rain Sticks for the teachers of the groups in the educational centers where we conduct workshops. These instruments are meant to remain in the classrooms, allowing teachers to use them to create harmony and presence whenever needed.

Additionally, the Planet Guardians from the Lorena and Tempate schools had the opportunity to participate in the Environmental Fair held at the Flamingo Marina. The fair offered them different workshops, as well as a tour and history of the mangroves. The children enjoyed a delicious snack.

We would like to thank Fiorenza Echecopar, a student from La Paz School, for her volunteer support, as well as Lea Hammerschick and Dilara Kosar for accompanying us on the outings.

Brasilito soccer

The mixed group in Brasilito continues their weekly training sessions, accompanied by their instructor. Not even the rain can stop this group!

S4Y Team

On Saturday, August 24th, the S4Y Team participated in a tournament simulation organized by SANDPIPER SURF ACADEMY, DHARMA TRAINING, and WESURF COACHING. We enjoyed a day full of great surfing and learning, being part of a proactive surfing community.
The team has remained active, participating in tree planting in the Brasilito community and attending the environmental fair at the Marina, where they learned about ocean conservation.

We extend our gratitude to Hotel Dorado, Witch Rock, and Cheboards for all their support.

Sunflower group

The sunflower group has been enjoying many fantastic activities. Youth with special needs have benefited from weekly music classes that allow them to express themselves. The adolescents in the group have enjoyed activities that help them socialize and learn skills for independent living, including a pizza night in Tamarindo, a salsa dance night, lunch at the Flamingo Marina, a video game night in Tamarindo, and lunch at the Cat Café. CEPIA is happy to provide speech therapy for some children who require this service. The children, adolescents, and their mothers continue to enjoy monthly activities at the pool and the beach, where they socialize and participate in aquatic therapy sessions.

We extend special thanks to Hotel Seis Playas, Hacienda Pinilla Beach Club, Kelle Rich, Alejandra Parody, and program coordinator Courtney Borquet.

Entrepreneurial Women

Congratulations to the 20 women who are part of the project, who completed the 2024 training session in July with the Marketing and Social Media workshop “Connected Entrepreneurs.” From now on, they will put these new tools and skills into practice in their businesses, strengthening their economies. By the end of September, 13 women from the pilot group of this project have received at least one Individual Mentorship, a benefit offered at the end of the Workshop cycle. The mentorship is tailored to the specific interests of each entrepreneur and the areas they need to strengthen. These sessions are typically held at their homes, which serve as the operational center for their ventures.

CEPIA’s Entrepreneurial Women initiative is made possible through your donations, so we invite you to continue being a fundamental part of achieving the project’s goal: “Women transform their businesses into sources of income and holistic well-being.”

We thank the volunteer work of Stephanie Lippens, who is an important part of the project, as well as the time and knowledge shared by Kenji Espinoza, who is completing his Community University Work as a fourth-year student in Public Accounting at the University of Costa Rica.

Women’s Circles

CEPIA continues to strengthen its efforts in female empowerment through this program, both in Huacas and Brasilito. Relevant topics are addressed according to the progress of each circle. In Brasilito, the focus was on self-care and entrepreneurship with an emphasis on connection with nature; participants practiced relaxation techniques, crafts, and activities that helped them recognize their strengths and improve their self-perception. These formative activities were complemented by practical workshops on making bracelets and edible figures, led by Claudia Angulo and Eleana Alcocer, fostering camaraderie and mutual learning.

In Huacas, topics such as “The Truth of the Heart” were explored, where women learned to connect with their energy centers and life purposes, and “Intuition,” where they connected with their inner selves and how to live it daily, led by Larissa Granada. Assertive communication was also addressed, strengthening their skills to express themselves and the role of intuition in daily life. Additionally, sessions on the importance of breathing for health and well-being were offered, led by Metzi Hovenga.

The program continues to consolidate its impact on the well-being and personal development of the participants.

Children’s Daycare Center for Comprehensive Care (CIDAI)

The Comprehensive Daycare Center (CIDAI) program has continued to serve 112 minors, who have participated in various activities and classes for development and learning.

Among the general activities, an Open Center day was held, where parents of each group were invited to share in the activities. This space also fostered cooperation among all participants. Additionally, the children actively participated in celebrations of significant events, highlighting cultural commemorations such as the July 25th observance, the celebration of Afro-descendant Culture Day on August 31st, and patriotic activities honoring independence.

It is essential to recognize the significant contributions of each volunteer who selflessly supports the learning processes, as well as the dedication of each teacher who develops strategies for the care and development of the children in the program on a daily basis.

With the youth, a space was created to promote healthy practices through a nutrition workshop led by students from the Universidad Latina, as part of their nursing program. Additionally, sexuality promotion workshops were held, where basic concepts of sexuality and the associated risks were discussed collaboratively with the adolescents.

On the other hand, during August, drug prevention sessions were conducted in coordination with IAFA, and we collaborated with the “I Am the Answer” program to create rain tubes for the schools participating in the program. A space for human trafficking prevention was also organized with the WARNATT group. Additionally, we celebrated International Youth Day with great enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of giving a voice to each and every young person.

We appreciate the work done by the teaching staff and volunteers who make this process truly successful for the adolescents involved. Special thanks to our volunteer Marys Bakker for her integral support and listening space.

Within the body expression, dance, and circus workshop, participants explore and express themselves through bodily dynamics and themed games. The circus, as a central element of this space, allows participants to experience wonder and fun while challenging themselves to achieve what seems impossible, such as flips, juggling, and balancing acts. This inclusive and safe environment fosters self-discovery and expression, allowing participants to discover their own capabilities.

During the workshop, concepts like mindfulness and the “calm traffic light” are introduced to help children regulate their emotions and develop communication and group integration skills. Basic notions of space usage, stage work, and improvisation are explored, all through playful juggling activities. We would like to thank Ignacio Gonzalez and Maria Ara, whose energy and dedication have enriched this experience, leaving a positive impact on our participants.

The Atelier, or playful-expressive laboratory, which offers personalized attention to the children in the CIDAI program, has concluded its identity unit! Throughout the first semester of 2024, the children explored key elements that contributed to their self-perception. In July, the unit on self-care was initiated; within a safe space for minors, topics such as oral health, nutrition, and emotion management were addressed. Through creative activities, the project promotes the autonomy and well-being of the children by providing tools for their emotional and personal development, delving into the exploration and innovation of their creativity.

Creating an environment where emotion validation and assertive communication are fundamental pillars, the “Tree of Emotions” is one of the resources that allows them to express their feelings and concerns, enhancing their ability to manage their emotions.

Throughout the year, the safe and confidential environment provided by this laboratory has been key in identifying and addressing difficult issues for the children. The project is led by volunteers, with notable contributions from coordinators and teachers Micaela Ribeiro and Itziar Arzak, along with Raquel López, Lea Hammerschick, María Ara, and Teresa Schlegl, who have significantly contributed to the growth of this space. Thanks to their efforts, the Atelier has provided a valuable environment for the well-being of the children in the CIDAI program!

Our Sponsors

WHALE Donors

Redekop Family Fund
Reserva Conchal
BOMBA Huacas
Gig Kaplan
Villa SOSE
Las Ventanas de Playa Grande
Todd & Mary Heistand Family Foundation
Troper Wojcicki Foundation
Jon & Lisa Reichlin
Jodi Gallant & Stuart Sheldon
John & Donna Sommer
FRAME projects
Bart Van Vooren
Martyn, Debi & Grace Hoffmann
Daley Family Fund
Leschly Family Fund
Ted Alexander
Huifen & Kirk Dunn
VOLO foundation
Automercado
Marlin del Rey
Marina Flamingo Foundation
Hellen & Will Hoeg
Nick Alers
Jorge Alers
Las Catalinas
Morris Family Charitable Foundation
Desarrollo Condominio Numandi
John & Alexandra Moody
ScJohnson
Access Electrical
Junta de Protección Social, IMAS, PANI

Thank you SHARKS!

James & Jean Scheman
Martin Salermo
Hyde Park School
Do It Foundation
Arlene Kahn
Sidney and Leagh Keay
Massai supermercado
Rivera del Mar Azul
Bookstore of the Waves
Beachman Bikes
Christie’s International Properties
Witch’s Rock Surf Camp
Kevin Herman
Studio ALTO
Traylor Portman
Newo International Limitada
Uniform Advantage CR
Commonwealth Cares Fund
Jerry Hirsch
Chris Cantasano
Mar Ramnauth

Thank you DOLPHINS

Matthew Floyd
MargaritaVille Hotel
Hero Academy
El Chante
Rip Jack Inn
Altos de Eros Hotel
Capitan Suizo
Catalina Cove
Ocean Surf and Sun Int Realty
Robert Smith
SPG Holding Corporation
Gasolinera JSM
Greg Host
Jany Helene Cex
Ojos Del Mar
Good Vibes Rock School
Elevate Movement Studio
Nathan Hurst
Jeffrey Christo
Gerard Longval
Hotel Seis Playas
Laboratorio Navarro Alpizar
Wander World Travel
Britt Shop Costa Rica S.A
Art of Floors
Florida Surf Film Festival
CHE Boards
Kate Horejs
Walter Alonso Martin

Thanks also to donors:

Keen Adam, Presidential Challenge Charity, Luciano Sousa, Nathanael de Jesus Arías Salas.

Thanks for your material donations:

Jaume Pericas, Anda Ceti, Collin Eliot, Andrea Men, Samuel Nieto, Mia Garia, Arauz, Serma Crowny, Justin Johnson, Vale Monti, Carrie Brown, Meg Mathew, Louise Boyd, Xinia d Campo, Andrea pizarro, Juan Pablo Triczaco, Ingrid Vallejos Gonzalez, Kristyn Moravetz, Kimberly Freitas, Manaha tahilrananj, Peter de Gaia, Ryan Waldron, Gina Malavassi P, Juliana Muñoz, Ciro Ruiz Sanchez, Stephanie Gough, Kathy Doshack, Maria Antonia Campos, Ade Brica, Robert Nelson, Jose Diaz, Kristin Craig, Sabrina Daoust, Priscilla Haag, Elena Hutt, Jennifer Corvette, Kristin Craig, Catuna Monti, Witchs Rock, Kent Seignious, Kristi Riley, Hazel Calderon, Depanory Proxy, Marie Trupia, Collin Elliot, Verena
Meshammer, Ronald Chavez Conejo, Lena Gertsch, Valeria, Myah Epstein, Helene Smith,Johanna Shenassia, Lenora Hutchinson, Maritza, Tamarindo Church, Ty Vikos, Jon Cavaletto, Murphy Miles, Angelo Bonomelli.