A Clearer Vision: The Eye to Eye Initiative Reaches Students and Teachers in Santa Cruz
Thanks to the joint effort of Ojos del Mar Ophthalmology Clinic and CEPIA Association, the Eye to Eye initiative was iniciated to ensure visual health among schoolchildren in the coastal communities of Santa Cruz. Since its start in 2023, the campaign has benefited 324 children and 119 adults, including both students and teachers from public institutions.
According to the program’s data till 2025, 253 students received eye exams and 72 were provided with glasses free of charge, while 71 adults; mainly teachers, participated in the exams, with 48 of them receiving glasses at an affordable price. These results highlight an urgent reality: the need for eye health services in Costa Rica’s public schools.
Currently, the Ministry of Public Education does not have systematic programs for early detection of vision problems in schools, a gap that directly impacts children’s academic performance. Students with untreated vision difficulties often face challenges with attention, reading, and comprehension, creating educational inequalities and limiting their opportunities for growth.
Dr. Roya Habibi and her team of professionals led the vision screenings with great commitment, while the ongoing support of Sid and Leagh Keay made it possible to purchase the portable tools required to bring this specialized care to remote communities.
Initiatives like Eye to Eye not only restore clarity to the eyes of hundreds of children and young people but also open a window toward a more inclusive and equitable education.
Mentorship, Inclusion, and Development: Progress in the Women Entrepreneurs Program
CEPIA’s Women Entrepreneurs Program is a driving force of progress for 17 women and their families. In this second half of the year, it is focusing on providing close support through individualized mentorship. This program is more than economic growth; by empowering women in the region, it also helps prevent domestic violence and safeguard Guanacastecan culture.
So far, more than 80 personalized sessions have been held. These have addressed key topics such as goal setting, costs, pricing, sales, catalog creation, social media marketing, financial management, business formalization, and data-driven decision-making.
The Contreras sisters with their business of rosquillas, tanelas, and traditional Guanacastecan foods.
Among the achievements are the approval of the 2025 second-semester work plan, the implementation of individual strategies tailored to the needs and stages of each business, and in-person visits to meet the entrepreneurs and better understand the environment in which they operate. The mentorship sessions provide only emotional support and opportunities to strengthen specific skills and to connect participants with legal and financial advice when needed.
The program also includes two entrepreneurs with disabilities, whose determination and creativity inspire the group and reaffirm the program’s role as a driver of inclusion and local economic development.
Despite challenges, such as varying levels of business maturity, financial limitations, and communication barriers, the enthusiasm and commitment of the participants reflect a clear path of personal growth, aimed at strengthening their income, ensuring the sustainability of their projects, and improving their families’ well-being.
Women’s Circle
The women continued connecting with the strength of their female ancestors, evoking memories and teachings, and recognizing that thanks to their existence, they are here today.
Each participant reconnected with their roots, both paternal and maternal, honoring the ancestors they had known and those they had not. They acknowledged the presence of each one in their lives, recognizing that through both strengths and challenges, they are all part of the lineage from which they come. This awareness opens the path to embracing life more fully, finding balance, releasing unconscious patterns of suffering, and moving toward a more empowered and vibrant existence.
With the sense of gratitude awakened by this process, the group was invited to create a tribute to their female lineage, so rarely celebrated. The participants embraced the right to honor themselves and their journey as women, giving life to a collective creation: creating a banner as a symbol to remind them of where they come from and the strength and creativity within them.
Through holistic techniques, the group worked on integrating the learnings of this trimester. During the last month, the women dedicated themselves to creating their own manual of medicinal plants, inspired by the two previous visits made to the medicinal garden at La Senda Labyrinth.
We extend our gratitude to Kattia Castro, Larissa Granda, Metzi Hovenga, and Viktorija Zenkova.
Vida Mujer
The program continues bringing health care services to women in communities across Guanacaste. In July, campaigns were held in Santa Cruz, thanks to the support of Dr. Juliana González and Dr. Velma Jiménez, and in Liberia at Dr. Monica Solís’s clinic. Alongside their teams, they provided the opportunity to reach more women in the region. A total of 73 patients were attended during this period.
Currently, services have evolved into more comprehensive consultations at North Pacific Dental, led primarily by Dr. Trejos, with support from volunteers such as Bonnie Bradshaw, Karol Trejos, and Geneva García. Special thanks are extended to volunteer nurse Paulina Ovares for her invaluable contribution. These consultations include comprehensive medical evaluations, health education, screenings such as Pap smears and HPV tests, insertion of copper IUDs, counseling on contraception, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
Thanks to the contributions of Laboratorio Navarro and Alpízar, which donated HPV tests, and Bioncenpat and Hayden y González laboratories for their collaborations and discounts, screenings have been made more accessible. This has allowed for early detection of lesions, with follow-up support from gynecologist Dr. María Fernanda Murillo, who provides ultrasounds, colposcopies, and biopsies, offering specialized care to women in vulnerable situations.
CEPIA sincerely thanks all the doctors, volunteers, laboratories, and companies that make it possible for Vida Mujer to continue providing health care, education, and support to those who need it most.
Extracurricular Classes
The Extracurricular Classes Program Continues to Grow!
Cultural and Educational Project Brasilito: August began with a successful Extracurricular Fair in Brasilito, organized to showcase the different class offerings. Inspired by the excitement generated at the fair, new classes in Hip-Hop, Circus, and String Ensemble for Adolescents have started. Additionally, thanks to the support of volunteer Anne-Marie Hansen, the English group has been reactivated with new participants. So far, 38 girls, boys, and youth from the community have joined these classes. This new offering complements existing classes in Art, Soccer, Music (Chamber format with Violin and Piano), and the Tutoring program.
Successful Girls’ and Boys’ Circles: 75 new girls from the communities of Chircó, Lagunilla, San Pedro, Hernández, and Hatillo joined the Successful Girls’ Circles, beginning a journey of self-exploration and empowerment aimed at preventing all forms of violence in their lives. Participants from La Garita Nueva, Tempate, Linderos, and El Llanito celebrated the completion of their program with a special outing. Likewise, boys from Portegolpe and San José de Pinilla successfully completed their participation in the Boys’ Circles, enthusiastically celebrating the skills and knowledge they acquired. Special thanks to La Boya Water Park for providing the space to celebrate so many successful girls and boys.
San José de Pinilla Project: In this community, new Music and Hip-Hop classes also began in August. In addition, new spots opened in Surf and Circus classes, providing growth opportunities for more than a dozen children. More sports options will soon be introduced, complementing the current offerings, which also include Art and English classes.
Playa Grande School Strengthening Project: Since August, work has focused on restructuring the Academic Support Project at Playa Grande School, aiming to provide students in the most vulnerable situations with individualized support during school hours, reinforcing their skills in Mathematics and literacy. At the same time, 26 students complemented their learning with classes in Music, English, Swimming, and other activities.
Music School: CEPIA’s Music School continues to flourish with new talent thanks to the inauguration of the San José de Pinilla group and the String Ensemble for Adolescents in Brasilito. Both communities now have new ukuleles, guitars, and keyboards available for the children and youth who attend classes weekly.
Martial Arts: In partnership with Hero Academy, 45 children and youth from Cartagena, La Lorena, Veintisiete de Abril, and Trapiche continued enjoying Jiu-Jitsu classes in Tamarindo. Additionally, a new Muay Thai class was launched in July, providing 15 adolescents from CEPIA’s Comprehensive Child Development and Daycare Center the opportunity to explore this discipline.
Skateboarding: In September, the two existing Skate groups were strengthened with the addition of 15 new participants from Matapalo, Hernández, and Veintisiete de Abril. Happy Feet and the Extracurricular Classes program also collaborated to invite another 15 children from Matapalo to join the Saturday Play Club in Playa Grande, where participants of various communities, ages, and nationalities connect through play.
Art and Dance: In mid-August, a new cycle of dance classes began with Elevate Movement Studio. Thanks to the collaboration of the school in La Garita Nueva, 10 new participants joined. Currently, 20 children attend these classes, made possible through the sponsorship of Transportes YMCJ.
English: Thanks to the support of the San José de Pinilla Development Association, additional children joined English classes in the community, bringing the total to 12 participants engaging in interactive second-language learning. Meanwhile, the Hernández community launched an English program led by volunteer and former program beneficiary Denise Palacios.
Surf for Youth: In July, the intermediate Surf for Youth (S4Y) team traveled to Nosara to participate in a friendly competition, where 12-year-old Mathias from Matapalo reached the podium. That same month, Lia Díaz, an athlete from S4Y’s elite group, earned second place in the longboard final at the 2025 Pan-American Surf Championships in Guatemala.
Soccer: We celebrated the recent renewal of our friends and partners at the Santa Rosa Soccer School, formerly Tsunami Azul, now Twave Football Academy. The academy currently supports 40 scholarship students from Santa Rosa, Paraíso, Llanito, and Villarreal.
Legal Guidance
This quarter, the program has successfully addressed and documented 17 new cases: 7 involving domestic violence, including patrimonial, economic, psychological, and physical abuse; 2 cases of aggression against minors; 8 cases of human trafficking, all affecting women; and 6 new immigration-related consultations. During this period, 5 cases were resolved, bringing the total number of active cases to 36.
Thanks to in-person consultations at the Immigration Offices (DGME) in the Liberia office, CEPIA now has enhanced knowledge of migration procedures, which improves the program’s service in this area.
Additionally, a workshop on animal protection and abuse was conducted at Villareal High School, with the participation of 53 tenth-grade students and 3 teachers. This workshop plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the impact and implications of human actions, as well as the importance of safeguarding the lives of all species through responsible behavior.
For these reasons, CEPIA warmly thanks the DGME Liberia Office for its valuable guidance on migration matters, as well as CEPIA Board President Simona Danielle, veterinarian Clara Wiederkehr, and lawyer Jairo Mora Fonseca for their contributions to the animal protection workshop, and the school director for providing the space to host this important event.
Comprehensive Child Development and Daycare Center (CIDAI)
During the second quarter, this program continued providing comprehensive support to 112 children and youth aged 2 to 17. Activities focused on English, computer skills, sports, art, and circus classes, in addition to strong academic support.
This quarter was full of celebrations and shared experiences with the children and youth in the program. In July, the first “Parents’ Museum” was organized, with the children as the main protagonists. This event showcased the progress achieved during the first six months of the year, reflecting the combined efforts of teachers and participants.
Also in July, the program’s group outings began, giving each group the opportunity to explore and experience new activities. The early childhood group visited Rancho Avellana to learn about farm animals and goat milk production. The preschool group went to Multicines in Liberia to experience the cinema. Primary Group 1 enjoyed a fun-filled day at La Boya Water Park, while Primary Group 2 visited the Apiary area in Reserva Conchal. Finally, the youth group traveled to the San Vicente community to learn about Costa Rican indigenous culture through hands-on pottery activities.
To close the month, the program proudly celebrated the Annexation of the Partido de Nicoya. The children showcased their talents through dance, music, and displays of Guanacastecan culture, making it a rich and memorable experience for everyone involved.
August was equally full of learning and fun. Thanks to the collaboration of Hotel Margaritaville in Flamingo, a group of children and adolescents enjoyed a day at the hotel participating in activities and games, while also learning more about the facility.
September began with the celebration of Children’s Day, organized in partnership with the PANI Santa Cruz Unit, offering a space for play and enjoyment. The quarter also concluded successfully with a Parent School, held in previous months, which provided parents with tools for discipline and guidance. To close the trimester, the program commemorated 204 years of Costa Rican independence, emphasizing to the children the significance of this milestone for the country’s development.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all partner companies and volunteers who donated their time, materials, and expertise, enriching every encounter. Special recognition goes to volunteer teachers and the support staff for their dedication and effort. We also thank: Alejandra Parody, Cindy Gutiérrez, nursing students from Universidad Latina, Centro Cívico por la Paz de Santa Cruz, Reserva Conchal, Rancho Avellanas, Multicines Liberia, Eco-Museo de San Vicente, Halfway Home, EDUCARTE Learning Center, Universidad Nacional, and APAMI Wildlife Rescue Center.
Psychology and Holistic Health
CEPIA continues to strengthen its team of professionals in the Psychology and Holistic Health Program. This program provides individual and group psychotherapeutic support to people with limited resources who are facing difficult or traumatic situations. Services are delivered from a humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, gender-sensitive, and systemic approach, incorporating therapies such as EMDR, art therapy, and mindfulness.
Here are the four psychologists who are part of this program.
Laetitia Deweer, Eleana Alcocer, Maria Auxiliadora González y Karen Monge.
Professional Training and Employability
Significant progress has been made in student training programs. Current courses include Basic English, in collaboration with Lexis Language School; Electric Micromobility Vehicle Repair, with the support of volunteer Douglas Quirós; and Electricity.
The Electricity course concluded on September 20, resulting in 12 graduates ready to embark on a new stage in their lives. In the coming weeks, the Plumbing course, one of our vocational programs, will begin, with an expected participation of 16 students. We extend our gratitude to Professor Marvin Granados for his invaluable support in the Electricity course, to INA for their continued support in the region, and to the volunteers whose contributions help make the program a success.
Electricity Graduation
Regarding employability, we are developing strategies to support graduates facing employment challenges, aiming to reduce unemployment among participants. Efforts include reaching out to potential employers in the area to invite them to engage with this new initiative.
We sincerely thank CEPIA’s graduates for participating in surveys and the local employers for their willingness to share information and collaborate with the program.
Strengthening Families in Vulnerable Situations
The program provides support and guidance to families in the community who need it. During this period, 9 requests were reviewed from CEPIA’s program database, providing advice and referrals. Additionally, 10 home visits were conducted to assess families at high social risk and determine whether they would benefit from enrollment in the Care Network Program
The program also conducted 10 community family interventions, addressing situations such as guidance on accessing government benefits, interdisciplinary support in cases of domestic violence, and distribution of clothing and donations through the CEPIA store. Each intervention aims to provide guidance and mentorship so that families can acquire the tools and skills needed to address their specific needs.
Furthermore, 5 institutional referrals were made to establish connections with governmental and private organizations that facilitate access to support networks. A socio-educational process was also developed in partnership with the PANI Chorotega Sur mobile unit, consisting of two weekly sessions over two months. Approximately 30 parents and caregivers from the CIDAI program and the broader community participated, covering topics on positive parenting and strengthening family bonds.
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
El Chante
Martyn & Debi Hoffmann
Leschly Family Fund
Ted Alexander
Huifen & Kirk Dunn
Automercardo
Marlin del Rey
Marina Flamingo Foundation
Hellen & Will Hoeg
Nick Alers
Desarrollo Condominio Numandi
John & Alexandra Moody
ScJohnson
Access Electrical
Asentek
RPM Vacation Rentals
Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar
Right at Home
La Gloria
Warnath Group
Adventures of the Mind Foundation
Junta de Protección Social, IMAS, PANI.
Thank you SHARKS
Martin Salermo
Hyde Park School
Arlene Kahn
Sidney and Leigh Keay
Rivera del Mar Azul
Bookstore of the Waves
Beachman Bikes
Traylor Portman
Newo International Limitada
Mark Ramnauth
Las Catalinas
Andrea Diaz Surf School
Cutco
Flamingo Realty
Collin Elliot & Family
Thank you DOLPHINS
Matthew Floyd
Margaritaville Hotel
Hero Academy
El Chante
Rip Jack Inn
Altos de Eros Hotel
Capitan Suizo
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
Art of Floors
Florida Surf Film Festival
CHE Boards
Walter Alonso Martin
RE/MAX Costa Rica
Malia Surf Bags
Tamarindo Charters
Victoria Manes
Brad Cooper
Tim Roberts
Daniel Beutler
Don & Wendy Bulmer
Patricia Diak
Patricia Kelly
Church Mutual Insurance Company
Marcos Crespo, CRT Destination Marketing & Management Services
Ridgeway Family
Joan Vernon
Thank you also to our donors:
Jonathan Cooley, Moi posada, Jocelyn, Krista Calderwood, Gauthier Ghilain, Sabrina, Christelle Ubrig, Katia Vidal Rosales, Kajal Shsh, Witchs Rock, Alexandra Saborio, Peter Kuchta, Vanessa Goode, José Antonio López Martínez, Kylie Patterson, Fernanda Araya , Witch Rock, Ana Reyes, Eugenia Barth, Laurel Rooney DiMaggio, Laura Castro, Lrna Gertsch,Linda Lyon, Conrad Zeglinsk, Andrea Pizarro, Frank Olszewski, Kimberly Freitas, Stephanie Hilpeet, Ian McKenzie, Eamon Howley, Sebastián Gutierrez, Jazmin Vallejos Duarte, Ian McKenzie, Ian McKenzie, Grettel Vargas, Anna Marx, Jason Thom, Cecilia Farina, Missy Poome, Soleyda Vallejos Cruz, Susana Odio, Gabriela Garbanzo, Vale Monti, Dialan Lee Rodriguez, Ignacio Holst, David McLaighlin, Andrea Ocampo, Pablo Menendez, Isabela Mora, Hugo Burgues.
