CIDAI (The Comprehensive Child Development and Daycare Center)
During the second quarter of 2026, the program continued to strengthen the holistic development of 105 children and adolescents through educational, artistic, and recreational activities, including English classes, swimming, art, music, movement-based activities, and creative projects. In addition, vocational guidance for adolescents was strengthened through visits to workplaces such as commercial kitchens and construction projects, broadening their experiences and perspectives for future life planning.
At the same time, environmental education activities were carried out as part of the season’s celebrations. In April, a community clean-up campaign took place in Huacas with the participation of children and adolescents, together with Vitorino School of Huacas. During the activity, recyclable materials were collected and sorted for proper disposal.
Community clean-up campaign in Huacas in celebration of World Environment Day.
As part of these efforts, local forest firefighters delivered educational talks on wildfire prevention and the responsible use of fire, promoting the protection of both homes and the surrounding environment. In addition, the community garden project continued with the planting of a variety of species, which were shared during the World Environment Day celebration, reinforcing hands-on learning and community engagement.
The program extends its sincere appreciation to the partner organizations and volunteers who contributed their time, resources, and expertise to make each of these activities a success. Special thanks go to Restaurante La Oveja, Frame Construction, Tamarindo Forest Firefighters, CEC Monseñor Vittorino Girardi Stellin in Huacas, EDUCARTE Learning Center, HERO Academy, Halfway Home, and Alejandra.
Afterschool Classes
The program continues to foster the personal and socio-emotional development of children and youth in the coastal communities of Santa Cruz through a diverse range of educational, artistic, and recreational opportunities. Below are the highlights from the areas of Arts & Culture, Sports, Girls’ and Boys’ Circles, and Academic Skills.
Arts & Culture
In April, the first edition of GuanaBreakids was held at the San José de Pinilla Community Hall. This event created a space for learning and connection through breaking culture, grounded in the principles of peace, love, unity, and fun. Children and adolescents from Brasilito, La Garita Nueva, Huacas, and San José de Pinilla participated in workshops led by professional b-boys and b-girls from different parts of the country, culminating in breakdance battles where participants showcased the skills they had learned.
In addition, the b-boys and b-girls (the popular term used for people who practice breakdance) who attend weekly classes at ELEVATE Movement Studio gave their first public performance. A group of 12 children spent two months preparing a choreography, which they presented during two performances on June 6 and 7 for their families and the community, receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Participants in the first edition of Guana Breakids in San José de Pinilla.
At the same time, art and circus classes in San José de Pinilla and Brasilito continued providing spaces where children develop their imagination, creativity, and artistic skills. Through engaging challenges, instructors encourage participants to strengthen their creative thinking and discover new talents with every class.
Students from the Music School in the communities of Santa Rosa, Hernández, and El Llanito also had the opportunity to showcase their musical abilities during the Student Arts Festivals, proudly representing their schools and communities in various artistic performances. Additionally, a new music class was launched in the community of Hatillo, expanding access to music and arts education to even more communities across Santa Cruz.
Sports
Children in Brasilito are now participating in a new weekly basketball class led by volunteer Ariel Gelsumino every Wednesday, supported by a donation of basketballs from Phil Sibona. The initiative has generated strong community interest while promoting healthy lifestyles.
In May, Grupo Dinca donated soccer balls to the football schools in 27 de Abril, Trapiche, and T-Wave in Santa Rosa, benefiting hundreds of children and adolescents while strengthening their sports training. In June, two perseverance workshops were also held with 43 adolescents. Through teamwork activities and soccer-related examples, participants reflected on the importance of resilience and trusted support networks when facing challenges.
Participants in the new basketball class in Brasilito.
The local skateboarding community also celebrated important progress. Thanks to a partnership with Happy Feet, the Villarreal skatepark is being renovated to improve its infrastructure and include a roof that will allow weekly classes to continue throughout the rainy season. This improvement will benefit children and adolescents from Matapalo, Villarreal, and Hernández by providing a safer and more suitable space to practice the sport.
On June 6, the San José de Pinilla surf team participated in the Playa Avellanas reforestation campaign, combining athletic development with environmental stewardship. Meanwhile, the intermediate Surf for Youth team welcomed new participants after the Extracurricular Classes Program took part in Villarreal High School’s Career and Orientation Week, introducing students to CEPIA’s programs and encouraging more young people to get involved.
Tennis and jiu-jitsu classes also continue to expand recreational opportunities, transporting 60 children and youth from their communities to appropriate sports facilities where they can safely practice these disciplines.
Successful Girls’ and Boys’ Circles
Between April 23 and 25, training sessions were held for new mentors joining the Girls’ Circles and Boys’ Circles programs, incorporating seven professionals with backgrounds in education and psychology into the mentoring team.
During this period, new Girls’ Circles were launched in the communities of Cartagena, Lorena, El Llano, La Garita Vieja, 27 de Abril, and Paraíso, providing 96 girls with human rights education. At the same time, the Boys’ Circles in Río Seco, La Garita Nueva, and Linderos continued their weekly socio-emotional learning sessions.
Special thanks are extended to La Paz School, whose sixth-grade anchor project donated snacks for the Lorena Girls’ Circle while also creating opportunities for exchange and shared learning between groups.
Building trust, friendship, and community in the Girls’ Circle.
Academic Skills
In April, English classes were launched in Brasilito, with approximately 25 children attending weekly lessons taught by Teacher Laury. Using a playful, repetition-based methodology, students strengthen their English language foundations, joining the existing programs in San José de Pinilla and Huacas.
In addition, academic support in literacy and mathematics continues in Brasilito and Playa Grande under the guidance of Teacher Katherine, who provides individualized instruction based on each participant’s specific learning needs.
English students with Teacher Laury in Brasilito.
At CEPIA, learning both inside and outside the classroom is a core priority. In June, children from Brasilito had the opportunity to visit the Flamingo Mangrove through an initiative organized by the ninth-grade anchor group from La Paz School. During the field trip, participants learned about mangrove ecosystems and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting and preserving these valuable natural habitats.
Women’s Circle
During the months of April through June, participants strengthened their personal and emotional well-being through opportunities for spiritual growth, self-care, and reflection. Activities included workshops focused on violence prevention, providing participants with tools to identify situations of risk and respond safely. In addition, they engaged in creative writing as a therapeutic tool and explored topics related to personal development, stress management, mindful breathing, and healthy habits to strengthen their overall well-being.
As part of World Environment Day, participants also took part in a naturalist walk in Huacas, where they deepened their knowledge of tree species, medicinal plants, and the importance of ecosystems and water sources for the sustainability of local communities.
Participants in the Women’s Circle workshops.
These activities were made possible thanks to the valuable support of Katherine Madrigal, Eleana Alcocer, Maria del Mar Zumbado, Larissa Granda, Metzi Hovenga, Diana Fuentes, and the Guanacaste Water Center.
Psychology and Holistic Health
During the second quarter, the team provided services to 124 individuals through 349 individual therapy sessions, 60 group sessions, and 7 family interventions. In addition, 20 therapeutic yoga sessions were conducted. As part of these efforts, 24 women participated in two therapeutic groups through the Ready to Empower program, where they strengthened skills related to emotional, physical, and relational well-being, as well as emotional self-regulation, stress management, and self-care strategies.
Likewise, the therapeutic group Tides of Resilience supported 10 adolescents in strengthening life skills, developing coping strategies for the challenges of adolescence, fostering healthy social relationships, and practicing self-care. Complementing these efforts, in coordination with CIPAC, an HIV prevention workshop was delivered to 30 beneficiary families from the CIDAI childcare network, while 22 children participated in a child sexual abuse prevention workshop facilitated by volunteer Epsy Artola.
Participants in the emotional well-being therapeutic group, implemented in partnership with Ready to Empower.
The program extends its gratitude to volunteer therapist Cathy Vanhabost, who facilitated the therapeutic yoga sessions, as well as to María del Mar Zumbado Sandstad, whose commitment was essential to the development of the psychology program during this period.
Strengthening Families in Vulnerable Situations
During the second quarter of 2026, this program managed 30 online assistance requests, providing close follow-up to 10 families experiencing critical vulnerability. Key areas of support included access to healthcare for pregnant women, sexual and reproductive health, response to domestic violence and child protection cases, support for single mothers, strengthening community support networks, and the provision of basic humanitarian assistance.
Thanks to partnerships with companies such as Casa y Más, Automercado, and Ojos del Mar, 13 families received essential furniture and household items. In addition, 29 food packages and 4 pairs of prescription eyeglasses were distributed, significantly improving beneficiaries’ living conditions. An additional 38 packages of fresh groceries and 42 household items were also delivered. Furthermore, 14 home visits were conducted, each accompanied by a socioeconomic assessment report, strengthening technical follow-up and ensuring transparency in case evaluations and admissions to the Childcare Network (CIDAI).
Professional Training and Employability
During the second quarter of the year, training opportunities for adults in vulnerable situations were expanded with the support of the National Training Institute (INA). During this period, six new courses were launched in the areas of Basic English Level 1, Elementary English Level 2, Personal Finance and Digital Tools, Air Conditioning Maintenance, Human Resources Assistant, and Basic Maritime Safety Training (Zafarrancho). The Digital Skills in Computing course also continued.
As part of these training initiatives, a total of 94 students earned certifications in Basic Maritime Safety Training (60 students), Massage Therapy (12 students), and Basic English (22 students), strengthening their skills for workforce entry and expanding their employment opportunities.
In the area of employability, complementary career support and job placement activities were carried out, including one-on-one career coaching to strengthen professional profiles, follow-up with course graduates to connect them with employment opportunities, an employability workshop for 12 participants focused on emotional well-being, identity, workplace wellness, résumé development, and job search strategies, the sharing of job openings through a WhatsApp group of more than 130 participants, and the design of a survey to identify private sector workforce needs.
We extend our gratitude to Vista Condor Lodge Hotel, Bar & Restaurant for hosting the practical assessments for participants in the Basic Maritime Safety Training (Zafarrancho) course. We also recognize students Randall David Bran Bran and Christian Díaz Mayorga from the Air Conditioning Maintenance course for assisting with the transportation of furniture (a desk and whiteboard) for the association.
Vida Mujer
During the second quarter of the year, the Vida Mujer project continued bringing sexual and reproductive healthcare services to women throughout the region through clinical outreach campaigns held in different communities. Between April and June, 101 women received counseling, gynecological care, sexual health education, and access to contraceptive methods, including the insertion of 77 copper intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Due to the program’s budget limitations, Pap smears and HPV tests are currently offered only when patients are able to cover the cost, while continuing to prioritize access to essential preventive healthcare services. Beginning in May, the project implemented an appointment confirmation strategy requiring a ₡5,000 commitment fee before the scheduled visit. This measure has improved attendance at clinical outreach events and optimized the use of available resources, allowing more women to benefit from the program.
The program team during a sexual and reproductive health outreach campaign.
In addition to its regular clinics, the project continued strengthening its internal processes and expanding its community outreach. Vida Mujer extends its gratitude to the volunteers, partner organizations, and collaborators who make this work possible, as well as to every woman who places her trust in the program, reaffirming its commitment to promoting access to information, prevention, and comprehensive healthcare services for women in Guanacaste.
We also gratefully acknowledge the generous donation from Pan-African Sisterhood Health Initiative (P.A.S.H.I.), which provided 200 reusable menstrual pads that are currently being distributed among project participants and beneficiaries of the Successful Girls Circles program.
Legal Guidance
During the second quarter of this year, the program achieved significant progress in promoting greater access to justice. A total of 5 accompaniment sessions were provided at the Courts of Justice and the National Child Welfare Agency (PANI), along with 54 legal counseling sessions delivered to 37 individuals. Of these, 7 were returning clients and 30 were new consultations, including 14 related to immigration procedures, 9 involving domestic violence, 5 concerning civil matters, and 2 addressing labor issues.
Among the new clients served, 23 were women and 7 were men from diverse backgrounds. Some of these individuals are currently undergoing immigration regularization processes, which are supported and managed by CEPIA according to each case.
In addition, during this period the program participated, together with the Executive Director, in the “Rights and Health Fair – Women, Well-being, and Strength”, organized by the Women’s Office of the Municipality of Santa Cruz in the communities of Villarreal and 27 de Abril. A total of 38 people attended the event in Villarreal and 39 in 27 de Abril.
We extend our special thanks to Horizons of Friendship for its financial support.
Sunflower Group
The Girasol Group, which supports children, adolescents, and young adults with special needs, participated in a variety of activities over the past few months. A total of 24 participants took part in programs that included weekly music classes at CEPIA and monthly aquatic therapy sessions at Hacienda Pinilla.
In April, the group held a sports day featuring T-shirt painting, exercise activities, and recreational games, with refreshments generously provided by Starbucks. In May, participants visited Blasan Farm, where they interacted with farm animals, observed birds, and some had the opportunity to go horseback riding. The visit concluded with fresh fruit and cookies. We are grateful for the support of volunteer Daniella Leal.
In addition, the adolescents participated in a pizza night and a family movie afternoon, creating opportunities for connection, socialization, and shared enjoyment.
Special thanks to volunteer Lindsay Villalobos Alvarez for coordinating both the farm visit and the sports day.
Sports Day organized by the Girasol Group.
Our Sponsors
WHALE Sponsors
Adventures of the Mind Foundation
Access Electrical Contractors
Adventures of the Mind
Andrea Díaz Surf School
Arlene Kahn
Auto Mercado
Blue River Resort & Spa
Do it Foundation
Flamingo Marina Foundation
For a Better World Foundation
Frame projects
Genera Holdings
Gig Kaplan
The Coast Hotel
Horizons of friendship
Villa Sosse
Jodi Gallant & Stuart Sheldon
John & Alexandra Moody
John & Donna Sommer
Jon & Lisa Reichlin
Jorge Alers
JP´s Peace Love & Happiness Foundation
Las Ventanas de Playa Grande
La Bomba Huacas
Nick and Karin Leschly
Nya
Ready to empower
Redekop Family Endowment
Reserva Conchal
Rotary club oakville trafalgar Canada
Sidney and Leigh Keay
ScJohnson
Ted Alexander
The Palmer Company
Troper-Wojchiski foundation
Tropical Rentals
Junta de Protección Social, IMAS, PANI
THANK YOU Sharks!
Aqueduct Foundation
Armando Chacon
Bart Van Vooren
BOHO TAMARINDO
Brewer Family Fund
Bright Founds (Nick Alers)
Christie´s International Real Estate
Ellen & Will Hoeg
Francis Geernaert
Fourlin Family Found
Gold Coast Realty
Hacienda Pinilla
Las Catalinas
LIBEERT Foundation
Mar vista
Margaritaville
Marlin del Rey
Ruben Estrada
Tim and Anne Roberts
Victoria Manes
Walter Alonso Martin
Patagonia del Mar
Panache Sailing
Ohana Photography
Thank you Dolphins
Hero Academy
Capitan Suizo
Ocean Surf and Sun Int Realty
Gasolinera JSM
Ojos Del Mar
Elevate Movement Studio
Laboratorio Navarro Alpizar
Wander World Travel
Brad Cooper
Coopeguanacaste
Cabo Velas Dental Group
Casa y Mas
North Pacific Clinic
DKT
Laboratorio Hayden y Gónzalez
Biocenpat Laboratorio
Alex Lago
Alice Friedenson
Beachman Bikes
CUTCO
Coldwell Banker Vesta Group
Frijoles Locos
Jeffrey christo
Natives Way
Seis Playas Oasis inn
Aqueduct Foundation
Also thanks to: Maria Cecilia Cordoba, Javogue Emmanu, Virna Serrano Hidalgo,Katherine Elizabeth, Jenny Mercedez Leute,Marvin Ciro Alberto, Alejandra Ramirez Barbo, Yor Moreno, Kathi Herrera, Eitan Steve Bolanos, Kensy Yunieth Fuente, Maria Lucrecia Rodriguez Gioconda Marisol Flo, Granados Abarca Alan, Mayorga Orozco Ivannia, Yessica Zhou Wu, Hazel Yvett Mccloud, Emely Fernanda Villa, Ana Solano, Carlen Rocha Marche, Stacy Mejia, Mariana Matarrita, Ericka Ortega, Sarahi Hernandez.
Thank you for the material donations:
Ingrid Vallejos, Mariela Barrientos, Gabriela Garbanzo, Andrea Rojas, Cecilia Farina, Elizabeth Pries, Jorge Castro Ramírez, Grettel Vargas, Stuart Graff, Diana Morales, Raquel Vasquez, Empresa Clativate, Kristin Craig, Alejandra Cedeño Vivas, Patricia Strus, Araron Kohan, Robs Lawson, Áurea Umbría, Gloria Josselin Hernández, Lena Gertsch, Antony Bax, Karina Alpízar, Nicole Rangel, Elizabeth Sandoval, Lucia González Moya, Damiano, Kimberly Miralles, Casa y Mas Tamarindo, Laurel DiMaggio, Cinia Ocampo, Mariela, Magali Rojas, Adan Cascante.
