Friday, 09 January 2026 / Published in CEPIA updates

Newsletter October – December 2025

Training and Employability

This program implements strategies supporting education and job opportunities for adults living in vulnerable conditions.
Three English for Cooking groups, consisting of 48 participants, were launched with the support of the National Learning Institute (INA). Additionally, the Basic Boating Course continued, with four modules completed during the final months of the year.

During this time, thanks to the support of volunteers Álvaro Madrigal and Vivian López, the courses “Digital Tools to Generate Income from Home” and “Professional Massage Therapy” were launched, benefiting a total of 20 participants.

December saw the graduation of the Basic English course students with the participation of the Lexis Language School teachers Dimitris and Julio. A total of 9 graduated receiving an A1 Level English Certificate.

Basic English Graduation – CEPIA / Lexis

Finally, in the area of employability, a study is currently being developed on unemployment rates among graduates of the courses in this program, with the goal to design support strategies and strengthen services.

Special thanks are extended to volunteers Laura Ottasowie, Vivian López, and Álvaro Madrigal, whose contributions have been essential to the development of several program projects.

Strengthening Families in Vulnerable Conditions

As part of this program, strategic actions were implemented to provide comprehensive support and personalized assistance to community members whose situations were assessed as a high priority level.

A total of 81 requests for assistance were addressed, including families affected by flooding in nearby communities. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to distribute 47 food packages, 20 clothing kits, 109 household items (such as stoves, washing machines, beds, and fans), 70 mattresses, and 3 bicycles, providing meaningful support where it was most needed.

To ensure long-term impact, beneficiaries were referred to internal CEPIA programs according to their interests and needs, including training programs, women’s circles, extracurricular programs, and Vida Mujer. Specialized assistance was also provided to facilitate access to services and benefits from state institutions.

Nine home visits were conducted to assess conditions and evaluate the childrens potential entry into the Child Care Network. During the quarter, 3 institutional referrals were completed, strengthening collaboration with public and private entities to expand access to social, economic, and health support networks.

Psychology and Holistic Health

During this period, the Positive Parenting and Anxiety Management therapeutic groups concluded. The focus was on emotional well-being and strengthening community bonds.

The Positive Parenting group allowed participants to strengthen tools for more conscious, empathetic, and respectful parenting, encouraging reflection on positive discipline practices and experiencing the impact on family dynamics. Testimonials from mothers who completed the process include:

“Disciplining means acting, negotiating, or positively communicating with our children, allowing us to build a better relationship. This process helped me understand how to get closer to my children and create greater harmony at home by establishing clear and positive rules.”

“Disciplining is educating with love, without physical punishment. It helped me control my temperament and have more patience with my child, understanding that loving also means disciplining with love and consistency.”

The Anxiety Management for Adolescents group focused on emotional awareness and regulation, stress management, and coping strategies within a safe and respectful environment.

Special thanks to Mariam Paniagua from Llena de Vida Yoga Studio (Brasilito) for donating a yoga class and providing the space for the group’s closing session. Appreciation is also extended to Cathy Vanhabost (therapeutic yoga), Cindy Tablada (access bars), and psychologists María del Mar Zumbado Sandstad and Yuri Rodríguez Alemán.

Women’s Circle

During the final quarter of the year, participants engaged in a personal recognition process focused on strengthening identity, valuing achievements, identifying and using internal resources to face challenges.

Sessions promoted reflection, creative expression, and connection with nature, supporting emotional well-being, greater clarity in decision-making, and reduced anxiety. As part of this process, participants developed a Medicinal Plants Manual, compiling knowledge acquired throughout the year regarding plant characteristics, preparations, and benefits.

Special thanks to Laberinto La Senda for providing access to their medicinal plant garden, as well as Viktorija Zenkova and Inese Trautmane. Recognition is also given to Gina Malavassi for the manual’s design, and to Eleana Alcócer, Larissa Granda, and Carolyn Herman for their participation this quarter.

Women Entrepreneurs

This program focused on strengthening key skills to promote business growth and sustainable economic development. Mentorships and hands-on workshops emphasized visibility, presentation, and sales, offering immediate applicable tools.

Highlights included a workshop led by Alberto Salas, founder of Link Expeditions, focused on customer connection and sales strategies. A Technology Tools for Entrepreneurs workshop facilitated by volunteer business advisor Katia Bermúdez, covered social media content creation and digital promotion.

The program also integrated wellness activities, such as an aromatherapy workshop organized by Reserva Conchal and led by Aromas del Alma. Participants also took part in a special experience at La Senda, including meditation, shared reflections, a labyrinth walk symbolizing their personal and entrepreneurial journeys, and the delivery of 2025 Mentorship Cycle Certificates.

Vida Mujer

The project faced significant challenges after damage caused by Hurricane Melissa to the clinic in October 2025, resulted in a temporary suspension of services. Despite this, the commitment to women’s health and well-being remains strong.

Thanks to the solidarity of partners, donors, and support networks, the space was restored, and services resumed quickly. As a result, 52 patients were scheduled and received services. The team also participated in CEPIA’s Health Fair, and an activity at the Santa Cruz Civic Center focusing on violence prevention.

Special thanks to Stay in Tamarindo, Moya Boxing Club, Desarrolladora Rojas Guevara, Central Design, Geneva Garcia, Stuart Sheldon, and Anne Hipskind for their support in restoring the clinic.

The project is currently undergoing planning and evaluation for 2026, aiming to strengthen its structure, expand its outreach, and serve more women through a rights-based, preventive, and comprehensive approach.

Extracurricular Classes

Academic Support

Throughout 2025, the Academic Support program strengthened the skills of children across different communities.

In Playa Grande, the project led by Marisol Rosales reinforced reading, writing, and math, closing the year with academic evaluations. In addition, students participated in an educational field trip to APAMI Wildlife Refuge in Cartagena.

The Huacas English group maintained consistent participation throughout the cycle, achieving progress in basic vocabulary, listening comprehension, and simple sentence construction. The group concluded with a holiday-themed closing activity.

Sports

The sports programs continued to expand, offering more opportunities for children and youth.

During this period, a new tennis class was launched, benefiting 16 children from Huacas, Brasilito, and Potrero, thanks to the support of the Las Catalinas community and instructors Alex and Steff.

In martial arts, children and youth from Cartagena, Portegolpe, and Huacas experienced their first Jiu-jitsu promotion ceremony, receiving their uniform and belt. In December, 45 participants from 7 communities enjoyed a holiday celebration organized by Hero Academy.

The skate program added a new intermediate group of 15 participants from Matapalo and Hernández, while 12 beginner skaters continued strengthening fundamental skills.

In Playa Grande, continuation of swimming classes for local school students was ensured. Additionally, Surf for Youth closed the quarter with the graduation of several intermediate team members and the integration of new young surfers from Brasilito, Santa Rosa, Playa Grande, and Paraíso.

Successful Girls and Boys Circles

The Circles celebrated the end of the year with spaces for connection and recognition. In December, circles from Villarreal, Brasilito, and Huacas gathered at La Boya Water Park to share and celebrate their achievements together.

Likewise, the girls from the Potrero Circle enjoyed a special celebration day of strengthening bonds, self-esteem, and a sense of community. These activities were made possible thanks to the support of families and partners who believe in the project.

Art and Culture

CEPIA’s Music School closed 2025 with a recital that showcased talent from Hatillo, La Garita Nueva, Playa Grande, Villarreal, Huacas, Brasilito, and San José de Pinilla, featuring performances such as a Latin band, experimental ensemble, choir, and violin-piano chamber group, along with break dancing, circus, and Antigrativity acts.

In Brasilito, classes in art, music, circus, and break dancing continued, and a Craft Club was launched. Participants also had a strong presence at the “Iluminemos Brasilito” Christmas Festival.

In San José de Pinilla, classes in art, music, circus, break dancing, and English continued, integrating surfing as a formative experience.

The alliance between Elevate Movement Studio, YMCJ, and CEPIA enabled 20 children to explore Hip Hop, while the Visual Arts groups in Brasilito and San José de Pinilla continued to develop their drawing and painting techniques.

Legal Assistance

Services were provided to 41 new individuals: 31 related to migration issues, 8 in situations of violence, and 2 involving labor vulnerability. In addition, 2 cases were closed, and 75 individuals continue to receive follow-up through two support sessions. As part of the legal support, 6 court assistance visits were carried out to support the management and understanding of legal procedures.

Informational campaigns focused on the prevention of violence and human trafficking were carried out. In October, a campaign developed in collaboration with the Defensoría de los Habitantes of Costa Rica and the Social Work Program engaged 25 participants.

An informational migration workshop was also conducted, aimed at strengthening understanding of procedures and providing guidance throughout the corresponding processes. This workshop was attended by 33 participants (19 adults and 14 youth).

An informational workshop on migration was also held, aimed at strengthening understanding of procedures and providing guidance throughout the corresponding processes. The workshop was attended by 33 participants (19 adults and 14 youth). Appreciation is extended to the Defensoría de los Habitantes and the Social Work Program for their valuable contribution to the prevention of human trafficking through information sharing within the coastal community.

CIDAI

The program continued to provide learning spaces and comprehensive care for children and adolescents, maintaining active classes and activities in computer skills, English, music, art, sports, swimming, and yoga, as well as completing the different educational processes

Throughout the quarter, educational and formative activities focused on intercultural learning, health, and well-being were carried out. These included the Cultural Encounter, which promoted creativity and recognition of diverse cultural expressions, and a Health Fair, aimed at participants and caregivers, with a focus on promoting healthy habits and self-care. In addition, medical exams were conducted for CIDAI program beneficiaries, and spaces for volunteering and life-project development were encouraged for adolescents.

In December, special yoga and early stimulation sessions were held for early childhood, preschool, and primary-level participants. The quarter concluded with a graduation ceremony, recognizing 31 children and adolescents for completing stage one of the program and beginning new challenges.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of our partner organizations, volunteers, volunteer teaching staff, and administrative team. Special recognition goes to Alejandra Parody, Cindy Gutiérrez, Nursing students from Universidad Latina, Halfwayhome, and the EDUCARTE Learning Center for their valuable collaboration.

Grupo Girasol

Grupo Girasol participated in recreational and educational activities, including movie nights, swimming sessions, music, and art classes. In December, a Christmas celebration was held at Rancho Villareal, featuring traditional food, water activities, and gifts. Special thanks to Capitán Suizo, Rancho Villareal, Tania Rodríguez, and Heather Lovegreen for making this celebration possible.

Our Sponsors

Thank you, Sharks!

Christie’s International Properties
NEWO
Las Catalinas
Cutco
Flamingo Realty
Gold Coast Realty
Patagonia del Mar
Panache Sailing
Ohana Photography

Thank you, Dolphins

Margaritaville Hotel
Hero Academy
Capitan Suizo
Ocean Surf and Sun Int Realty
Gasolinera JSM
Ojos Del Mar
Elevate Movement Studio
Laboratorio Navarro Alpizar
Wander World Travel
CHE Boards
Walter Alonso Martin
Brad Cooper
Don & Wendy Bulmer
Patricia Diak
Patricia Kelly
Church Mutual Insurance Company
CRT Destination Marketing & Management Services
Coopeguanacaste
Cabo Velas Dental Group
Casa y Mas
North Pacific Clinic
DKT
Laboratorio Hayden y Gónzalez
Biocenpat Laboratorio
Super Conchal
Tod McMurry
Kevin Boehm
Ruben Estrada
Mitchell Aldrich

Thank you also to: Nirav Patel, SurfBox, The Fritz Anderson & Jan Roehl-Anderson Fund, Gloria Nassbaum, Michele Huntley, Sam Collins, Anna Martin, Stacy Deslatte, Christine Hagan, Howard Cohen, Hotel Seis Playas, Alice Friedenson, Fernanda Rodriguez, Michelle Spolver, Jennifer Mestas, and Laura María Mendez.

Gracias por sus donaciones materiales:

Linds Lyon,Laetitia,Heli Oraviita,Marianella Rojas, Casa Y Mas, Hugo Burgues, Jsume, Murphy, Collin Elliot, Marianela, Elizabeth, Diego, Jose Vasquez, Ryan Waldron, Kristen Posada, Olivia Deschanel, Grettel Vargas Castro, Andrea Mena Castro, Kirsy Blanco, Jimena Abarca, Hannah Mikles, José Andrés Y Andreina, Melissa Conklin, Joshua Cascante, Lydia Beech, Gollo Villarreal, Liz Furlong, Mario Ferrini, Christine Parrott, Pablo Gutierrez, Nicol Leiva Matarrita, Michelle Blanch, Erin Melendez, Joelle Lavoie, Monica, Jonathan, Dominique Quillery, Neil Gaylor, Rebeca Esquivel Solano, Andrea Cazorla, Elizabeth Sandoval,Josue,Priscilla Gutierrez, Agustin, Cecilia Farina, Jennifer Dizgun, Juan Carlos Caamaño, Jodee En Guanalibre, Huacas, Costa Rica Travelers, Ne Andrey Quiros Gonzalez, Hellen Rodriguez Lopez, Karla Ojuelas, Nikki Nagaraj, Beatriz, Jason Abernathy, Daiana Scott, Marta Patricia G, Jeison, Marco Sanchez, Rotary Club, Oakville Trafalgar, Fiorella Pignataro, Mariana Jimenez Sauter, Ananda Lodge Costa Rica.