Project Launch:

Many of Costa Rica's youth live in a world much different than the world their parents grew up in. Costa Rican youth today live in a world of technology, the Internet, tourism and international influence. Many are experimenting with sex, drugs and alcohol and the world of their parents lacks resources to provide them the information that they need to make smart decisions about these new temptations. Arte por la Paz is a regional event that teaches artistic expression for its own sake, to provide underprivileged youth with an outlet for their thoughts and feelings, and utilizes arts education to educate youth about sensitive topics in a fun and interactive way. The Peace Corps Volunteers in charge of planning and organizing the Arte por la Paz event in 2011 chose to focus on the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS and the lack of sexual education that is endangering many Costa Rican youth. With support from World Connect’s Kids to Kids Program, the event provided youth with the opportunity to express themselves in new, dynamic and creative ways, and in the process, educated youth about sexually transmitted diseases and how to prevent them.