Project Launch:

San Pablo is a community of about 2,600 people in the Guanacaste province. The main economic activities are agriculture, livestock, fishing and crafts. In recent years, it has been facing severe economic crisis due to high rates of unemployment, which has led to increases in alcoholism, drug addiction and prostitution. This project focuses on the school of Nandayure, which currently has about 200 elementary-aged students. The project will include a schoolyard garden and mural, with hopes of keeping children off the streets by getting them involved in after school programs.

The proposed organic vegetable garden will provide the school with fresh and nutritious foods for students to eat, as well as serving as a practical educational tool. The mural will allow students to express creative ways to improve their school and community, and will encourage students to reduce, reuse and recycle within the community, and share this message with friends and family.

 

Project Update:

The vegetable garden has been created and the mural is finished. From kindergarten to 6th grade, teachers worked with students to plant seeds in the seed trays, as well as help with daily watering. Local community members were engaged and quick to get involved, with one parent setting up a plastic tarp over the garden to protect against heat, local store vendors offering discounts on materials, and a local restaurant owner donating mulch and three plants. Through this project, the students learned a valuable lesson in self-empowerment and community development within their own school.

 

Testimonials

“Seeing the kids so excited to each have the opportunity to plant their own vegetables was really motivating. The look on their faces when they saw their seeds actually growing into a plant was priceless.” – Victor, Peace Corps Volunteer
“This project has empowered the children in the school by showing them that they can be apart of a large scale project that benefits the school and community. It has educated the youth on the importance of vegetation and eating healthy. The importance of creativity and self expression were the main lessons learned with the mural project.” – Victor, Peace Corps Volunteer
“The biggest surprise for me has been the involvement of the parents and locals. They have already shown support by donating manual labor, mulch, and plants. It is really encouraging.” – Angelita, Project Leader
“My favorite part was planting the seeds because I want to see them grow.” – Fabian, 7, Project Participant