Project Launch:

Santo Domingo is a small community of about 150 people located on the side of a hill near Costa Rica’s Chirripo National Park.  The terrain and climate are ideal for both coffee growing and the raising of cattle, which are the main sources of income for Santo Domingo, although a number of community members commute to work or school in Pérez Zeledón. In recent years, coffee prices have fluctuated and the community has suffered financially. By starting a weekly exercise/health class in the community center, the hope is to further expose kids and adults alike to alternate forms of exercise and healthy living habits.  With the help of interested community members, the children and adults in Santo Domingo could learn the basics of boxing, yoga, or aerobics, and along with classes on nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices, begin making changes to improve their physical well-being. The equipment purchased for the class will be used by the community members in their spare time.