Students learn computer skills and develop core competencies in order to increase tech-related job opportunities.
Young people learn English through interactive programs with tutors and specialized teachers. English proficiency greatly increases chances for employment.
Through this program we accompany young people in their development by providing them with mentors and talks to nurture their values, personal and professional growth.
Due to the high incidence of fragmented families and abusive relationships in these communities, FundaVida offers psychological counseling to help children and adults deal with these problems.
FundaVida provides tutors to help kids achieve their educational goals. Young people also have access to safe spaces with conditions conducive for studying.
Due to the severity of the pandemic crisis, we are providing food to families who are in desperate need, and an internet connection or device to children without access to education.
FundaVida empowers Costa Rican at-risk youth in deeply troubled communities to break free of the destructive cycle of poverty. Through education, counseling, technology and community we inspire children to achieve their full potential. Education is the path to a promising future devoid of violence, drugs, gangs, teenage pregnancy and prostitution. Hope changes Everything.
FundaVida works in three at-risk communities near San José, Costa Rica: Concepción de Alajuelita, 25 de Julio and Linda Vista de Patarrá. In 1996, through the efforts of FundaVida’s founder Chris Dearnley, FundaVida began to reach out to young people in Concepción de Alajuelita. In the year 2000 FundaVida started in the neighborhood of 25 de Julio and in 2005 in the community of Linda Vista.
Purpose, Hope and Freedom guide all of our core programs and inspire additional activities in FundaVida. Every year students go to serve a community poorer than their own. They gain a new perspective and learn to help others. Purpose replaces apathy. When funds are available, students attend a week-long camp, exploring their God-given purpose, the power of forgiveness and the importance of gratitude. Hope replaces despair. Through our “Women Empowering Women” talks, successful female entrepreneurs inspire the hearts and minds of young girls. Many girls, 8-12 years old, join our S.T.E.A.M Girls group (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) and find the courage to break-free from cultural norms. Freedom replaces fear.
FundaVida is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping and empowering young people to overcome the main problems of Costa Rican society and to break free from harmful and destructive cycles. Without intervention most children from these neighborhoods end up selling either drugs or their bodies. The statistics below reveal this sad truth.
Our most urgent funding need is to help children currently in our program. Funds will enable us maintain our connection through education, counseling and relief efforts.
Without a device or internet connection, kids lose access to opportunity. This will provide access, and teaching to those who need it most.
This will help empower young girls through access to computer coding, robotics and motivational workshops.
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