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Integrated Program

Interactive Computer Centers

Students learn computer skills and develop core competencies in order to increase tech-related job opportunities.

English

Young people learn English through interactive programs with tutors and specialized teachers. English proficiency greatly increases chances for employment.

Youth With Purpose

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.

Counseling

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.

Educational Support

FundaVida provides tutors to help kids achieve their educational goals. Young people also have access to safe spaces with conditions conducive for studying.

Sponsor A Child!

A donation of  $70 a month opens the door of opportunity and empowers a child to break the destructive cycle of poverty, by giving them access to all of FundaVida’s life-changing programs. Your donation NOW will make a difference FOREVER!

Our Mission

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.

Our Locations

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.

Our Causes

Purpose, hope, and freedom guide all our programs and inspire our activities at FundaVida. Every year, students serve in a community poorer than their own. This gives them a new perspective and teaches them that they can help others. Purpose replaces apathy. When funds are available, students attend a week-long camp where they explore 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 women. Many girls, ages 8 to 12, join our S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) girls’ group and find the courage to break free from cultural norms. Freedom replaces fear.

Current Sponsors and Alliances

Previous Sponsorships and Awards

The Problem

FundaVida is a non-profit organization focused on helping and empowering young people to overcome the major problems facing Costa Rican society and break free from harmful and destructive cycles. Without intervention, most children in these neighborhoods end up selling drugs or prostituting themselves. The statistics below reveal this sad truth.8 out of 10 young people in high-risk areas drop out before graduating from high school. (State of Education).

School desertion

8 out of 10 young people in high-risk areas drop out before graduating from high school. (State of Education).

Prostitution

The PANI (Patronato Nacional de la Infancia) estimates that there are 3000 girls involved in prostitution, most of whom started around the age of 10.

According to data from PANI (Patronato Nacional de la Infancia) in recent years, more than 1000 complaints have been received about cases of sexual exploitation of minors.

The OIJ (Judicial Investigation Agency), dismantled a network involving photographers, who were accused of producing child pornography with victims between the ages of 11 and 17.

Violence

In 2017, Costa Rica broke the national record for reported homicides, with 603 murders and a homicide rate of 12.1 per 100,000 inhabitants.

A changed life

Jeffrey

A Changed Life

Josep

A Changed Life

Izzy

A Changed Life

Daniela

A Changed Life

Dimmerson

A Changed Life

Rebeca

A Changed Life

Jesennia

A Changed Life

Daniel

A Changed Life
Years of impact
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Students helped to date
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Volunteers to date
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Students currently enrolled
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Students currently enrolled
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Student waiting list
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Our Goals

Pandemic Fund – $75,000

Our most urgent funding need is to support the children currently participating in our program. The funds will allow us to maintain our connection through education, counseling, and outreach efforts.

Reducing the digital divide – $50,000

Without a device or internet connection, children miss out on opportunities. This will provide access and education to those who need it most.

Empowering Girls in S.T.E.A.M. - $150,000

This will help empower girls through access to computer coding, robotics, and motivational workshops.

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