Project Report
| Feb 4, 2026
Please put food in our tummies
By shayle Havemann | Project leader
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Introduction
El Cocal is located close to the tourism hub of Manuel Antonio. This drives the cost of living up & has a huge impact on already marginalised communities. High levels of immigration result in huge cultural differences and high unemployment, substance abuse and general despondency. This is a hard place to live, most often especially for children. Limited funding for schools means school are only open for 1/2 days. There are very few safe spaces for both children and adults to gather, play & learn
Report
The most important part of this project is awareness and empowering our local community members to tackle the issues. With their passion, we provide the framework and support and work closely with them to tackle the issues. By providing them with the training and vital funding to build the infrastructure in the community we allow them to promote a sustainable future that includes local income generation and increased access to quality education. A donation of $25 feeds a child for a month
Thank you for your support
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Oct 12, 2025
Defeating poverty
By Shayle Havemann | Project leader
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Government funding is limited and doesn't help our community, so we focus on empowering and supporting our community of El Cocal to tackle social and economic challenges and help implement solutions, designed by them. Solutions include infrastructure, minority inclusion, alternative income generation, education, healthy habits and conservation all that will protect the lives.
Education is key to breaking this cycle. Our project works to support, empower and train our local community members as well as provide critical funding to allow this community to work together and build on the infrastructure to allow the local community to grow, develop education and work to create income-driven projects to become self-sustainable. Without your donations and our support, many of these people would be homeless, unemployed and hungry. Let's take action and change these lives.
A donation of USD20 will provide one child with a healthy breakfast for a month! Thank you for your help.
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Jul 1, 2025
83 Children. 22 Women. 1 Powerful Community
By Debbie | Community Teacher
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Dear Our Global Family,
In the heart of Costa Rica, on a small island community called El Cocal, big changes are happening — thanks to you.
El Cocal faces overwhelming odds: 70% of residents live below the poverty line. Many families survive on under $2 a day. Schools run only half-days, and most adults lack access to steady jobs, healthcare, or formal education.
But your support has been a lifeline. And we’re proud to share that in just the last few months:
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83 children are now enrolled in our community-led education and aftercare support programs — more than double last year’s number.
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22 women have completed skills training workshops in sewing, cooking, and micro-entrepreneurship — and 7 have already started small income-generating projects.
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36 families are receiving regular support through food packages, tutoring, and emotional care from our local outreach team.
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100% of our programs are now led by community members, trained and empowered to drive lasting change from within.
The most powerful number, though? 1 community rising together. El Cocal isn’t just surviving anymore — it’s beginning to thrive.
And while we still face urgent challenges, your impact proves that hope is stronger than hardship.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. Every step forward is because of people like you who choose to care. We look forward to connecting with you all again very soon!
Debbie
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