By Mariola | Ex Director
Over the past months, our Youth Empowerment Program in Los Diques has continued to grow as a safe and inspiring space for children and teenagers living in one of Costa Rica’s most vulnerable communities. Our mission is to break cycles of poverty and violence by equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and supportive relationships they need to create brighter futures.
Since the beginning of 2025, we have welcomed over 70 youth between the ages of 11 and 18 to weekly activities that blend academic tutoring, emotional health workshops, and creative expression through art, music, and sports. Our team of local educators and trained volunteers has led more than 400 hours of after-school programming, including robotics clubs, leadership retreats, and mindfulness sessions that help young people discover their strengths and set personal goals.
Teachers and parents have noticed a clear shift: participants show improved school attendance, greater self-confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging. One 15-year-old student, Daniela, shared: “Before joining Lifting Hands I felt invisible. Now I’m not only improving in school, I’m also helping younger kids with their homework.”
This ripple effect is exactly what we strive for—young people who not only build their own futures but also lift others.
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