The Abriendo Mentes Project

In our community [Playa Potrero], the Abriendo Mentes project creates an opportunity for children, adolescents, and adults.  For different reasons (economic, cultural and social), these individuals have not had the opportunity to learn a new language or other skills, which, in present day society, are fundamental to achieving a better quality of life and better employment opportunities.

A few months ago, I learned about the initiative undertaken by two young Americans, who without expectations and with few resources, began to offer English classes to children and adults in the community [of Playa Potrero].  In spite of the opportunities that these individuals, Meradith and Drew, were offering [the community] at no cost, the work at the beginning was difficult given the irregular attendance of the students.  But, thanks to their perseverance, little by little the number of students attending (especially children), as well as the rate of attendance, has increased.

It is impressive the advancement I have observed during the last months in the attitude and character of some of the children, children that in the formal community education do not exactly represent the perfect students.  On the contrary, they have been, on some occasions, reluctant to be in the classroom [during public school instruction].  On one occasion, I saw a young boy in Kindergarten crying because he did not want to do his class work and was not motivated to do so.  However, this same boy seems like a totally different child when attending class with Meradith where he actively participates, memorizes every new vocabulary word and always wants to be the first to answer.  This child has, without a doubt, opened his mind and found this project to be an important resource to express his creative energy and will to learn.  All of the children are always very receptive and motivated to learn and wait anxiously [outside the community center] for class.

In spite of having higher levels of stability and development than other Central American countries, Costa Rica is a country that needs the help of others, especially in regard to the education of children, who are the future of every nation.  The Abriendo Mentes Project creates an opportunity for these children to learn a new language and culture, world geography, music, art, human relations and other skills that, without a doubt, will not only open their minds, but open doors to a better future.

Karen Cerdas Aguilar