Playa Panama is located in the
northwest coastal region of Guanacaste. Over the past few years, tourism
has become the single most important contributor to the region’s economic
stability. While surrounding towns tend to be smaller, farming communities, now
more than ever, people are looking to find work in Playa Hermosa, Playas del
Coco and Playa Panama. There are many jobs in hotels, restaurants and touring
companies throughout the region, but they are impossible to find without a high
proficiency level in English.
Jumpstart Costa Rica works with
at-risk youth to give them an opportunity to excel in English before entering
high school . The camp in Playa Panama will partner with the Hotel Mangrove
and work with students from Sardinal, La Libertad, Playas del Coco and Playa Panama. These students will be better prepared to graduate, and more equipped
to find work in a very competitive job market.
Many of these students run the risk
of dropping out of school, but Jumpstart shows them how fun and useful learning
English can be. The support of parents, teachers and community members is
integral to the success of this camp in order to support students in their
initiative to learn a language and take control of their futures.
Beach clean-up is a focus of these communities!
Students in Fiona's school already learning about dressing up and clothes!
The two Peace Corps Volunteers, Fiona and Kane, who will be co-teaching the camp this year.
