Our work in Costa Rica
Hope for a Family program serves Costa Rica’s most vulnerable
Costa Rica's varied topography and biodiversity have made it an eco-tourism paradise.
It is a country of economic contrasts: posh shopping malls and crowded slums, luxury hotels and thatch-roofed villages. Tourism and development benefit some, and leave others struggling to survive.
The San Jose project staff helps families cope with problems that accompany poverty, such as domestic violence, unemployment, crime, overcrowding and drugs.
Staff members are trusted friends who live in the communities they serve or nearby communities. They regularly visit families and learn their history, dreams and hopes.
Regular community meetings are facilitated by staff and offer families a forum to discuss problems and share ideas for coping with daily challenges.
Sponsored members receive education support, nutritional benefits, access to health care, and more through the Hope for a Family program.
Mothers experience renewed hope as they meet together
Recently the Costa Rica projects have begun implementing mothers groups.
The CFCA mothers group is a community self-help group that offers mothers of sponsored children an opportunity to organize and participate in the planning and decision making of CFCA benefits and activities.
"Our mothers come from difficult realities," said Rafael Villalobos, the Costa Rica coordinator. "Most are single mothers and live in violent environments. Our primary goal is to create groups where the mothers identify with each other, learn to solve their problems and live with peace and solidarity."
In the mothers groups, "they have voice and vote in the decisions made in CFCA," Villalobos said. "This is important because mothers are no longer just recipients of benefits. They are building their children's future."
Marilu, the mother of sponsored child Elena, said a woman wears many hats. "She can be a doctor, psychologist, teacher, nurse, and adviser," she said. "She also is capable of fighting bravely for her children's well-being. At the same time, we women are willing to progress, become professionals and be successful, in spite of the places and difficult realities we live in."
One way mothers groups empower women is through frequent meetings. A recent meeting emphasized the mothers' role as pillars of their families. Their dignity and value as mothers were strengthened in this meeting, increasing hope in their own homes.
"In this gathering, I learned to value life even more, recognizing that my children are not mistakes," said Karol, mother of sponsored child Christopher. "They are treasures."
