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Greetings!
I am so happy to bring back our monthly newsletters after a few months hiatus. Over the last 2.5 months since we started programming for the year, we have been busy planning our classes and programs, recruiting and training new volunteers and team members, and continuing to build relationships with community members and other Costa Rican institutions. As our strategic plan outlines, improving the quality of program offerings and partnering with other institutions to expand programs is a priority we have identified for this year. I am happy to report that we are on track with our strategic goals.
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We are implementing new initiatives and teaching techniques in our classrooms and were thrilled when INA, a national institute for learning, contacted us about offering a course in the community of Brasilito. This partnership and improvements in our classrooms are allowing us to fulfill our mission of providing innovative education and social programs to the communities of Potrero and Brasilito. I am thrilled to share with you in this newsletter a glimpse at what we've been up to the last few months. Whether you are a former volunteer, donor or just a follower of our work, you are very much a part of all we are able to accomplish. Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Enjoy the April Edition!
- Rachael Sine
Country Director
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Two weeks of Summer Camp fun before school began!
We started the year with a great two weeks of summer camp! Over 50 kids each day came out to enjoy art, games, sports and music time. We enjoy planning camp for the kids while they are still on their summer break from school. It allows them to participate in a healthy, fun and structured environment, and gives the new Abriendo Mentes volunteers a chance to get to know the children before starting the school year!
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More than 200 children received School Supplies
The beginning of the school year is a time for great financial burden for many families. We heard many stories of children that didn't start school because they didn't have the necessary uniforms or supplies. Each year, Abriendo Mentes prioritizes giving a packet of school supplies to children so that no one is left out of attending school. Huge thanks to Mark Randall and The Palms for their generous support and all of the other wonderful donors who helped us give supplies to more than 200 children.
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45 adults enrolled in
English Classes
Adult English classes continue to be in high demand in Potrero and Brasilito. We are currently offering 4 courses to 45 students with our amazing volunteer teachers, Mark and Tessa. Adult English classes are divided into groups based on levels, and the content of the courses is focused on conversation skills for those working in the tourism and customer service industry. We hope to have more class offerings in the future, as the number of requests we receive is a testament to the need and to the quality of the courses that Abriendo Mentes offers.
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Trauma Informed Education and Spanish Literacy dominate classrooms
Last year, the core staff of Abriendo Mentes received training on Trauma Informed Education through Lakeside Educational Network in the US. We were taught classroom strategies for dealing with a child who has experienced trauma or neglect, which many of our students have. Those new strategies, along with a focus on Spanish Literacy skills, are now an important priority in our classes and have allowed us to be much more effective in teaching and understanding the complex needs our students.
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7th Annual Blues Festival raised $3800
The 7th annual Costa Rica Blues Festival brought over 1500 people to the area on February 10th. This is the 3rd year that the proceeds from this popular music event have benefited Abriendo Mentes, and we are happy to announce we received $3800 as a result!
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LATA Foundation renews support for second year
We are thrilled to be recipients for a $5500 grant through the LATA Foundation again this year. The foundation has been supporting our Youth Development Program since last year and we are so grateful for their support of our work!
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Las Catalinas continues to be a generous supporter of Abriendo Mentes. Since our inception in 2009, Las Catalinas has expressed solidarity with our mission and our programs by providing in-kind donations, professional expertise, volunteers and financial contributions. They made a generous donation of $10,000 in December 2017 to support our work during the 2018 programming year. We are so grateful for their partnership.
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Are you interested in volunteering with Abriendo Mentes?
We are looking for English Teachers, Sports Coordinator, Computer Instructors, and more!
Check out our current openings at
abriendomentes.org/join
or email info@abriendomentes.org
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Join us for a Local Upcoming Event!
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