2025 Year-End Reflection — ACCAI: Education, Community, and Hope

As 2025 comes to a close, ACCAI (Asociación Comunidad Consciente y de Atención Integral) looks back with immense gratitude at a year filled with enriching educational activities, community engagement, creative expression, and collaborative partnerships in Brasilito, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. From environmental exploration to arts workshops and community empowerment programs, our organization has continued to support the development, confidence, and well‑being of children, youth, and families.

This reflection highlights the most important milestones and initiatives that shaped ACCAI’s work throughout 2025.

Education and Lifelong Learning All Year Round

Throughout 2025, ACCAI proudly served 77 students, maintaining its core educational programs for children and youth from Pre-K through 12th grade. Our weekly tutoring sessions focused on academic reinforcement in mathematics, reading, English, and sports (pickleball for high school students) providing a supportive and encouraging environment where students could grow academically, build confidence, and develop teamwork skills.

Thanks to the dedication of our team and the commitment of our students, 2025 was a year of learning, perseverance, and meaningful progress. 💙✨

At the same time, English classes for adults ran all year round, helping community members improve communication skills, boost confidence, and access new opportunities in a tourism-driven region. These year-long programs were central to ACCAI’s mission of providing lifelong learning opportunities for the entire community.

High school students at ACCAI had the opportunity to participate in two art workshops with artist Rachel Harvey. These sessions sparked creativity and inspired students to explore new forms of expression. Through hands-on activities, the workshops fostered artistic confidence, joy, and a deeper appreciation for the arts, highlighting the important role of creative experiences in holistic education and community connection.

Special thanks to Rachel Harvey for sharing her talent and passion with our students. 🎨✨

In 2025, ACCAI strengthened its commitment to student well-being through two important educational sessions led by the Tourist Police. The Workshop with the Tourist Police on the Psychotropic Drugs Law and Its Scope engaged 18 students in thoughtful discussion, increasing their awareness of the law and reinforcing the importance of informed and responsible decision-making. Additionally, the Workshop on Child Sexual Abuse with the Tourist Police provided 22 high school students with a safe and supportive space to learn how to recognize, prevent, and report situations of risk, while building self-esteem and understanding their rights. Together, these workshops empowered students with practical knowledge, confidence, and tools to protect themselves and others, reflecting ACCAI’s ongoing focus on prevention, education, and student safety throughout 2025.

As 2025 comes to a close, we are thrilled to celebrate Mia and Brandon, two outstanding students who successfully completed their online English course. What began in January as an exciting opportunity—attending classes every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.—has grown into a remarkable achievement. Their perseverance, discipline, and commitment to learning have truly shone throughout the year.

This accomplishment was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Office of the First Lady and the Centro Cultural Costarricense, whose scholarships provided access to this valuable educational experience. Mia and Brandon embraced the opportunity fully, and we couldn’t be prouder of all they have accomplished.

Congratulations on this well-deserved success—your dedication today is laying the foundation for a brighter tomorrow! 🎓✨

ACCAI Little Readers Club

Since its launch in September, our ACCAI Little Readers Club has welcomed ten children aged 4 to 10, sparking excitement, curiosity, and a growing love for books.

With great joy, we would like to recognize the wonderful work of Dana, the club’s tutor. 📚💛 On Thursday, December 18, the club closed the year with a special activity where mothers and children read a book together, shared a snack, and strengthened their family bonds 🤱📖🍎. Dana also gifted each child a book with a personal dedication, leaving a lasting impact and inspiring a love for reading 🌟✨.

We are deeply grateful to Dana for her dedication and guidance in making this club a meaningful experience for our little readers. 🙌📘

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Experiential Activities

In June 2025, ACCAI took 42 students to participate in the Environmental Festival at Flamingo Marina, one of the highlights of the year. Children and youth took part of different activities such as underwater cleanup workshops with Connect Ocean and The Clean Wave, marine exploration, nature painting with Spirit ID:X, folkloric dance, face painting, and educational talks on environmental responsibility and sustainable fishing.

This event reinforced environmental stewardship and cultural pride, inspiring children and youth to cherish and protect their natural surroundings.🌱🌊 Special thanks to Reserva Conchal for transportation and Restaurante Pleamar for meals.

In July,  ACCAI youth participated in the unveiling of the mural “Mar a la Vista” at the Civic Center for Peace in Santa Cruz — an artwork celebrating marine ecosystems and community solidarity. Created with students from Brasilito and neighboring towns as part of the IntegrArte program led by the Office of the First Lady, this project highlighted youth creativity, collective expression, and environmental awareness.

As part of our 2025 year-end celebrations, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Zafira for generously gifting, for the third consecutive year, a memorable catamaran ride to mark the close of our tutoring program. This special experience brought joy and excitement to 21 students, who shared an unforgettable day alongside members of our team. More than just a celebration, the outing fostered connection, unity, and lasting memories, and reminded us how meaningful community support can create moments of learning and happiness that stay with our youth long after the day ends. 🌊✨

In 2025, ACCAI supported women and girls through meaningful experiences beyond the Brasilito community. The Women and Girls Empowerment Dialogue Session brought together adult women and high school girls from Brasilito and neighboring communities, creating a space for open conversation, shared stories, and collective reflection that fostered connection and empowerment. In addition, two members of ACCAI’s team participated in the third edition of Me Cuido por Mí 2025, held at Westin Reserva Conchal and sponsored by Reserva Conchal, the Westin Hotel, and Voces Vitales. Both activities highlighted the importance of safe spaces, self-care, and community dialogue in strengthening well-being and meaningful connections among women and girls.

March – November: Fueling Minds and Body

ACCAI’s Meal Support Program partnered with generous individuals and local businesses to provide nutritious lunches to high school students every Saturday from March through November. These meals helped students stay focused, energized, and engaged in their learning—while reminding us that true student success comes from holistic support, where nutrition and education go hand in hand.

Special thanks to everyone involved—the individuals, businesses, partners, and supporters who believed in this mission and made it possible. Your generosity, commitment, and trust in what we do created a meaningful impact in the lives of our students, and we are deeply grateful.

Equipping Our Students in 2025

In 2025, we were thrilled to provide our students with resources that support their learning and growth. Around 80 students received school supplies tailored to their individual needs, thanks to a campaign organized by La Marina de Flamingo. Additionally, 10 of our high school students received scientific calculators through a fundraising campaign, a tool many could not afford on their own. In our English tutoring program, 26 students received hardcover books to use during sessions and take home at the end of the year, giving them a tangible sense of achievement and a resource to continue practicing their skills. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to empowering students through practical tools and meaningful support.

🎄 December – Celebration, Giving & Community Spirit

As part of our 2025 community engagement, ACCAI was honored to participate in the Christmas parade organized by ADI Brasilito, a celebration that brought together families, students, and local organizations in a spirit of unity and joy. We are deeply grateful for the invitation and for the care put into creating such a meaningful event. Special thanks to Marcela, Sharon, and the students for their creativity and teamwork in building the sleigh, and to Olga for designing the beautiful banner that represented our community with pride. Moments like these remind us of the power of collaboration and shared celebration in strengthening community bonds. 🎄✨

ACCAI Sparkle & Shine Toy Drive🎁🌟

The magic of Christmas came alive this year through the solidarity and love of our community. Thanks to Teacher Kristin and our dedicated volunteers, the Christmas gift drive brought joy to more than 120 children from the Brasilito community.

A special thank you to Ronnie for creating a wonderful video that beautifully captured these meaningful moments, allowing us to share the smiles and excitement with everyone.

From all of us at ACCAI, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, filled with hope, unity, and countless blessings. 🎄✨

🌟 Looking Forward to 2026

2025 was a year of connection, learning, creativity, and community collaboration. Every event — from environmental experiences to creative workshops, from weekly education programs to holiday celebrations — contributed to ACCAI’s commitment to uplift, empower, and strengthen the Brasilito community.

As we approach 2026, ACCAI will continue building on these foundations, expanding educational opportunities, deepening partnerships, and fostering spaces where children, youth, and families can thrive.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to La Marina Foundation for your generous support, which makes our programs and initiatives possible. We also want to thank Mardi Gras and TicoBeLike for your support and contribution to our efforts. Your combined generosity helps create meaningful and joyful experiences for our community, and we are deeply grateful for your belief in our mission.

Thank You to Our Local Business Sponsors

We are deeply grateful to all the local businesses that sponsored our fundraising events throughout 2025. Your generosity and support played a vital role in helping us continue our programs, reach more students, and strengthen our community. Each contribution makes a real difference, and we are proud to celebrate these partnerships that empower learning, creativity, and growth.

Thank you to:

• Students and families

• Dedicated tutors and volunteers

• Community partners like ADI Brasilito, the Tourist Police, Reserva Conchal, Futuro Brillante, UPE and local donors

• Supporters of learning, art, and community engagement

• Board of directors

Your involvement creates impact. Together, we are building stronger futures — one child, one program, one community at a time.

Our 2026 campaign is already underway in order to beging our tutoring program again in March next year, and we need your help to continue empowering students and strengthening our community. Every contribution counts — you can donate through the link we’re sharing and be part of making the next year even brighter!

 🎉✨ We wish all our students, teachers, sponsors, local businesses, and community members a 2026 filled with joy, growth, and new opportunities. May the year ahead bring continued learning, creativity, and meaningful connections that strengthen our community and inspire bright futures. 🌟💛