Creating Impact in 2026: Education, Mentorship, Opportunity
- ekaraya7
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Starting 2026 Strong:
Our Tutoring Program is Back
On Saturday, March 14th, ACCAI resumed its tutoring program, kicking off a new year dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for children and youth in our community.
This year, 33 high school students are enrolled in our program, attending sessions every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where they receive consistent academic support in Math and English—key subjects for their academic success and future opportunities.
As part of our commitment to supporting our students’ academic needs, we have introduced monthly French tutoring sessions for 7th to 9th grade students who are required to take French in school. These sessions are designed to support those who may be struggling with the subject, providing them with the opportunity to ask questions, strengthen their understanding, and build confidence.
Our holistic approach goes beyond academics. Students participate in our sports program, centered on pickleball, where they build teamwork, confidence, and healthy habits. Each session also includes a nutritious snack and lunch, ensuring students have the energy they need to focus and learn, along with workshops that support their personal development and decision-making skills.
In addition, our elementary program continues to grow, with 40 students from 1st to 6th grade enrolled, attending every Saturday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. These students receive foundational support in Math, English, and Reading, helping strengthen core skills at an early stage and setting the foundation for long-term academic success.
At ACCAI, we believe that access to education, mentorship, and opportunity can transform lives. As we begin 2026, we remain committed to creating measurable impact and building brighter futures—one student at a time.
Workshops That Create Opportunity:
Bridging the Digital Gap
As part of our March 14th session, we were proud to offer our first out of two day hands-on computer assembly workshop that has a direct impact on our students’ learning experience.
We would like to recognize Jake, a CRIA student whose initiative made this workshop possible, along with his father, who helped organize and lead the session.
Through a fundraising effort led by Jake—at such a young age—the necessary components were secured to build four computers, benefiting 9 of our high school students and providing them with a meaningful, hands-on learning opportunity.
During the workshop, students had the opportunity to assemble computers, learn about their different components, and understand how they function. Once completed, these computers will be donated to ACCAI, supporting our vision of establishing a technology center in the near future where students can continue developing essential digital skills.
This initiative is especially impactful considering that more than 75% of our students’ families do not have access to a computer or internet at home, highlighting the urgent need to close the digital divide in our community.
At ACCAI, we are committed to creating opportunities that go beyond traditional education. This is just the beginning of a larger vision to expand access to technology for our students.
If you would like to be part of this project, we invite you to contact us and help us make this vision a reality. This is the power of community in action 💙
Workshops That Protect and Empower:
Preventing Inappropriate Relationships
On Saturday, March 21st, 26 high school students participated in a critical workshop led by Tourism Police Officer Eber Cordero, focused on the prevention of inappropriate relationships.
At a crucial stage of adolescence, many young people face situations where a lack of information can put them at risk. This workshop provided students with practical tools to recognize warning signs, set boundaries, and make informed, safe decisions.
In communities where social and economic vulnerabilities exist, access to this type of education is not optional—it is essential. Workshops like this play a key role in preventing abuse, reducing risk, and empowering youth to protect their future.
Through partnerships with community leaders like Officer Cordero, ACCAI is able to go beyond academics and address the real challenges our students face every day.
Continued support makes these life-changing workshops possible!
Building a Culture of Reading:
Our Library Project in Action
As part of our vision to expand access to education in our community, ACCAI is developing a Library Project that will serve not only our students, but also the broader community. This initiative aims to create a safe and inspiring space where children and youth can access books, strengthen literacy skills, and discover the power of learning.
One of the first active components of this project is our Reading Club, with 32 participants enrolled, ages 4 to 12, meeting every Thursday from 4:15 PM to 5:30 PM.
During each session, students participate in a guided reading experience with a tutor, followed by the opportunity to choose from a variety of books based on their interests—reading independently, with peers, or alongside volunteers. The session also includes a creative art component, reinforcing comprehension while encouraging imagination and self-expression.
As part of this program, once a month we invite parents and guardians to join these sessions, strengthening family involvement and promoting a culture of reading that extends beyond the classroom and into the home.
This program is more than just a reading activity—it is a critical step toward addressing a deeper need. In many of the families we serve, access to books at home is limited or nonexistent, making spaces like this essential to developing literacy from an early age.
By investing in early reading, we are not only improving academic outcomes, but also fostering confidence, critical thinking, and long-term opportunity. The Reading Club represents the foundation of our future library—a place where education becomes accessible, engaging, and transformative.
With your support, we can continue building this space and expand access to books and learning opportunities for every child in our community.
Creating Opportunities for Adults and Teens Through English:
Our Program in Action
We launched our Adults and Teens English program this March, reaching a total of 36 participants from Brasilito and surrounding communities, including 21 beginner students and 15 at the intermediate level. This initiative is designed specifically for adults and teenagers, providing them with practical language skills that open doors to education and employment opportunities. Our beginner group is led by our dedicated tutor Caroline, while the intermediate group is guided by our outstanding tutor Alexandra—both delivering dynamic, engaging lessons tailored to the needs of each group. Every class is intentionally structured to build confidence, encourage participation, and ensure meaningful progress. Through this program, we are not only teaching English—we are empowering individuals with tools that can transform their futures and create lasting impact in the community.
Empowering Education Through Volunteerism:
Supporting Our Programs in Brasilito
Our volunteers are a fundamental part of everything we do at ACCAI. Thanks to their commitment and generosity, we are able to operate the many tutoring sessions we offer and continue expanding our educational initiatives. Volunteers support our tutoring sessions, contribute to the development of our library project, and participate in our reading club, bringing time, knowledge, and enthusiasm to every space.
At the beginning of March we had the privilege of welcoming a group of medical students from the University of Michigan, who led workshops on healthy habits and spent meaningful time with the students from Pre-K to 6th grade. They also joined a community beach clean-up day in Brasilito, in coordination with the Bandera Azul Ecológica Committee, strengthening both community engagement and environmental awareness.
We have also been fortunate to receive students from local schools such as CRIA, who are required to complete volunteer hours and have chosen to do so with us—especially through the reading club—where they have been an outstanding support.
Another meaningful way to get involved is through our Saturday nutrition program for high school students, who attend tutoring sessions from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Local businesses and individuals become our allies by volunteering to provide meals or support this effort, ensuring students stay nourished, focused, and ready to learn. It is a powerful way to give back and directly impact their well-being and academic success.
If you would like to be part of this meaningful tutoring and mentoring program—whether by volunteering your time, supporting our nutrition program, or making a donation—we warmly invite you to contact us. Your support helps us continue transforming lives through education.
Building Opportunities Together:
The Power of Community Partnerships
Our school supply donation campaign was a great success—made possible through the generosity and commitment of our community. We are deeply grateful for the support of partners and individuals such as Patagonia, Marina Flamingo, ADI Brasilito, Do It Foundation, and many others who joined this meaningful cause. Their contribution goes beyond donations; it represents a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Thanks to this collective effort, more than 80 students enrolled in our program—from 1st through 12th grade—will benefit from the supplies distributed throughout the year. These resources will support their learning journey, helping them stay prepared, motivated, and confident as they continue their education.
This campaign marks just the beginning. We will continue distributing supplies progressively, ensuring that every student who needs support has access to the tools required to succeed. This impact is only possible because of the alliances we build. When businesses, organizations, and individuals come together with a shared purpose, real change happens.
As we reflect on the start of this year, one thing is clear: none of this would be possible without the strength and commitment of our community. Every tutoring session, every workshop, every book, every meal, and every opportunity created is the result of people who believe in the potential of our students.
We are deeply grateful to the businesses, organizations, volunteers, parents, and individuals who walk alongside us in this mission—including the local businesses that support our fundraising events and the businesses and individuals who generously sponsor lunches and snacks for our students each Saturday. Your support goes far beyond contributions—you are helping create safe spaces, open doors, and build brighter futures for children, youth, and families in our community.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our program sponsor, Flamingo Marina Foundation, for their continued support since we started in 2023.
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