As we close out 2024, our hearts are full of gratitude and reflection. This year has been nothing short of incredible for ACCAI, filled with moments of growth, impact, and connection that have touched the lives of so many. We are deeply thankful for the unwavering support of our community, partners, and volunteers who have helped make our mission a reality.
This year, our commitment to community empowerment and well-being has been at the forefront of our mission. We expanded our initiatives to better serve the diverse needs of our target population. What began as a program focused on high school students has now grown to include educational opportunities for younger children, from Pre-K through 6th grade, as well as adults. By broadening our offerings, we are addressing the educational and economic needs of individuals at every stage of life, empowering families and communities to thrive. These expanded programs are designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to create lasting, positive change in their lives and the broader community.
Engaging English, Art, and Math Sessions for PreK to 6th Grade Students
This year, we had the privilege of offering targeted educational support to 49 students, ranging from Pre-K to 6th grade, who participated in 25 engaging English with Art sessions. Additionally, 34 students from 1st to 6th grade received 25 focused math sessions to strengthen their skills. In response to the specific needs of our 6th graders preparing for the "National Standardized Summative Test", we provided extra math sessions to ensure they were well-prepared for this important standardized exam.
Adult English Sessions
Out of the 32 adult Grammar and Conversational English sessions offered, around 10 dedicated participants have consistently attended, showing great enthusiasm and making remarkable progress. We understand that work commitments can sometimes interfere with class attendance, yet those who have joined have demonstrated a deep commitment to improving their language skills.
The participants are not only eager to engage in each session, but they've also shown significant growth in both their understanding and speaking abilities. The interactive and supportive learning environment has played a vital role in this progress. Over time, the group has developed a strong sense of solidarity, with participants often helping one another and sharing valuable tips to enhance their learning experience.
We're excited to share that in addition, around 10 dedicated participants have successfully completed our 10-week Hotel Vocabulary in English program. Over the course of the program, learners gained essential vocabulary related to the hospitality industry, which will help them confidently communicate in hotel, concierge, housekeeping and restaurant environments and enhance their professional language skills. The program's interactive approach, combining discussions, role-plays, and practical exercises, ensured that learners were able to apply the vocabulary in real-life scenarios.
Youth Program
As an outcome of our initiative to support the young High School students in Brasilito and help them successfully complete high school, a total of 31 Math, English and Pickleball classes were conducted. These sessions provided students with valuable opportunities to ask questions, clarify doubts, and receive targeted assistance in preparation for their school evaluations. The program served a diverse group of students, including 12 seventh-graders, 2 eighth-graders, 3 ninth-graders, 1 tenth-grader, 5 eleventh-graders, and 1 twelfth-grader. Classes were held every Saturday from March to November, in alignment with the Costa Rican academic calendar, ensuring that students received consistent academic support throughout the year.
OUR EVALUATION METHOD FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Throughout 2024, we’ve closely monitored the academic progress of the High School students we work with, particularly in the areas we believe are most critical to their success—English and math. English, in particular, plays a vital role in opening doors to future opportunities, especially given the tourism-driven economy of our area. As part of our commitment to supporting student growth, we track grades and use this data to create detailed charts that measure performance improvement and the overall impact of our programs.
This year, we are proud to report significant progress across the board. Many of our students have shown remarkable advancement, and we are especially thrilled to highlight one student's exceptional achievement. Last year, this student was struggling with math big time, but this year, he brought in an exam with a perfect score of 100—a testament to his hard work and dedication.
However, as with any program, there are areas where improvement is still needed. Three students, all in seventh grade, did not meet the minimum score for English, and one student fell short in Math. We recognize that the transition from primary school to high school can be a challenging adjustment, particularly with the shift from basic English instruction to a more advanced curriculum that includes conversational English. To support these students, we are excited to announce that our English and Math tutors will be offering one-on-one sessions starting in January to help them prepare for their upcoming tests in February.
To provide a clearer picture of the progress we've made, we are pleased to share the performance charts for 2024, which highlight the academic improvements and impact of our efforts throughout the year.
Other completed activities throughout the year
Medi Life Medical Clinic: 83 participants all ages
Virtual reality workshop for 1st grade to 12th grade students: 38 participants
Human trafficking prevention workshop with our Youth: 23 participants
6 sessions of Personal Security for Women: 7 women above 15 years old
“Hamlet” Musical play at Reserva Conchal Convention Center: 20 High School students
“Women's Health Day”, from the Wellbeing initiative of the First Lady’s office: 13 women from our youth group and ladies from the community.
Environmental Festival at La Marina in Flamingo: 40 students from 4th grade to 12th grade
End of the year party from Prek to 6th grade: 48 participants
Catamaran End of the year Tour: 35 participants total from our group of High school students, teachers and volunteers.
Sparkle & Shine Toy Drive Campaign: 85 students from all ages
Scholarships for our students to study English online in 2025 at the Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano: 3 High School students and 1 graduate
The Highlight of the Year!
IntegrARTE
At ACCAI, we are honored to have participated in the IntegrArte initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady of Costa Rica, Signe Zeikate. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Futuro Brillante for organizing and including us in this meaningful initiative, alongside other respected organizations such as CEPIA, Adi Matapalo, ADIT Tamarindo, and Reserva Conchal. Under the guidance of artist Carlos Hiller, 23 of ACCAI's students contributed to the creation of the mural, where they not only gained valuable knowledge about marine life and the importance of preserving Costa Rica’s natural resources but also developed social skills, enhanced emotional regulation, and improved interactions with others.
The completed artwork was proudly showcased at the High-Level Event on "Ocean Action: Immersed in Change", where two of our students had the privilege of attending at the Convention Center in Cariari, San José. Representing their community with enthusiasm and pride, they were able to meet the President of Costa Rica, reconnect with the First Lady, and engage with key government officials and international delegates. This experience was not only a confidence booster but also a deeply inspiring moment for our students, who felt privileged to be part of such an important global conversation on ocean conservation.
We wrapped up the year with two incredible activities, one of which was a special Catamaran tour for our Youth Group, teachers and volunteers, generously donated by Boomerang Tours. Sailing on their beautiful catamaran, Zafira, was an unforgettable experience. As we cruised across the stunning turquoise waters, laughter and joy filled the air. Our students had a blast kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming in the crystal-clear sea, while everyone bonded over shared adventures and breathtaking views.
The day was made even more special with delicious food, thanks to Perry Carlile, and with the beautiful moments he captured through his lens. His contribution added to the joy of the day and helped preserve these unforgettable memories. We are deeply thankful for the support that made this day possible and for everyone who contributed to another year of growth and success. A perfect way to end the year! 🌊⛵🎉
Our other special activity to close 2024 happened on Saturday, December 21st and we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible English teacher, Kristin Coffey, and her dedicated team of volunteers for their exceptional work in organizing the Sparkle and Shine Toy Drive Campaign. 🎁✨ This initiative brought immense joy to 85 students, ranging from Pre-K to 12th grade, along with a few younger children as well. 🎉
Kristin and her team worked tirelessly to ensure the campaign’s success, creating a magical experience for the children and spreading cheer in ways that will be cherished for years to come. Their unwavering commitment, compassion, and hard work made a profound impact on the lives of these students, and served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and generosity.
A sincere thank you to everyone involved for making this holiday season so special for so many. 🎄🎅 We are deeply grateful for your contributions and for making this season unforgettable!
As we look back on the year, we are reminded of the power of coming together and the profound difference we can make when we work with purpose and passion. This blog is a celebration of all that we’ve accomplished and the lives we’ve touched—thanks to your generosity and dedication.
Thank you to our main Sponsor:
and thank you to:
Thank you to all the businesses for hosting events, supporting us with gift certificates in order to raise funds for ACCAI
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated lunches and snacks for our Youth Program throughout the year. Your generosity has helped provide nourishment and care to the young people we serve. We truly appreciate your kindness and commitment to making this program a success.
A special thank you to our amazing group of volunteers and wonderful moms who dedicated their time and energy to organizing events for ACCAI. Your hard work, creativity, and passion made every event a success, and your commitment to our cause is truly inspiring. Together, we are building something truly special!
A big thank you to our amazing group of teachers and volunteers! Your dedication and hard work make a real difference in the lives of our students. We are incredibly grateful for your time, effort, and passion. Thank you for everything you do!
Kristin Ej
Alexandra David
Kristen Myra
Chris Kathie
Graciela
Thank you to our board members and accountants
Karen Liz
Erika Yuli
Marco Cesar
Sharon
Jerome
To wrap up this year’s reflections, we at ACCAI want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄🎉 We are so grateful for the support and love we've received throughout 2024, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for ACCAI. Together, we will continue to grow, support, and nurture our beautiful community. Here's to another year of making a positive impact and spreading kindness! 💙
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