The Power of Community in Youth Education

Saturdays at ACCAI: Education, Support, and Hope for Our Youth

Every Saturday at ACCAI, our space transforms into a vibrant hub of learning, creativity, and care — all driven by one mission: to empower the youth of our community through education and support. Each week, we welcome around 55 students who show up eager to learn, grow, and connect — a beautiful reminder of the impact consistent, community-driven education can have.

Morning Sessions: Teens Building a Stronger Future

From 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, we welcome teenagers who participate in a well-rounded program that includes:

• Math and English tutoring to strengthen their academic foundation

• Sports activities to promote teamwork and physical health

• Art workshops or mentorship sessions to nurture creativity and emotional growth

• A healthy snack and lunch to ensure no one learns on an empty stomach

These sessions go beyond academics. They provide structure, guidance, and a safe space where teens are seen, heard, and supported — a powerful alternative to the risks and distractions they face on the streets of Brasilito.

🎒 Afternoon Sessions: Early Learning, Strong Foundations

12:30 PM – 3:45 PM

In the afternoon, we welcome our younger learners — from Pre-K to 6th grade — for age-specific educational support and enrichment:

• Pre-K & Kindergarten:

  • English lessons

  • Art activities to support creative and cognitive development

• 1st Grade:

  • Reading and writing fundamentals

  • English and Math tutoring

• 2nd to 6th Grade:

  • Focused Math and English tutoring to reinforce classroom learning and close academic gaps

Each session is taught by caring tutors and volunteers who offer personalized attention and positive encouragement, helping students gain confidence in themselves and their abilities.

At ACCAI, we believe in integral education—one that nurtures not only the mind, but also the heart, creativity, and spirit of every young person we serve. That’s why, in addition to our regular youth programs, we offer enriching workshops that go beyond academics.

We were incredibly honored to welcome the talented Rachel Harvey for a couple of unforgettable art class with our students!

Rachel’s creativity, kindness, and passion lit up the room, turning it into a space full of imagination, self-expression, and pure joy. Our students were fully engaged, inspired, and had an amazing time bringing their ideas to life through art. You can see it on their faces — they absolutely loved every moment! 😍

Rachel, thank you so much for sharing your time and talent with us, and for your generous offer to return for more sessions. We can’t wait to welcome you back!

Because when we nurture the whole person, we help our youth thrive. 

💡 Why This Matters

Our community faces deep educational inequality. Many of our children are several grade levels behind their peers in other parts of the country. They live in vulnerable conditions, with limited access to quality education, technology, or academic support at home.

At ACCAI, we believe education is the key to change. These Saturday programs aren’t just helping kids with homework — they’re keeping them safe, engaged, and inspired to dream bigger. We would much rather see our kids in a classroom, learning and growing, than out on the streets where their futures are at risk.

Additional Programs we offer

Empowering Adults Through English – Thursday Evenings at ACCAI

Every Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, ACCAI opens its doors to adults in our community who are eager to learn and grow. We offer two free English classes during this time: one for beginners who are just starting their language journey, and another for intermediate learners looking to build fluency and confidence. These classes are more than language lessons — they are a gateway to better job opportunities, stronger communication skills, and increased independence. In a world where English can open doors, we’re proud to provide a safe, supportive space for adults to invest in themselves, their families, and their futures. It’s never too late to learn — and every Thursday, our adult learners prove that.

Strengthening ACCAI

On Thursday, May 22, ACCAI had the honor of being represented by Erika (Director of ACCAI) and Marcela (Coordinator Assistant) at the third edition of "Me cuido por mí 2025" — a powerful and inspiring event dedicated to women’s well-being and social impact.

Organized and supported by Reserva Conchal, The Westin Hotel, and Voces Vitales, this gathering brought together women from diverse social and professional backgrounds in a space created by women, for women — a space to learn, heal, and share.

We are deeply grateful to Reserva Conchal for inviting our team to be part of such a meaningful initiative. Events like these reflect the core values we hold at ACCAI: the importance of self-care, holistic well-being, and community connection — especially for women who are so often the heart of families and communities.

It was a day filled with powerful conversations, reflection, and genuine sisterhood. We left inspired and reminded that caring for ourselves is a radical and essential act of empowerment.

Thank you to the organizers for continuing to transform lives through wellness, compassion, and collective strength. We're proud to be part of a network that uplifts women and builds stronger communities — one connection at a time.

Sports, Opportunity, and Community: ACCAI Partners with the

Police Athletic Leagues ⚽🥊🏊‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Over the past few months, ACCAI has had the honor of joining forces with the Tourist Police through the Police Athletic Leagues (LAP) program — an inspiring initiative that uses sports to promote youth development, prevent risk situations, and strengthen community ties.

As part of this collaboration, in May, around 25 of our students took a meaningful step forward by applying for sports scholarships offered through LAP. To support the process, we hosted an informative meeting on May 24th with parents and guardians, alongside representatives from the Tourist Police and the ACCAI team. It was a valuable space to learn about the program’s goals and reaffirm our shared commitment to creating more opportunities for youth.

Then, on Friday, June 13, we were proud to participate in the official inauguration of the LAP program at Brasilito Plaza. The event brought together around 40 children and teenagers from the communities of Brasilito and Potrero for a fun-filled day of sports, camaraderie, and community connection.

The Police Athletic Leagues, launched in 2020, are part of the Public Police Force’s broader mission to prevent drug use, gender-based violence, and youth involvement in crime. By incorporating sports as a powerful preventive tool, LAP not only promotes physical health, but also fosters self-esteem, discipline, and teamwork in youth ages 12 to 19.

The program currently offers training in:

• ✅ Soccer

• ✅ Boxing

• ✅ Swimming

• ✅ Track and Field

At ACCAI, we firmly believe in the transformative power of sports — not only as a path to physical development, but as a means to build life skills, create safe spaces, and open doors to a brighter future.

We are deeply grateful to the Tourist Police, the LAP team, and all our partners for making this initiative possible. It’s a privilege to be part of such important work, and we’re excited to continue supporting our students as they grow, dream, and thrive — on and off the field. 💙

Planting Seeds of Awareness at the Environmental Fair 2025 🌎💚

On June 21st, thanks to the kind invitation of the Environmental Department of Marina Flamingo, 42 children and teens from ACCAI had the chance to experience a day they’ll never forget — one filled with learning, creativity, and a deep connection with nature.

From an underwater cleanup and marine life exploration to cultural dance, eco-art, and workshops on responsible fishing, every moment was designed to educate, inspire, and empower. These hands-on experiences helped our students see themselves not just as learners, but as protectors of the planet and leaders of their communities.

This day was made possible by incredible community support:

• 💙 Reserva Conchal, for providing transportation

• 🍽️ Restaurante Pleamar, for the delicious, sponsored lunches

At ACCAI, we believe that when you give a child the chance to connect with nature and culture, you help shape a future leader.

To everyone that made this possible, thank you for believing in the power of experience, and for helping us build a better world, one child at a time. 🌱🌊

"Mar a la Vista": A Celebration of Youth, Art, and Ocean Awareness 🎨🌊💙

On Wednesday, July 2nd, ACCAI had the honor of attending the official unveiling of the mural "Mar a la Vista" at the Civic Center for Peace in Santa Cruz, by special invitation from Ms. Mitzy Salazar Morales, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Santa Cruz.

This powerful artwork was created by high school students from Brasilito, Matapalo, Huacas, and surrounding communities — including several talented youth from ACCAI — as part of the IntegrArte program, an initiative led by the Office of the First Lady of the Republic.

More than just a beautiful mural, Mar a la Vista is a collective expression of environmental awareness and artistic pride. It celebrates the richness and beauty of our marine ecosystems while encouraging deeper reflection on the urgent need to protect them.

For the students involved, the experience was profound. As one of our participants shared:

"It’s like reliving the experience."

That sense of joy, pride, and ownership was written all over their faces — a reminder of how art can empower, educate, and unite.

We are incredibly proud of our youth and grateful for opportunities like these, which allow them to share their voices and creativity with the wider community.

We warmly invite everyone to visit the Civic Center for Peace and witness this inspiring mural — a testament to what happens when young people are given space to express themselves and speak up for the planet. 🌎💚

🙌 Thank You for Believing in our mission

This work is made possible thanks to the passion of our volunteer teachers and the generosity of supporters like you. Together, we’re offering these children a chance — not just to catch up, but to thrive.

If you'd like to learn more, donate, or support our mission, don’t hesitate to reach out. Every bit of help counts — and every Saturday, lives are changing at ACCAI.

Donate now

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Amazing Donors

On behalf of ACCAI, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our generous donors, your support means the world to us — and even more to the students you’re helping.

We are incredibly grateful for your ongoing commitment to our mission an

d for helping create an environment where our students can truly thrive.

A huge Thank you to our lead teachers:

Chris Trandafir

David Cáceres

Kristin Coffey

Kristen Everling

Alexandra Hill

Chris Welsh

Rod Marshall

Liz Welsh

Tracey Cobb

Lori Rill

A Grateful recognition to our board members:

Marco A. Cruz: President

Christopher Welsh: Vice-president

Sharon Urbina: Secretary

Cesar Abarca: Treasurer

Sebastian Villa Gaviria: Vowel

Sarah Eliza Martin: Vowel

Silvia Cruz: Comptroller 

Special thanks to our meal train donors:

Roger & Lisa

 Chelsey

 Shelly

 Kelly

 Restaurante Pleamar

 Restaurante Surf Box

 Janice & John

 BIO Fumigation

 Punto Designer's Spot

And last but not least a special thank you to our valued supporters:

Your contributions make a real and lasting difference, and we’re honored to have you as part of our community.

Together, we’re making an impact. 🙏

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