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ACCAI GIVES BACK Donate here Working Toward a Brighter Future WHO WE ARE We are a diverse group of volunteers who are from the local community of Brasilito and surroundings, as well as others who have made Costa Rica their home, working together for a better present and future for the teens of Brasilito and our communities. ​ why accai Back in 2021, we had this thought when we realized that the children of Brasilito had been without proper school since the earthquake in Nicoya in 2012, and then the pandemic hit, leaving them with no school at all. It was clear that by working together we could help these kids overcome their academic challenges more effectively. That's why we decided to launch ACCAI in 2023. Our goal is to bring about a possitive change in all our student's lives. BECOME A SPONSOR Our sponsors have been a valued part of the ACCAI's Youth Program. This program takes place every Saturday from 8 am to 2:00 pm. And if any student attending our program needs extra help during the week, our team is always there to lend a hand. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all students successfully complete the school year,become fluent in English as a second language, and pursue a degree or certificate after high school to support themselves and their families. Currently, we are actively seeking sponsors who are willing to join us in achieving this mission and making a difference. If you're interested in getting involved, please don't hesitate to contact us. Together, we can work towards creating a brighter future for these students. TO BECOME A SPONSOR CLICK HERE CONTACT US Brasilito, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica info@accai.org (506) 71113588 (506) 85196463 Subscribe Form Join Thanks for subscribing!

Our Team Our Founders Where passion and dedication meet... Since our initial discussions about the need in Brasilito in 2022, the team at ACCAI has been working tirelessly to champion our cause. We are incredibly fortunate to have a diverse group of volunteers and staff who bring their unique expertise and resources to everything we do. This is what allows us to efficiently achieve our goals. While there is always more work to be done, there is no doubt that we are making a significant impact. We don't measure our success solely through facts and figures but through the smiles on happy faces and the heartwarming feedback we receive. Erika Araya Co-founder and Academic Director Originally from San Jose and currently residing in Potrero, Erika has been an English teacher for children in the Potrero, Brasilito, and Huacas areas for 15 years. Teaching is not just a job for her; it is her profession and passion. Erika thrives on human connection and finds immense joy in witnessing her students' understanding through their eyes and smiles. Erika, along with Karen, co-founded ACCAI because they were deeply saddened by the academic disparity among the children in Brasilito. She saw that the children lacked the same opportunities and privileges as students in other school districts. The teenagers had no resources to expand their minds. Erika recognized the urgent need to help these students catch up academically and dreamt of seeing them graduate from high school, ready to pursue higher education or vocational training. Passionate about life, Erika wholeheartedly commits herself to everything she does. She cherishes quality time with her family, including her beloved pets. Karen Cerdas Co-founder and Director of Social Programs and Community Service Meet Karen Cerdas, a proud Costa Rican who has spent most of her life in Cartago but now calls Guanacaste her permanent home. With a degree in Social Work from the prestigious University of Costa Rica, Karen brings over 20 years of experience in working with social programs and community welfare. Karen's journey as a co-founder of ACCAI began when she and her partner, Erika, recognized the pressing need to support ambitious young individuals who yearned for educational growth. They witnessed firsthand how these dreams often crumbled due to a lack of support and guidance. Driven by her passion, Karen aims to empower individuals to discover their potential and seize better opportunities in life through her work. What sets Karen apart is her genuine desire to connect with others. She thrives on sharing, listening, and providing unwavering support to those seeking to improve their surroundings. In her eyes, it is a fundamental human right for individuals to have the necessary tools to enhance their quality of life. Meet the Team Math Teacher Federico Robledo Born and raised in Mexico City, boasts an impressive academic background, holding a Bachelor's degree in Special Education, a Master's degree in Educational Science, and even a second Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering. His dedication to education and the environment showcases his commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Federico's journey with ACCAI, is rooted in his belief that everyone has a unique purpose in life, which is to be a blessing to others. This belief motivated him to join ACCAI, where he could actively contribute to making a difference in people's lives. Remarkably, Federico began his teaching career at a remarkably young age, starting at just 18 years old. His passion for teaching and his proficiency in the field are evident in his work, especially when working with students with learning differences. Federico's philosophy centers around the idea that nothing is impossible, while making continuous mathematical and statistical improvements. Head English Teacher EJ Avey Originally hailing from Canada, EJ Avey spent 25 years living in the United States before moving to Costa Rica in 2018. While her professional background lies in nursing, she is now incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be involved in ACCAI as one of the Head Teachers in the English Program. Her ultimate goal? To witness the youth of Brasilito flourish and pave their way towards a fruitful future. Before joining ACCAI, EJ dedicated her time to volunteering in various educational programs in Brasilito. It was during these experiences that she discovered her passion for working with young minds and witnessing their energy for life and learning. When she's not busy shaping the minds of tomorrow, EJ indulges in her hobbies, which include cooking, baking mouthwatering treats, getting lost in the pages of a good book, and expressing her creativity through painting. English Teacher Tammy Walker She is originally from Iowa. Her adult life was mostly spent in Colorado. She relocated to Costa Rica in 2020.Tammy had a career in Employee Benefits. She did underwriting for 10 years and 15 years as a Benefits Consultant. She decided she wanted a career change. She became a Realtor for 8 years. She is now retired.She became a part of ACCAI because she believes in the work it has been created and continues to create. She has a passion to see the Youth empowered to achieve their dreams. She sees teaching as a way to birth a desire in the Youth to succeed in their education. Tammy loves the outdoors! From hiking to horses, from beaches to mountains, she will take outside activities over inside activities. She is thankful for the life God has given her. Pickleball Teacher Kathie Roberts She grew up in the Bronx, New York. She joined the military, which allowed her to live in many places around the world. For 17 years she lived in Aiken South Carolina as the owner of a Horse Ranch. Her professions included being a Federal agent in charge of Special Operations, and a firearms instructor. Kathie’s passion is teaching people the love of Pickleball. She desires to grow the sport and form an Olympic Team. She joined ACCAI to introduce Pickleball and instill a passion for the sport. She has a love for animals big or small, land or sea. She says “ I seem very strict on the outside. I am soft on the inside, I just don’t show it.”

become a sponsor become a sponsor become a sponsor As a non-profit organization, ACCAI does not receive regular payments from any organization. Our activities are all funded through donations made by people with a great heart and who believe in our mission. If you would like to support us you can do direct bank deposit or transfer money directly to ACCAI to one of our accounts in Costa Rica at Banco Nacional or Banco de Costa Rica. ​ Over $3000 $1500-$2999 $500-$1499 $499 Banco de Costa Rica ​ colones: CR20015201001050480108 dollars: CR21015201001050480284 Banco Nacional de Costa Rica ​ colones: 1-200-01-193-014055-0 IBAN CR10 0151 1932 0010 ​ dollars: 1 200-02-193-004525-1 IBAN CR35 0151 1932 0020

TAKE PART We are so happy you’re interested in getting involved with our work at ACCAI. There are so many ways for you to help, and we truly appreciate each and every effort. By lending your support, you’ll become a valuable part of our efforts and help strengthen our operations. VOLUNTEER ACCAI depends on your commitment to Volunteer in order to promote real change on the teens of Brasilito. If it weren’t for the active participation of countless individuals, ACCAI would be far more limited. FUNDRAISE Wondering how to give back and be a part of a transformative program that helps so many people? It’s always the right time to Fundraise and become an invaluable part of our success. DONATE Want to be part of the change? Fill in the following form and let us know how you would like to contribute whether it is to volunteer, fund raise or donate. High-Dosage tutoring is effective but expensive. That is why our sponsors are very important for our community enrichment opportunity to continue. Please consider donating to Accai. Thank you in advance for considering joining us in this great mission to help our Youth have a better future! Submit Thanks for submitting!

CONTACT Brasilito, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica info@accai.org (506) 71113588 / 85196463

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS OUR SPONSORS OUR SPONSORS We appreciate your generosity and efforts in supporting us and our cause. Without your support we wouldn't be able to continue with our mission.

WE AT ACCAI WE AT ACCAI WE AT ACCAI We are united in our mission to shape the future of our youth. Our goal is to equip them with the essential tools they need to pursue successful careers after high school, ensuring their economic independence and empowering them to create their opportunities in the near future. We believe in building a strong foundation for our youth, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential. Join us as we work together to pave the way for a brighter tomorrow! Click here to donate to one of our programs Our Different Programs Math Program Based on our experience, it is widely known that many high school students struggle with mathematics. Unfortunately, this issue is particularly prevalent among high schoolers in Brasilito and some other areas of Guanacaste. These students are at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other parts of the country due to their poor grasp of the basics. To address this problem, we have developed a specialized program that aims to reinforce the subject of mathematics. Our goal is to create an environment where students feel comfortable and confident enough to express their doubts and seek clarification, ultimately leading to their academic success. By understanding and practicing math, students not only enhance their analytical thinking skills but also develop the ability to think critically about the world around them. These analytical and reasoning skills are crucial as they enable us to solve problems and seek solutions. At ACCAI, we firmly believe that a strong foundation in mathematics can pave the way for professional, emotional, and cognitive success. While we are currently starting our program in Brasilito, our ultimate aim is to expand and bring this opportunity to other communities as well. So, join us on this exciting journey as we strive to make math accessible and enjoyable for all students! English Program This program was created to give our Youth the chance to interact with native English Speakers and practice their language skills in a fun and friendly environment. ACCAI, with the help of our sponsors, provides a Grammar and Activity book for each student, and all classes are carefully designed by our teachers to be engaging and interactive. We understand that having a strong command of English opens up more opportunities in life. That's why our mission is to offer these kids English as a second language, so they can acquire the language skills that will benefit them in their future professional lives. We're starting in Brasilito, but our goal is to expand our program to other communities as we grow. ​ Pickleball Young people need opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment, as well as spaces to connect with their peers. That's why we have included sports in our program for them. Our youth are fortunate to receive pickleball lessons from a dedicated group of community volunteers. We understand that participating in sports not only offers physical benefits but also promotes good health in various ways. It improves balance, hand-eye coordination, and flexibility. Additionally, it enhances heart health and boosts mood and mental well-being. And let's not forget about the social connections it fosters! To ensure that the sports program runs smoothly, we are currently seeking to hire someone who can lead the class when volunteers are unavailable and provide assistance when they are present. This person will play a crucial role in supporting our young participants and ensuring they have a positive experience. Guidance & Mentoring We take the emotional and psychological well-being of our students very seriously. That's why we have formed alliances with other organizations that are dedicated to looking after their overall welfare. One such organization is Teen Smart International, which specializes in training and counseling for young people across Latin America. We will be working closely with them to directly support the young individuals in our program. We also receive valuable contributions from various community members who bring their knowledge and experience on different topics. These contributions are crucial in nurturing the program and promoting the social, emotional, and health development of our youth. Through our strategic alliances, we offer a range of services, including: Consulting: We provide guidance and advice to address any concerns or challenges our students may face. Psychological support: Our team of professionals is here to offer assistance and counseling to help students navigate their emotions and mental well-being. Educational and informative workshops: We organize workshops that aim to educate and inform students on various important topics. A free platform for well-being and personal growth: We have created a platform specifically designed for adolescents aged 10 to 24. It's a safe space where they can explore personal growth and well-being. Best of all, it's completely confidential, free, and supported by professionals. At our core, we believe in creating a supportive and nurturing environment for our students. By partnering with organizations and individuals who share our vision, we can ensure that our students receive the best possible support for their emotional and psychological stability. Feeding program Every Saturday, we make sure to provide snacks and lunch for the youth attending our program, as well as our dedicated teachers and volunteers. This amounts to around 30 meals and snacks each time we gather. We have been fortunate enough to accomplish this thanks to the generosity of individuals who support our program. However, we still need much more help. That's why we are constantly on the lookout for people who are willing to donate to this program or lend a hand in the kitchen. Sometimes, our supporters even know someone from the community who loves to cook, and they help us in two different ways. If you're interested in getting involved, please don't hesitate to contact us here. We would be thrilled to have you on board!

Sponsor one of our students Youth sponsorship ensures that these adolescents will have access to essential resources and facilities, allowing them to continue attending high school and eventually obtain a degree that will help them provide for themselves and their familes. Nicole 7th grade I like to dance. I do not like fight. I have strong character. I want to be a doctor. Jose Pablo 8th grade I like sports very much. I like to play the guitar in my spare time. Nallely 8th grade I am sociable and friendly. I like to watch Kharkana and Turkish series. I also like karaoke. When I grow up I would like to be a criminologist. I like to see ID and People Magazine investigate. Mia 7th grade I am a serious person, a little smiling, a little antisocial. I like to read. I would like to learn how to play the violin and the acoustic or electric guitar. I would like to become a nurse or a veterinarian. Isabella 7th grade I am of strong character and little sociable. I suffer from myopathy. I like listening to music and painting. When I grow up I would like to be a lawyer or a psychologist. Nayuribe 8th grade I like videogames and drawing. I would like to be a computer engineer. Dana 7th grade I am very shy, I like to make friends. When I grow up I want to be a doctor. Yusleni 9th grade I am very cheerful and fun. I like to skate, dance and watch sunsets. I would like to be a flight attendant in the future. Mercedes 9th grade I am very shy. I like to go to the beach and listen to music. I would like to be a police officer. Yul 9th grade I am very shy and introverted. My favorite sport is football. I like animals. Sofia 12th grade I consider myself kind. I love learning new things. I like to know new places and play table games. When I grow up I want to be a physical therapist. Kraesnaly 10 grade I am a kind person. I really like sports and playing group games. I would like to learn to skate very well and surf. I want to be a professional soccer player and be in the first division. After school I want to continue studying at the university. Nerling 11th grade This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. Kianny 10th grade I like to dance and play soccer. I want to learn English. I like sunsets and going out to play on the beach with my dog. When I grow up I want to be a doctor or a nurse. Susan 10th grade I am an introverted person but with time I gain confidence. I like some sports and exercising. My biggest wish is to be aprofessional singer-songwriter artist, give music classes and help people with the lyrics of my songs and feel my feelings with my music. I would like to learn to play the piano, violin or cello. I would like to study psychology or astronomy. Roberto 12th grade I would like to learn to play pickleball well. When I leave school I want to work and study. I would like to travel and see new places. I want to study business administration. Ian Acosta Corea 12th grade I am someone with many ideas and I like to help, contribute with things and ideas in the work groups where I am. I would like to be a pilot but for financial reasons I will study computing or systems engineering and just maybe my dream after. I love music. Camila ​ I am shy, closed and an insecure person when I am around people I don't know but when I get comfortable I become very cheerful and talk a lot. I like to dance, draw and paint. I would like to learn to play the piano. After school I would like to study plastic arts. When I grow up I want to have an art gallery. Cesar 12th grade I like the gym and physical activities. I like video games.. I want to learn to play pickleball well. I consider myself a kind person but also shy. I would like to work on computer systems and networks. Bryan 10th grade In my spare time I like to exercise and play soccer. I like having few friends. I like to be alone. Become a sponsor today and help make a difference!

Support Our Cause Leave a one-time donation First name Last name Email Donate in the name of: If you would like to donate to one our programs specifically please select, otherwise we will use the money where we feel is the greatest need. Thank you! Select an option English Program Math Program Sports Program Guidance & Mentoring Program Feeding Program Sponsor Students emergency needs Thank you for helping us make a difference!