Punta Banco is a small village of about 250 citizens in the Southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica (see red dot on map for approximate location) and home to one of PRETOMA’s sea turtle nesting sites. It is remote and breathtakingly beautiful, nestled on one side by primary and secondary growth forests and on the other by the sea. However, like most small coastal communities in Costa Rica, it faces challenges brought about by increased tourism, development and encroaching globalization. CAP is working with local community leaders to propose new cultural paradigms that enforce underlying themes of sustainability, social justice, and holistic human development.

CAP increases the educational opportunities available in this impoverished, rural area while cultivating a respectful, conscientious relationship to the environment on which we all depend. Program participants develop important relationships with CAP educators, exposing them to new career possibilities and creative problem solving skills while creating culture and sharing ideas with one another. The CAP program model was developed with the long-term goal of implementation in other parts of Costa Rica, both rural and urban.

Costa Ricans, or ‘Ticos’ as they refer to themselves, are generally very friendly and proud of their country. Every year this tiny nation is visited by millions of tourists and most North Americans find it easy and comfortable to travel there. However, if you have never been to Latin America or other locations abroad, you should come with an open mind and a sense of adventure.

For further information, please contact us at info@comunicarteproject.org