The significance of this endeavor stems from the prevalence of “disconnected students” in the region. Many lack access to the internet beyond their smartphones, creating an educational disparity that the Creciendo Juntos Association is determined to address.
Located next to the Community training center in Communidad, the Hub’s opening featured a workshop on gamification by Accenture. The event marked the Hub’s official opening, welcoming individuals to explore its resources and schedule learning sessions.
This initiative has been made possible by the proceeds from two golf tournaments organized by Peninsula Papagayo, which funded the Hub’s construction and equipment. The dedication of Peninsula Papagayo’s professionals overseeing the design and execution has been instrumental in realizing this project.
The Community Technological Hub is a culmination of ongoing efforts by Creciendo Juntos and Peninsula Papagayo to uplift Guanacaste communities. These efforts began by linking schools through golf tournament funds and installing classroom screens with the support of Mohari Hospitality. This Hub is now a vital solution to the region’s thirst for connectivity and technological resources.
State of Education data for 2021 underscores the urgency of such initiatives, revealing that over half a million students lack proper connectivity and access to technology in Costa Rica. This digital divide disproportionately affects households with lower socioeconomic status.
The Hub’s creation addresses this issue by pursuing several key objectives:
- Digital Inclusion: The Hub democratizes access to technology, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
- Resourceful Learning: It offers training and resources, particularly for those with limited prior exposure to technology.
- Modern Access: The Hub provides communities a gateway to modern tools and technologies.
- Skill Empowerment: Through workshops and courses, it empowers people to acquire and improve new skills.
- Supportive Environment: The Hub nurtures an environment where individuals can enhance their technology skills.
- Collaboration: It serves as a meeting point for collaboration and networking among like-minded individuals.
- Economic Catalyst: The Hub’s impact extends beyond education, potentially catalyzing economic development in the region.
The Guanacaste Community Technological Hub is more than just a physical space; it embodies the hope of bridging the digital divide and advancing the region’s socioeconomic landscape. Peninsula Papagayo and Creciendo Juntos have taken a proactive stance in addressing this pressing issue, creating a brighter future for all residents of Guanacaste.