Why the People of Costa Rica?

It is hard to imagine a people who are friendlier, more peaceful, more devoted to nature than are the Ticos. Researching Non-Profits for Costa Rica, there are literally dozens of them ranging from protecting the vast forests of Costa Rica to safeguarding animals, birds and sea life.

The guardian of these resources is the people of Costa Rica. I could find no Non-Profit dedicated to helping those people that help God’s creation.

Located literally in the middle of the jungle, the town of Tortuguero has a population of approximately 1,000. The only access to the town is by boat, a one and one-half hour trip by way of an inland river. Electricity came to this area only in 1983 and water ten years later. There are currently 5 or 6 “resorts” for tourists (these are individual bungalows with very nice accommodations, but not a resort in the normal definition). As a destination, Tortuguero is purely eco-tourism. Despite being located on the Carribean, swimming is hazardous and the river filled with unfriendly caimans and crocodiles, so water sports are not an option. Tours of the jungle in small boats carry nature seeking tourists into dense areas filled with wildlife.

The school itself is very small and extremely basic. There are approximately 190 students and the needs at the school are numerous. Having given liberally over the years to a multitude of charities, churches and other very worthy causes, I have never regretted giving to these organizations, but felt doubtful that my contributions actually made much of a difference.

In Costa Rica, a little can go a long way. Hundreds of dollars can make an actual difference in a single school-thousands can actually fulfill an annual budget’s worth of unfunded plans and dreams. Coincidentally, the amount of money I pay in school taxes just for my home in Guilderland, NY is almost exactly the same amount the School in Tortuguero has listed as their entire annual budget shortfall.

Raising just a relatively small amount of money for the School Barra del Tortuguero can make a huge difference to that school, to that community. A few thousand dollars can satisfy their entire annual need! With all the strife and conflict that this world endures on a regular basis, it is an unfortunate fact that those countries that never bother anyone are often overlooked. Nations and peoples that simply live their lives peacefully are rarely, if ever, the recipients of aid and assistance. Costa Rica is such a nation, the Ticos are such a people.