By Mayra Cano | Project coordinator
Empowering Communities Through Training and Tourism
In the heart of rural communities, surrounded by natural beauty, the Weaving Dreams Project is transforming lives. A collaborative effort involving various institutions and dedicated individuals, this project aims to promote rural and archaeological community tourism, empowering local communities and creating opportunities for sustainable development.
Connecting Local Families to the World: English Courses for Drake:The project has been instrumental in fostering community leadership by providing training that not only strengthens the skills of local residents but also promotes the creation of productive projects linked to tourism. The progress is evident: currently, 17 families from the Progreso community benefit from a weekly basic English course, a unique opportunity provided by UNED (State University of Costa Rica) that opens doors for families to connect with a world beyond their borders.
Additionally, close work has been done with the communities of Rancho Quemado, Los Ángeles, and Ganadito. Visits to 10 families have allowed us to learn about their entrepreneurial endeavors, which have been documented through photos and videos, to be used for promoting tourism on social media. These stories are a testament to the effort, dedication, and passion for their land.
The collaboration goes beyond training. Strategic meetings have been held with UNED to share the training plans that will take place in May of this year, enabling more community members to access tools that will further strengthen their skills.
The project is also involved in promoting the rural tourism of the area. Together with ICT (Costa RicaTourism Board) and the Municipality of Osa, six rural tourism projects in Progreso were visited, evaluating their tourism potential and helping position them as destinations of interest for both national and international tourists. This synergy boosts local economic progress while preserving traditions and cultural heritage.
One of the most significant moments has been the active participation in the Drake Local Emergency Committee, where the project joined the Tsunami Ready campaign. Through a community training session and the creation of a local diagnostic, five safety signs were installed in the Ebais and Progreso sectors, providing a sense of protection and preparedness in the face of possible natural disasters.
Honoring the Elderly: A Craft Workshop with a Heart
The project also looks to the heart of its people, especially the elderly. In a joint activity with doctor Marita Loaiza, a craft workshop was held with the community's elderly, who shared their stories and anecdotes. It was a space for emotional connection and intergenerational learning, where seeds of joy and hope were planted. This activity was so meaningful that efforts are underway to establish partnerships with other organizations to offer it on a monthly basis, ensuring that our elders continue to be an active and beloved part of our community.
The commitment to the environment is also reflected in actions such as the recycling collection, with the participation of 10 hotels in the Drake area. In total, 1,945.6 kilos of recycling were weighed, an impressive figure showing the hotels' commitment to sustainability. Additionally, during a beach cleanup at Ganado, 43 F.C. volunteers and 1 local volunteer joined forces to collect 30 bags of waste, contributing to the well-being of the natural environment surrounding these communities.
This is just the beginning of a story that continues to be woven with effort, dedication, and the hope for a brighter future for the communities of Progreso and its surroundings. Weaving Dreams is not just a project; it is a movement that invites everyone to be part of this change, to believe in the power of collective work, and in the importance of preserving what makes us unique.
Through this collective effort, we are building a future full of opportunities, linking dreams, and creating bonds that will continue to grow with time.
By Francisco Delgado Mena | Executive Director
By Zoraida Tenorio | Project coordinator
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