Costa Cana Computer Project in Costa Rica May 28, 2010
Communication Release
Costa Cana Import Inc. is very pleased to announce that it has achieved full funding for its Elementary School and Community Center Learning Projects in the areas of San Vito and Agua Buena in southern Costa Rica. This is the same farming area where the Costa Cana San Vito branded Arabica coffee is farmed.
Costa Cana Import Inc., along with generous support from the Airdrie Rotary Club (and its grant sponsors), and the Rotary Club of San Pedro-Curridabat (Costa Rica) have raised $55,000 US to fund this project. The project will start immediately under the guidance of the San Pedro-Curridabat Rotary executive, with coordination from the Curridabat Foundation (ClubNet) and trained volunteers from the University of Costa Rica.
Elementary Schools
The first phase of the project will consist of installing 4 virtual libraries at the following elementary schools:
Name Of School
Linda Vista
Frederico Guiterrez Brown
Rio Salta/San Gabriel
Canas Gordas
Each virtual library consists of an appropriate study room equipped with 5 computers, 1 TV, 1 DVD, 1 printer, educational DVD’s, multimedia encyclopedia software, desks, chairs, tables and cabinets. Each study room will be upgraded with repairs, new paint, and will add the necessary electrical requirements. The use of the new study room is being included in the upcoming school curriculum. A teacher at each school (selected by the Ministry of Education) will receive computer training to enable the new level of learning for each student. The goal is also to web enable each classroom to provide students a broader concept of the world.
*The Linda Vista School received an additional donation from Costa Rica companies of fabricated walls/ceilings, while community volunteers have already constructed the new classroom for their virtual library study room.
ClubNet Community Learning Center
The second phase of the project will be to create a new innovative program specifically designed to help reduce the computer skill gap of local teachers, unemployed residents (school drop-outs, and housewives), or any other person who wants to improve their computer literacy. This is a proven model working in other parts of Costa Rica monitored by the ClubNet Foundation. It has improved the personal potential (employability), confidence, and self esteem of small community residents. The Club Net program focuses on Windows, Word, Excel, and Internet training. The teaching is supported by University Students doing their community service work, and Peace Corp members. Sustainable training is financed by local business.
ClubNet will be installed in the Agua Buena community center. It will include 10 computers, desks, chairs, software, air conditioning, and the upgrade of required electrical systems in the existing building.
The current Schedule is to have all this project work completed by September 2010.
