Costa Rica
We are serving Nicaraguan refugee families in La Carpio slum. Within this slum is Las Gradas, cliffside slum with a polluted river at the bottom. It is inaccessible by car and named for the 125 steps that are surrounded by makeshift homes.
It was formed in the 1990s on the outskirts of San José, surrounded by polluted rivers and a garbage dump. Today it occupies 155 acres and has about 52,000 inhabitants – largely Nicaraguans who have fled turmoil in their home country. They live in extreme poverty but are working hard to make a life for their families. One of the largest concerns for the community is sexual abuse, which most children and their mothers have experienced in one form or another. Drug and alcohol abuse, gang activity, and prostitution are also common problems faced.
The families work in coffee farms across the river and carry their children across the dangerous river as they go to work each day.
Next to this river is Las Gradas Betel (CFCI-CR), where CoLaboradores Internacionales missionaries serve providing services to the women and children including basic education, emotional intelligence/ mental wellness groups, counseling services, food, hygiene, arts and crafts activities, and vocational training in sewing, “Sewing Hope” / Cosiendo Esperanzas”, to the parents. Products made by women can be purchased here.
This locally-led effort was founded by Marielos, a Costa Rican therapist. She also runs “Living Waters” / “Agua Viva”. Staff members grew up in the community, once in the same place as these children. This is where hope lives and the rebirth of a community is happening.
For regular updates, please check out Facebook.com/CoLaborersCostaRica
You can serve by interning in your field of study or offering a training in your area of expertise to help this community. Your church may also do a short term service trip. You can also sponsor a child below.
STATISTICS
More than 350,000 Nicaraguan refugees live in Costa Rica, which is 80% of the foreign population there.
Since 2018, Costa Rica has received over 77,000 refugee applications from Nicaraguans that were fleeing violence and persecution.
Few resources are available to shelter and provide food to new asylum seekers.
During 2020, 47% of Nicaraguans in Costa Rica were living in poverty. More than three-quarters of which could only eat only once a day.
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Or, mail a check made out to “CoLaborers International” and write “Costa Rica” on the memo. Mail to PO Box 959 Chestertown MD 21620.
JANUARY NATURE CAMP
Living in an impoverished urban community, these children have no access to green space or even somewhere safe to play. This 4-day camp allows them to have a refreshing break from tumultuous home lives, in nature, to connect to the Lord and each other in a safe, spiritual environment. They will have a mixture of Bible lessons, arts & crafts, and recreation activities that all relate back to the theme of applying the Bibles to their lives.
Our 2024 theme was Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. That is exactly what it was, a beautiful respite for the children and youth. See our exciting pictures from Jan 2024 here! Thank you to Hope Fellowship for coming to be with us and for sponsoring 40 campers. Thank you to individual sponsors who sponsored 20 more campers!
Our 2025 theme verse is 1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you” / “Depositen en él toda ansiedad, porque él cuida de ustedes”. We are excited to welcome Hope Fellowship back for this special camp and grateful for their sponsorship of 30 campers. We are now seeking sponsors for our remaining 30 campers – see below to change a life!
SPONSOR A CAMPER
Select $170 for admission & go bag, $130 admission only, OR $40 bag only. The go bag contains hygiene supplies, a blanket, footwear, towel, and bag for each camper as some campers would not be able to provide these needed items on their own.
#02
This girl is 11 years old and this will be her second year at camp. She loves to play soccer and can keep up with all the boys without a problem. She is smart and kind and never misses a chance to be in our program.
#05
This girl is 12 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. She always has a smile on her face and although quiet, loves to participate in small group discussions and games. She is always kind to the other children.
#06
This girl is 11 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. She lives with many siblings and cousins, and is very close to them all. She is spirited and always moving, and has matured so much in the last few years.
#09
This girl lives in Las Gradas and is 11 years old. She is a hardworking, playful and fun child. She works hard to help her mother takes care of her younger siblings and nieces.
#11
This girl is 10 years old and this will be her second year at camp. She’s been part of the program since she was 5 years old, and last year at camp she accepted Jesus into her heart. It has been wonderful to see her growth and desire to change her life.
#16
This boy is 12 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. He is very energetic and a happy child, that enjoys playing with legos and other building games, and he loves animals.
#17
This boy has grown up in Las Gradas. He is 13 years old and likes to box and play soccer – he plays on 5 different teams! He has many older brothers but takes it on himself to look out for his little sisters.
#18
This boy is 11 years old and this will be his second year at camp. He is the youngest of 4 brothers and has many of his cousins as neighbors. He loves to play soccer and enjoys colorful artwork.
#22
This boy is 12 years old and lives in Las Gradas. He is a smart kid who is always on his best behavior, and isn’t afraid to share his opinions with his small group. He is very studious.
#23
This boy is 12 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. He is the youngest of 4 boys and is always the first one to show up for an activity or an extra plate of food. He’s street smart and remembers all the Bible lessons very well.
#24
This boy is 12 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. He is a very intelligent kid with a big heart, and is always the first one at the center to help set things up and play soccer before the others arrive.
#25
This boy is 13 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. He is a very athletically talented child and loves many sports, but especially soccer and boxing. He likes to be helpful and to learn about the Bible.
#31
This boy lives in Las Gradas and is 16 years old. He likes all kinds of sports, but especially boxing and soccer, and he trains as part of the Las Gradas team. He studies both English and French in school.
#32
This boy is 17 years old and lives in Las Gradas. He enjoys playing soccer on the Las Gradas team. He likes going on walks with friends. He has accepted Jesus and is being discipled.
#33
This boy is 18 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. He enjoys boxing and soccer. He is very introverted but enjoys going to the Bible studies. He enjoys deep discussions with the people he trusts.
#35
This boy is 17 years old and has grown up in Las Gradas. Along with his brothers, he plays on the Las Gradas soccer team. He also enjoys drawing and dancing.
#39
This boy is 16 years old and lives in Las Gradas. He likes to play soccer and is studying both French and English in high school. He has accepted Jesus and is being discipled by the leaders in Las Gradas.
#48
This girl has grown up in Las Gradas and is 14 years old. She has been part of the Las Gradas program since she was a young child, along with her older siblings. She is quiet and kind, and loves to play games.
#51
This girl is 15, serves at her church with her sister. She is happy and quiet, and is learning english and being discipled by our team.
#52
This girl is 17, she loves to lead worship at her church. She is dreaming of going to college and is in 10th grade.
#54
This girl is 13 years old and lives in Las Gradas. She is a great big sister, looking out for her little brother and helping her mom run a sewing business out of her home. She is a good student and is very good at memorizing Scripture, always ready to participate in a group discussion.
