Empowering Education – A beacon of hope for Ostional’s High School
In the heart of the Guanacaste Province lies a tale of resilience and dedication, where the pursuit of quality education faces formidable challenges. Many school buildings stand in dire need of essential amenities, with uninsulated roofs, insufficient classrooms, and a scarcity of desks and chairs hindering the learning experience. These conditions not only disrupt the educational journey but also expose young minds to the harsh tropical elements, risking their health and well-being.
We are delighted to share the inspiring success story of Connecting the Roots Org. – a beacon of hope for education in the region. In April 2024, through a remarkable display of community support, we inaugurated a brand-new classroom at Ostional’s High School. This milestone was made possible by the successful auction fundraiser hosted by Enter Gallery in July 2023, through the sales of 25 artworks donated by artists from Brighton, UK, and beyond, as well as through independent donations.
Led by the unwavering commitment of our co-founder Hen Azenkot, the collaborative efforts of Soluciones JyE, a local construction company owned by Andrey Campos, and the final donations from Ferreteria Grupo Nosara SRL; this octagonal marvel, crafted with care and dedication, now stands as a sanctuary for 11th-grade students, nurturing their dreams of higher education and providing the support they need to succeed.
The Extra Mile
But our journey didn’t stop there. As we embarked on this transformative endeavour, we recognised additional needs within the school community.
In a testament to our commitment to holistic improvement, we facilitated the construction of a new parking lot and the installation of gutters to prepare for the upcoming rainy season. Furthermore, through strategic partnerships with local businesses like Novel Teak, we have secured donations to continue our mission. High-quality teak wood will soon breathe life into another much-needed classroom, ensuring that every student has access to a conducive learning environment.
More Investment Opportunity
Having assessed each school independently, we estimate that the average cost of delivering the required improvements to each school to be $40,000. While each school has different needs, these comprehensive improvements may involve installing long-lasting roof insulation, enhancing overall building structure, building waste management solutions within the school, providing essential school supplies (including furniture), or supplying an inspirational and educational mural based around the theme of nature.
It’s our hope that, with these improvements, schools across Guanacaste become a welcoming environment for students to learn; one where they are free of distraction and can learn comfortably without unnecessary risks to their health. Join us in creating spaces where excitement around sustainability blossoms, and the commitment to rewilding becomes a shared journey—for the benefit of the Earth, and a benefit to us all.
Special Thanks
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Enter Gallery for their unwavering support in hosting the fundraiser, as well as to our generous bidders, donors, and the talented artists who contributed their work: Chris Levine, Charlotte Rose, Ben Rider, Dan Baldwin, CJP, Pure Evil, Jana Nicole, Mike Edwards, RYCA, Jayson Lilley, Copyright, Marcelina Amelia, Gavin Mitchell, Maria Rivans, Peter Blake, The Connor Brothers, Magnus Gjoen, Haus of Lucy, Elizabeth Waggett, Mark Vessey, Aaron Crascall, Rebecca Strickson, Richard Berner, Craig Keenan, Dave White, Dirty Hans, Joe Webb, Sarah Arnett, Bonnie and Clyde, Sara Pope, Mark Powell, Dan Hillier, Jamie Reid, Chris Kettle, Anthony Freeman, and Mateo Humano.
If you’d like to donate to further community projects by investing in excellent art, you can still do so via Enter Gallery. Here is a link to their Connecting the Roots collection, where all profits will be donated to upcoming Connecting the Roots initiatives.