Community of Joys and Concerns: La Carpio

Where does my trash go? How does my trash impact the international community? Who pays the direct price for this disparity?

On day two, Session II visited La Carpio, a marginalized rural area of Costa Rica with a large Nicaraguan population in the district of Uruca. Once analyzing Costa Rica's distinct history while taking into account the national triumphs and shortcomings, we entered the community eager to listen, learn, and ask questions. Global Navigators inquired about the relative rate of poverty, school system, ecological and social impacts of living near a landfill, and ways in which the community has overcome hardship over the years. The town was filled with distinct murals, smiling families, and dogs roaming around a community bound together by the landfill that moved next door in 2000. 

Upon touring the La Carpio with a local community member, we split into groups to learn about the history of the neighborhood and the foundation SIFAIS which clearly demonstrates resilience and compassion amidst difficult circumstances. We were greeted by a direct beneficiary and community ambassador, Tony, who described how his upbringing in La Carpio was something to be deeply proud of. He spoke of the the multitude of programs offered at the SIFAIS community center which include music, art, foreign language, exercise, boxing, yoga, and educational classes for both children and adults. He even shared exciting news of the expansion of an upstairs classroom to a library that is entirely open to the public. While discussing the social implications of waste management for this tight-knit community, students began reflecting on how and if sustainability can work in communities already experiencing environmental injustice.

If you care to learn more about SIFAIS and its mission, check out their website https://www.sifais.org/.

Adventures continue to the big city: San Jose!