The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) reported this Thursday that the financing approved last December for Costa Rica will allow the intervention of 36 schools that were damaged by the heavy rains that affected the country in the last four months of 2022.
As part of the “Emergency Program for the Comprehensive and Resilient Reconstruction of Infrastructure” approved in December for the country, the authorities will invest US$90.2 million in the repair and reconstruction of 36 schools, which will benefit more than 11,000 students.
“Education is the most powerful tool that future generations have to prepare and be part of the active economy of their countries, so we are pleased to know that part of this historic approval will be used to rehabilitate the learning space for hundreds of children in various areas of the country, many of them vulnerable”, affirmed the executive president of CABEI, Dante Mossi.
As explained by the authorities, as part of the interventions, furniture and equipment for dining rooms and other model spaces are included.
The educational centers are located in the cantons of Esparza, Garabito, Parrita and Quepos, in the province of Puntarenas (central Pacific); Pérez Zeledón, Golfito and Coto Brus, in the southern zone; Guatuso, Upala, San Carlos and Sarapiquí, located in the northern part; as well as in Hojancha and Santa Cruz, in the province of Guanacaste (North Pacific); Limón, Matina and Talamanca, in the Caribbean and in the towns of Poás, Cartago and Heredia, in the center of the country.
Of the schools to be intervened, six of them are located in indigenous territory. In addition, to benefit students, it is expected to generate a positive impact for 360 teachers; as well as the generation of 2,592 temporary jobs during the period of execution of the works.
The financing is part of a US$700 million loan to repair infrastructure damaged by recent natural disasters. The operation is framed within the Strategic Axes of Human Development and Social Inclusion and Sustainable Competitiveness of CABEI, it is for a term of up to 30 years, including 5 grace periods.