Costa Rica News – Eleven Colombian youth visited Costa Rica with an initiative aiming to turn them into the leaders of Nuquí, Colombia, their hometown. This community has been plagued by forced recruitment into armed illegal organizations. More than 8,000 youth have been forced into these groups over decades of conflict.
During their time in the country, the young people received workshops with cultural and sports themes. They also took part in surfing lessons. Their home is on a beach only accessible by boat or plane.
During the trip, there were lifeguarding practices that were impressive. One boy saved another (who was pretending to drown) who was twice his size. He used the technique he learned and was confident in. He made it look easy. One of them is determined to re-teach what was learned about lifeguarding to others in Nuquí.
The Sports and Cultural Diplomacy program brought them to Costa Rica from June 10 to 17. They learned both abstract and concrete things, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and social integrity. They also visited the National Theater and the Children’s Museum.
