Project Launch:

Baíle Típico or “Traditional Dance” is a large part of the cultural heritage of the Costa Rican state of Guanacaste. Baíle Típico, an art in and of itself, is also a school program that the small community of Los Tornos has never had the opportunity to learn about because of limited funding for extra-curricular activities. A $500 grant from World Connect’s Kids to Kids program allowed for the production of needed costumes and materials for implementing the programming. Support for these arts and culture programs allows the Costa Rican community to pass on its rich culture to future generations and embrace its heritage. Students not only learned about their unique culture – songs, art, and traditions – but also felt unique pride in the additional resources and attention that was directed at reintroducing this important tradition. This added to their self esteem and their appreciation for their community.