Keeping the faith in Costa Rica
Wedged between Nicaragua and Panama, and flanked by the waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica has for decades been a beacon of stability and social development in a region plagued by civil wars and human rights abuses. Costa Ricans, or Ticos, as they like to call themselves, are proud of their country’s strong democratic tradition: along with the abolition of the army in 1949 a new constitution came into being, which gave them rights that other Central Americans at that time could only dream about. Since then, the government has, to a large extent, committed to a broad social welfare program, developing the public health and education system, and guaranteeing a minimum wage. Perhaps one of Costa Rica’s most visible success stories is its robust education system, which extends into some of the remotest parts of the country through a vast network of public schools. This has produced one of Latin America’s highest literacy rates (more than 95 per cent), and helped Costa Rica’s handful of universities develop into internationally acclaimed institutions. EnvironmentCosta Rica’s outstanding record of environmental protection has also put it on the map: more than 20 per cent of its territory falls into national parks, wildlife refuges and forest reserves, and these are home to many different species. The government actively campaigns to promote conservation issues. The country’s natural beauty is celebrated by Costa Ricans and provides a vital source of income through ecotourism – one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. SuccessCosta Rica’s relative success amongst its neighbours has led to a steady flow of illegal immigrants, particularly from Nicaragua. They come in search of a better life but they lack legal protection and, as happens in many other countries, are often exploited [More...]. Unfortunately, the sheer number of Nicaraguans thought to live illegally in the country – the figure is estimated at anything from 300,000 to just under one million – has led to many Costa Ricans resenting their presence and blaming them for some of the country’s ills. Although the 6.8 per cent unemployment rate is low in comparison with many other Central American countries, there is, nevertheless, widespread poverty in Costa Rica, with 14.3 per cent of the population living on less than US$2 a day, according to the United Nations Development Program. The disintegration of family life among some of the poorest communities has led to many thousands of children living and working on the streets of San José and other towns. Crime and drug abuse are also on the increase. In this context, the Bible
Society of Costa Rica is working to make the Bible’s message
heard and understood among all sectors of the population. Although more
than 80 per cent of Costa Ricans are Roman Catholic, only about 20 per
cent of them regularly attend church, and the Society is using new and
innovative ways to encourage Christians to re-open the Bible.
With more than 33 per cent of the population aged 15 and under, the Society is working extensively in schools and through children’s clubs (see also ‘Bringing a Smile...’ and ‘Clowning around...’) to help the new generation encounter the Scriptures and find the guidance and life skills that they need. It is particularly concerned about street children and children from poor families. Other priorities for the Bible Society are marginalised people, including prisoners, people with HIV/AIDS [More...] and illegal immigrants [More...]. Indigenous groups, too, which are also sometimes neglected by society, are also a concern of the Bible Society. Dag Smemo of the Norwegian Bible Society recently travelled to Costa Rica to see and report on some of the work being undertaken by the Costa Rican Bible Society. The following five stories and accompanying photographs form the first part of a special World Report focus on Costa Rica, which will be continued in the next edition. (WR 385/2 - 4/5.04)
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