Develop Leaders in At-Risk Communities, Costa Rica

Meet Edgar

Each month, we introduce you to one Boy with a Ball CR member who represents the incredible perseverance and strength held by many people involved in the Foundation. This month, that person is Edgar, age 24, a member around since the beginning and one of the first college graduates in El Triangulo Solidario. We asked Edgar a few questions about his role in the Foundation and his community, here is what he had to say.

What is your role in the Foundation and how did you become involved?

My family came to know the foundation thanks to Don Josue, who came and spoke with my mom and sister, and after some time I decided to listen to their conversations, and at one point he invited me to participate in the tutoring program, and so I began as a volunteer. Later, Jose Arias invited me to collaborate in the scholarship program, one thing led to another and I became part of the staff as a program assistant for two and a half years, first in Triangulo Solidario and later in Los Cuadros.

My current role in the foundation, like many others, is as a volunteer. Also like many others, I have great respect for the foundation's dedication to the community and for the constant role it plays, to the point that I identify the foundation as a part of this community. More than the social works of the Foundation, one can see more than programs and donations, but rather a space for good relationships and opportunities to grow.

What do you do with the group of community leaders in El Triangulo and how did you get involved there?

I have always been interested in collaborating with the community in some way, whether through the foundation or in another area needed. The moment in which the community was confronted in respect to the relocation of families to disoccupy the land of Triangulo Solidario for the construction of the north highway (circunvalacion), it is a point of interest and needs the collaboration of all the neighbors, so they invited me to form part of the board of directors. The position that I occupy within this community organization is 'Vocal II', but more important that the position itself is that one can collaborate within this (relocation) process, accompany and learn so many important topics about leadership and community organization, from the example that is our president (and other members). Basically my contribution is attending meetings, collaborating and processing information in the community, or any tasks that are assigned to me. If I can, I will do them gladly.

What are your personal dreams?
Like everyone, my dreams are like a huge skyscraper, and I thank God and my family who have always supported my academic training process. I hope to continue on this path, learning every day. I see this as a tool to achieve many goals such as a family and work; a chain reaction.

We congratulate Edgar on his accomplishments and for his dedication and can't wait to see what other great things lie ahead on his journey!

Links:

• Web Site

Volunteer Appreciation Day
 

On Saturday July 18, during the mid year school vacation, a group of 13 staff, community and TCU volunteers set out for a fun day of games, relaxation and appreciation as the BWAB staff recognized the efforts of the dedicated volunteers that are a consistent support to the organization. Thank you volunteers for your commitment and care for the work of ENYLB!

Girl's Group Outing
 Another fun event which took place this July, making the most of the mid-year school vacations, was an outing to Crea+, inside the San Jose Museo de Ninos, with the girls from the TS and LC girls groups. Accompanied by ENYLB team and volunteers, the girls spent a great morning taking photos, spending quality time as a group and getting to know those from another community. 

Core Team Retreat
 

With Costa Rica schools and our tutoring program on hiatus, on July 24 the ENYLB core team took an important retreat to Villa Tina in San Carlos to restore foundations, rejuvenate spirits and communion with each other.