Empower Under-Resourced Girls in Costa Rica

Strengthening Community and Opportunity

We are excited to share an update on Soy Niña’s journey over the past four months. As you know, we value transparency and regularly share reports highlighting the activities, achievements, and challenges that shape our work. This summary reflects not only our performance, but also the progress and opportunities we are creating together for the girls we serve.

Program Expansion and Adaptation

One of our ongoing challenges is maintaining consistent participation among the girls in our programs. To better respond to their needs, we made several adjustments to our annual plan and activities. For instance, we decided to discontinue the monthly digital sessions, reallocating that time to strengthen in-person programming and improve consistency. At the same time, we have kept enrollment open so that new girls can join and benefit from Soy Niña.

Inspiring Educational Experiences

Seventeen girls from our 4th cycle had the opportunity to visit the United World College, thanks to one of the alliances we built this year. This experience inspired them to expand their educational aspirations while also equipping them with new skills and motivation for the future.

Prioritizing Health and Wellbeing

Over the past months, we focused on improving the nutritional options available during program activities. Instead of sugary snacks and juice boxes, the girls now receive fruit and reusable water bottles, encouraging healthier habits while reducing waste.

Additionally, with the support of one of our partners, we provided personalized menstruation kits tailored to the age and needs of each girl. These kits have become a meaningful resource, promoting both physical health and confidence, while fostering self-care in a supportive environment.

Strengthening Academic Support

Our academic tutoring program continues to be a cornerstone of Soy Niña, representing nearly 80% of our volunteer efforts. This program has played a key role in improving school performance and motivating the girls. Currently, Soy Niña counts on 86 dedicated volunteers, whose time and commitment are essential to fulfilling our mission.

Empowering Our Volunteers

This year, we hosted our first Volunteer Congress, designed especially for our volunteer community. The event gave participants the chance to connect, share experiences, and strengthen their networks. Through workshops and reflection spaces, volunteers gained tools to enhance their work with the girls and recognized the impact of their role. It was an inspiring and memorable milestone that reaffirmed the importance of our volunteers as the heart of Soy Niña.

Creative and Empowering Activities

In addition to regular programming, we created spaces for reflection and creativity:

• Cinema Forum: We hosted a screening of Girl Rising, followed by a discussion where girls shared personal reflections and connected deeply with stories of resilience and empowerment.
  
  
• Art Gallery: The beneficiaries showcased their creativity by exhibiting and auctioning their artwork. This event not only gave the girls a platform to express themselves but also raised funds to further support Soy Niña’s mission.
  
  

Looking Ahead

We are excited about what’s coming next. In the upcoming month, we will celebrate Girl’s Day at Parque de Diversiones, one of Costa Rica’s largest amusement parks. The celebration will include special activities for the girls and park visitors, as well as a parade to highlight the importance of empowering girls.

Closing Thoughts

The progress we have made reflects Soy Niña’s unwavering commitment to building opportunities for girls to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether through education, health, or creative activities, every step brings us closer to stronger futures for the girls and their families.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers, and the support of our community partners. Together, we are creating real change—and we are excited for what lies ahead.

Links:

• https://soynina.org/

Program Expansion and Reach
In the past four months, Soy Niña has taken a significant step forward by expanding our programs to Pavas, San José—one of the city’s most vulnerable and underserved communities. With this addition, Soy Niña now operates in four key communities, directly impacting the lives of 230 girls and adolescents from ages 6 to 19. This growth reflects our commitment to reaching more girls facing social risk and limited opportunities, providing them with safe spaces and comprehensive support.

Innovations in Educational Programming
We have strengthened our educational offerings by updating the 4th Cycle program to include a full English course. This new curriculum enables participants to graduate from Soy Niña with a B1 level of English proficiency, a valuable skill that opens doors to better academic and professional opportunities. The English program is designed to be accessible and engaging, ensuring that girls from vulnerable backgrounds can compete on a more equal footing in the future. Enhanced


Health and Nutrition Benefits
Recognizing the importance of holistic well-being, we have improved the quality of snacks provided during club sessions. Girls now receive healthier options, including whole fruits, nutritious cookies, and reusable water bottles to promote hydration and reduce single-use plastics. These changes not only support physical health but also reinforce positive habits and environmental awareness.

Family and Community Engagement
Our new “Club Familia” initiative now welcomes parents and guardians into the Soy Niña community. Through workshops and activities, families gain tools to support their daughters’ growth, strengthen family bonds, and address challenges together. This broader engagement helps create a more supportive environment for each girl and extends our impact to the entire household.

Academic Support and Tutoring
To further promote educational success, we have expanded our academic tutoring services. Girls now have greater access to personalized academic support, helping them overcome learning obstacles, improve school performance, and build confidence in their abilities. Our team of volunteers and educators is dedicated to ensuring that every participant has the resources she needs to stay in school and thrive academically.

Looking Ahead These advances demonstrate Soy Niña’s ongoing dedication to empowering girls and their families, breaking cycles of exclusion, and building a foundation for brighter, more equitable futures. With the support of our donors and community partners, we will continue to innovate, expand, and deepen our impact in Costa Rica’s most at-risk communities.

“In Club Niña, I learned to defend myself, because rights are for everyone.” – Yasmin, 12 “I am very happy and grateful. So happy that she found Soy Niña and happy with how she interacts and makes friends now. Also, they talk about topics that one sometimes cannot explain to our daughters.” – Zully, participant’s mother Soy Niña remains committed to inspiring girls to dream big and achieve their full potential. Thank you for your continued support!