On January 11^th, 2016, INOGO will launch the third implementation of its youth training and environmental education program, SELAL, with the Puerto Jimenez Vocational High School (CTP). We are excited to be returning to Puerto Jimenez to engage with local youth, and bring together generous partners in the community, public, and private sector to focus on socio-environmental sustainability.

SELAL III will run on weekdays from January 11^th through the 22^nd, working with students entering the 11^th and 12^th grades in an English-intensive curriculum we designed to address academic, local industry-specific, and community-based information and English language needs. All participating local students will receive half-day English language courses designed to teach English while introducing them to topics in social and environmental sustainability and developing their leadership skills. Our curriculum consists of 3 overlapping core modules in the Osa Peninsula: Conservation, Biodiversity, and Ecology; Tourism and Eco-tourism; and INOGO Research on key local development issues such as African oil palm, a proposed international airport, the Diquis Dam, and marine and terrestrial ecosystems as they relate to human health, education, and economy. In the end, students can expect to leave SELAL well versed in these issues with more confidence in, and a stronger working knowledge of English, as well as exposure to potential future local employment opportunities.

Regardless of students’ CTP specialty, all are welcome to participate and take advantage of learning and practicing English. Through the process, many students have found specific and very rewarding experiences from the program, such as new language skills, increased awareness of social and environmental concerns, new connections and employment with local ecolodges and businesses, and most importantly an increased sense of personal leadership and commitment to action within their communities.

Very soon, we look forward to working with new students and local partners in our community environmental education program!

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact INOGO Regional Coordinator Travis Bays by email at [tjbays@gmail.com], or by phone (Costa Rica) 8712-8919. For INOGO at Stanford, please contact Austin Cruz [austincr@stanford.edu], or Emily Arnold [ebarnold@stanford.edu].