This month, as part of INOGO’s Stanford Environmental Leadership and Language (SELAL) program, we would like to collectively showcase the staff and students of the (CTP) Puerto Jimenez Professional Technical High School (CTP), who were so important in creating a successful pilot program. Our Strategic Actors for this month include Mario Cambronero, Technical Coordinator; Hermiley Alvarado Lopez, Director of the Puerto Jimenez CTP; Danaya Zuñiga, Business Coordinator for the CTP; and the six students who participated in the program: Michelle Pinzon Chavarria, Lenin Robles Victor, Ianis Cambronero Medina, Mario Alberto Cambronero Medina, Elmer Lezcano Mora, and Jennifer Valverde Montano.

The SELAL program, which took place this past January, was developed after years of building relationships between the INOGO team and the CTP Puerto Jimenez, with the input of other important regional actors, as well. Some of these relationships pre-date INOGO, such as the friendship between INOGO Regional Coordinator Travis Bays and Mario Cambronero. In fact, it was a conversation between Travis Bay, Mario Cambronero and Juan Jose Jimenez – Administrator of the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve for ACOSA – which catalyzed the development of SELAL with the CTP as the central partner.

Leading up to the SELAL program, Mario, Hermiley, and Dayana graciously played the most important roles in advocating for the SELAL pilot project in Puerto Jimenez and among students. Through the concerted efforts of this team, the CTP team was able to provide INOGO with teaching space, instructional materials, and important infrastructure for workshops. They also secured support from the Educational Board, including staffing a school guard during the month of January, typically a month for summer vacation.

Despite the three-week program during their vacation, students tirelessly and enthusiastically attended lessons and workshops every day. They all showed a strong dedication to learning, to the English language, and to their community. During interactions with local businesses, lodges, and institutions, they further developed their leadership skills, which will surely last beyond the duration of the pilot program, positively affecting other community members. To the wonderful students and administrative team of the CTP Puerto Jiménez, we greatly look forward to working with you again!