Orosi Valley, Costa Rica with Globe Aware

About an hour from the city of San Jose, in a gorgeous, hidden valley (Orosi), rests the tiny community of El Yaz, known for its clean water, rich soil, eternal spring-like temperatures (about 75 degrees every day), and organic, agricultural way of life. Although the villagers love their natural paradise, they have struggled to make ends meet, as even low-paying jobs are rare. Most villagers may not live in abject poverty but have no access to hot water, cars, or many of the amenities to which a North American may be accustomed.

Globe Aware is building a multi-use center which, in addition to providing refuge for those affected by earthquakes and natural disasters, etc, will be where many locals receive sustainable job skills. The government has agreed to provide ongoing maintenance costs and instructors for training locals in plumbing, farming, construction, sewing, and many other self-sustaining technical job skills when the building is complete.