For years, Peace Through Yoga Foundation has been deeply involved with the Carbon 1 and surrounding communities in Limon, Costa Rica. The International Center for Peace, located in Carbon 1, is very close to Samasati Nature Retreat and is the home for the Girls for Success Program.

Girls for Success offers free English and sewing classes for girls ages 7-12 in Carbon 1 and surrounding communities. The program has 16 girls, and each girl is paired with a sponsor from the United States, who is associated with the Peace Through Yoga Foundation.

The Girls for Success program is much more than just English and sewing classes. The students in the program are given a chance to express themselves, either with art, music, games, or yoga, which is sometimes not available to them in their daily routines. This program challenges their creative thinking while incorporating English into their everyday conversations.

Aside from the classroom, the Girls for Success students are given opportunities every month to go on an excursion. Past excursions have included zip lining, horseback riding, beach picnics, and trips to the Jaguar Rescue Center. We have a big upcoming trip in November, in which the girls with the best attendance will be traveling to San Jose for a culturally enriching weekend.