Programme Overview

YCI was first piloted in San José in 2008 by the Marriott Costa Rica San José and the Real InterContinental Costa Rica with 14 students successfully finishing the 24-week training course. World Vision Costa Rica provided local support for the pilot programme. After a few years' hiatus due to the effects of the global economic downturn in Costa Rica, YCI was able to re-launch in 2013 by both piloting properties with an intake of 22 young participants. The training cycle typically runs from February/March until July/August each year.

Aldeas Infantiles SOS Costa Rica acts as the local supporting partner. The NGO is dedicated to the foster the care of children and young people at risk, supporting them to build their own future, asserting their rights, and it participates in the development of their communities.

Spotlight on Costa Rica

According to the International Labour Organisation, unemployment rates in Costa Rica are almost triple for those aged 15-24 when compared to their older counterparts. The International Organization for Migration has sited this as a cause for the rise of other social problems, such as human trafficking and youth exploitation.

The government is currently working with the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund to implement the “Joint Programme on Youth, Employment and Migration: A One-Stop Shop for Employment,” that aims to provide access to employment intermediary services, education, entrepreneurial advice, and training for youth from rural areas, as well as migrants and at-risk women.

Costa Rica celebrates YCI re-launch

On March 4th 2013 the Youth Career Initiative Costa Rica celebrated the beginning of the second programme cycle of the initiative to take place in San José. This inauguration marked the official re-launch of YCI in Costa Rica after the programme had to be put on hold for several years.

During the event, one of the great emotional moments was the presentation by a graduate from the first generation who has now secured a good job thanks to the training received through YCI.