Help Build a Learning Pavilion for Manzanillo Primary School

Expanding Safe, Dry Learning Space for Children on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

The Manzanillo Primary School is located in the furthest southeastern corner of Costa Rica, at the end of a remote coastal road where the rain forest meets the Caribbean Sea. The village rests between the shoreline and the Gandoca–Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, a region of rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. It is a place of great natural beauty. Yet living in such paradise creates educational challenges.

While Manzanillo itself has remained relatively small and grounded in traditional community life, the coastal towns leading toward it have experienced rapid real-estate development. The pace of development and changing economic landscape contrast with the slower rhythms of Manzanillo’s local culture. This shift has created a situation where children growing up here often lack access to the tools and learning environment needed to prepare for modern opportunities, leaving them unprepared to succeed in life and help their communities as they grow into adults.

The school serves children from Kindergarten through 6th grade, including some from surrounding Indigenous communities. With only three classrooms, several grade levels must share a single room at the same time. Often the narrow outdoor corridor in front of the buildings is used as an instructional space. This region receives 3,000–4,000 mm (118–157 inches) of rain each year, with more than 200 rainy days and no true dry season. During downpours, rain blows directly into the corridor, forcing students to crowd against the interior wall to stay dry, limiting both comfort and learning.

Our Goal

We are building a 13m x 14m open-air pavilion to create a safe, dry, versatile learning and gathering space for the students.

The pavilion increases the learning space by 33%

The space supports lessons, group activities, cultural gatherings, parent meetings, and rainy-day play

The pavilion will be built between the two existing school buildings

The roof design allows natural daylight and ventilation while preventing rain from blowing into the space

This pavilion will expand the school’s usable learning space and provide an environment where children can learn with dignity, confidence, and comfort. The school is essential to the community, teaching the children the importance of education providing a learning environment for the children to grow and become active contributors to their families and community.

Project Costs

Total Materials and Construction Labor Cost: $16,200

Funds Raised Locally: $6,200

Remaining Needed to Complete Project: $10,000

The families of Manzanillo have already contributed through hands-on labor, community fundraising, and shared commitment. The heart and effort are here—we simply need help to finish.

Why This Matters

This is more than a structure. It is:

When we expand learning space, we expand possibilities.

When children have a supportive place to learn, they enjoy learning and are better prepared to contribute to their families, their community, and the world around them.

How You Can Help

Your support directly funds the materials and construction needed to complete the pavilion.

No donation is too small. And if you cannot give financially, sharing this campaign is also a powerful contribution.

Alternativas en Costa Rica

SINPE - Colones: 8317-3297

BCR - USD: CR34015202325000239571

Thank you for supporting the children, families, and community of Manzanillo. Your generosity creates a lasting daily impact — one that will echo for years in learning, growth, joy, and gratitude.

Gracias y pura vida.

School Entrance (Original Condition)

Planned construction site between the two existing buildings

Draft Design (Side View)

Breath-taking natural beauty

Escuela Manzanillo YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/xqHm0EHJlTk