When José Figueres Ferrer became President of Costa Rica in 1949 after the civil war, he didn’t cling to power. Instead, one of his first acts was to abolish the army and establish Costa Rica as a bastion of Peace in the region.
As Abolition of the Army Day is celebrated across the country today (Dec.1), it is a particularly special day for us here in Monteverde. It was this brave act of Peace that attracted the original Quaker settlers (and builders of our school) here in 1950. 65 years later we continue to dedicate ourselves to learning and living Peace as one of the core Quaker values and defining characteristics of our school.
Today is also Giving Tuesday across the globe. To continue our legacy of teaching and living Peace, all donations received today will go directly into our scholarship fund, providing financial assistance for local students unable to pay the full cost of our Quaker education.
As we often do, we are choosing to use this day to play, celebrate and learn at the same time. Students are divided into small groups – all ages together – to engage in a series of co-operative games, art, drama, and discussion activities. They learn the way of Peace through doing and sharing, discovering the joy of working together in harmony.
Please enjoy these photos (below) and videos (very bottom) that I am adding throughout this fun day of learning. (Click on each to advance to the next photo/video).
