The Ministry of Education announced on April 2 the celebration of International Children’s Book Day, a date observed annually to encourage reading among children and young people. The day also coincides with World Autism Awareness Day, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.
International Children’s Book Day has been recognized since 1967 by the International Board on Books for Young People. It is held on the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, a well-known figure in children’s literature who authored classics such as “The Ugly Duckling,” “Thumbelina,” “The Steadfast Tin Soldier,” and “The Little Mermaid.”
In addition to promoting reading, this date is used to highlight the importance of inclusion for autistic individuals. The Ministry said it is time to move from awareness about neurodivergence toward active promotion of inclusion and recognition of the contributions that diversity brings to communities and society at large.
As part of efforts to advance education, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Education, together with CENECOOP R.L., announced plans to provide 90,000 scholarships for training in artificial intelligence applied to education. These scholarships are intended for teachers, school principals, and educational leaders across the country.
Other initiatives mentioned include continued support from programs such as ABCmouse, Aprende Inglés, and My Math Academy for student learning; professional development activities like a workshop with 80 teachers using remote science laboratories provided by UNED’s Occidente campus; representation at international library conferences; new guidelines published jointly with transport authorities addressing violence or vulnerability among students using public transportation; standardized diagnostic tests taken by over 53,000 final-year high school students between March 23-27; and encouragement from Minister Leonardo Sánchez Hernández for students nationwide to read and write stories under this year’s educational motto: “School shapes us, writing drives us forward, values guide us.”
These events reflect ongoing efforts within Costa Rica’s education sector both to foster literacy among youth and promote broader social inclusion.
