The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) announced on March 12 that its Unit for Educational Permanence and Reincorporation (UPRE) is inviting the educational community to share best practices used in schools to promote student retention and reintegration. The initiative encourages communities with effective strategies or actions to submit their experiences using a provided QR code.
This effort aims to foster collaboration among schools by highlighting successful approaches that help keep students engaged in their education. By sharing these practices, MEP hopes to support other institutions facing similar challenges.
In addition, from March 10 to 13, a total of 65,397 final-year primary students from 3,434 public and private schools across the country are taking standardized national diagnostic tests by subject for the year 2026. These assessments are designed for diagnostic purposes and aim to inform future educational strategies.
The ministry also marked several commemorative events this month. Since 1998, Costa Rica has observed March 8 as the Day of School Cafeteria Workers, recognizing their daily contributions to the school community under Decree No. 27063-MEP. The same date is celebrated internationally as International Women’s Day, honoring women’s historical struggles for equality, labor rights, political participation, and social justice.
Other recent recognitions include declaring Francisca “Pancha” Carrasco Jiménez a National Heroine in 2025 for her role in defending sovereignty during the National Campaign of 1856-1857 and being the first woman in Costa Rica’s National Army. Minister of Public Education Leonardo Sánchez also unveiled a plaque at the Technical Professional College named after Uladislao “Lalo” Gámez Solano, who was Costa Rica’s first Minister of Education in the Second Republic and recognized as a national literary figure.
Looking ahead, Canal 13 will bring back an educational program aimed at inspiring young people through knowledge and culture. Additionally, Costa Rica has joined the School Meals Coalition led by the United Nations World Food Programme alongside over 100 countries committed to ensuring every child receives a healthy meal at school by 2030.
