Deputy Ministry of Peace
As stated by the Deputy Minister of Peace, the answer to the wave of violence that has been reported in the country in recent years and that has especially involved an adolescent population, are centers that focus on culture, sports, technology and arts.
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) in 2010, more than 15 thousand cases of assault were reported, while in 2014 the number exceeded 18,600 assaults.
The Deputy Minister of Peace, Victor Barrantes, explained that research has shown that violence increases due to the lack of opportunities for young people. For this reason, the ministry aims to give an answer to this group.
The centers are a strategy for the prevention of violence. We seek to give opportunities to children and young people to step away from violence through art and recreation. The recovery of public spaces is crucial for communities,”
said Barrantes.
Currently, there are centers only in Garabito, Jacó, but the opening of headquarters in Aguas Zarcas, Santa Cruz, Desamparados, Cartago, Heredia and Pococí is expected. The investment for this exceeds 18 billion colones.
Only at the headquarters of Jacó about 1,300 young people have graduated from gastronomy, English and accounting courses.
The center is collaborating with different entities, such as the National System of Musical Education, the National Library System and the National Theater Workshops, Dance and Casa del Artista, the Costa Rican Institute of Sports, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Telecommunications and the National Learning Institute (INA).