Faces of Costa Rica

Education: Free For All

Teaching is one of the most respected professions in Costa Rica, where free education is a constitutional right. It is not uncommon to find computers in small country schools, as a response to President Jose Maria Figueres (1994-1998), who made computer science a mandatory subject in all of the nation's public schools.

"One of the best things our government has done is offer our children education. Costa Rica's future depends on today's children," said Lily Blanco, who teaches psychology at the University of Santa Paula in San José.

However, many schools still face challeges. "The ministry of education is going to give us new computers for our students, but first we have to build a classroom for them, and we have no funds," lamented one teacher.

Almost 4.5 percent of the national budget is earmarked for education -- most Costa Ricans say that is not enough.

Daily meals are provided at schools. "Many students in this area come to school just to eat," said Carmen Mayela Vega Garcia, director of a 30 student school in Raizal, Upala. "If they know the cook is out sick, they won't come to school."

Despite the challenges, Costa Rica can boast of a 96 percent literacy rate and every child has the right to an education.