Fundación Calicanto

Fundación Calicanto was founded in 1994 with the mission of protecting Casco Antiguo´s Patrimony. With time, this mission has been refined into protecting both architectural and human patrimony of the Casco.

Through this broad umbrella, Fundacion Calicanto has contributed not only to the maintenance and illumination of iconic buildings like the San Francisco De Asis Church (see photos) but also has run interesting programs with the community with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty in Casco Antiguo and helping locals to “stand on their own feet” and be part of their neighborhood´s revitalization.

One of their most successful programs has been CAPTA (Capacitación para el Trabajo). Their plan is simple: by educating and giving the right tools to women, the entire family is positively affected. CAPTA has trained so far more than 80 women, with a success rate of 80% (percentage of women employed after the course).  By empowering women, children follow and husbands (if applies) tend to respect more their family as a whole. 

The economics of the program are equally simple, but immensely powerful: The program has the capacity to shift women from extreme poverty to middle class in two years, at a minimum cost of $850 per person.

The program lasts two months.  Most recent courses have shown an 80% success rate on getting employment at the end of the course. Follow up is done by the Foundation social experts. Changes are radical: immediately after the course, their self esteem has changed completely.  A year later, their goals have shifted from survival mode to continue education. Two years later, with good financial advise, they are able to apply for credit and buy their own homes, the first one ever.

The foundation main challenge is to keep the program going. The goal for 2009 is to organize four courses, each one of 20 women.

Fundación Calicanto also supports initiatives from other associations, such as Aprojusan (see Aprojusan).

To learn more about Fundacion Calicanto, volunteer or send donations, please contact: Heriberto Trejos 228-0351 o a fcalicanto@gmail.com.

Address: Calle 4ta, PH Cuatro Casas.