UWC Costa Rica hosts IB’s Festival de la Esperanza

Impact Report Showcase | UWC Costa Rica made history by hosting the first-ever Festival de la Esperanza (Festival of Hope) entirely in Spanish—a vibrant, multi-location event organized in partnership with the International Baccalaureate (IB).

UWC Costa Rica made history by hosting the first-ever Festival de la Esperanza (Festival of Hope) entirely in Spanish—a vibrant, multi-location event organized in partnership with the International Baccalaureate (IB). This landmark festival united 17 IB high schools across Costa Rica and provided a powerful platform for over 100 students to become “Agents of Change.” Held at both UWC Costa Rica campuses in San Isidro (the site of our future campus) and Santa Ana, the festival showcased UWC Costa Rica’s commitment to fostering youth leadership, sustainability, and international partnerships in education.

A Historic Gathering for Costa Rica’s IB Community

Festival de la Esperanza brought together an impressive 36% of IB high schools in Costa Rica, including nine public and eight private institutions. The two-day event, attended by over 80 external students and 16 educators, provided a unique opportunity for Costa Rican students to engage with peers, share projects, and gain skills for sustainable community development. Guided by the UWC Costa Rica Sustainability Framework, participants collaborated to address pressing environmental and social issues such as recycling, water pollution, and accessibility for people with disabilities.

The festival kicked off in San Isidro, which holds special significance as the future home of UWC Costa Rica’s new campus. Students began their journey as “changemakers” with activities centered on environmental stewardship and community service, fostering a deeper connection to the surrounding natural landscape. Following these initial activities, participants gathered at UWC Costa Rica’s Santa Ana campus for the closing ceremonies and an inspiring project fair, where students presented their innovative solutions and celebrated their impact.

Fostering Leadership: The Agents of Change Program

At the heart of Festival de la Esperanza was the Agents of Change program, a 21-hour intensive training that included both virtual and on-site components. Led by esteemed educator Lorena Silvestri, Founder of .JES from Spain, this program provided a structured pathway for students to develop leadership skills, identify community needs, and design actionable projects. Over 100 UWC Costa Rica students participated, learning to become catalysts for positive change in their communities.

The Agents of Change curriculum was enriched through the IB’s support and emphasized hands-on learning, problem-solving, and sustainability. Teachers from each participating high school served as coaches during the project fair, guiding students as they presented their work and shared insights gained through their projects.

A Collaborative Platform for Educators

Festival de la Esperanza wasn’t just for students—educators from all 17 participating IB high schools engaged in a collaborative experience designed to enhance their understanding of sustainability in education. UWC Costa Rica’s Sustainability Coordinator, Sofía Quirós, facilitated a two-hour workshop in which educators explored the UWC Costa Rica Sustainability Framework principles and discussed the challenges and opportunities in promoting sustainability within their communities.

During the workshop, teachers had the chance to network and exchange ideas on implementing sustainable practices in the classroom. The discussions extended beyond the workshop, as teachers joined UWC Costa Rica faculty for lunch and informal conversations, creating lasting connections and setting the stage for future collaborations.

A Visit from IB Leadership and International Collaboration

Highlighting the significance of Festival de la Esperanza, Olli-Pekka Heinonen, General Director of the IB, attended the full event alongside an 18-member delegation from the IBO. Their presence underscored the importance of UWC Costa Rica’s mission and provided opportunities to strengthen relationships within the global IB community. Heinonen and his team toured the San Isidro and Santa Ana campuses, meeting with UWC Costa Rica leaders to discuss our unique educational model, sustainability initiatives, and future development plans.

The IB delegation’s visit also reinforced UWC Costa Rica’s role as a leader in Latin American education, with meaningful discussions about expanding partnerships and future events that could continue to empower students and educators alike.

Celebrating Impact and the Future of Festival de la Esperanza

The closing ceremony at the Santa Ana campus was a joyful celebration of students’ hard work, creativity, and commitment to a sustainable future. Students’ projects, which tackled issues like waste reduction, water pollution, and accessibility, were evaluated by a panel of judges, and top projects received awards recognizing their potential impact. As the festival concluded, students, teachers, and guests expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect and collaborate on initiatives that hold real potential to make a difference.

The success of this first-ever Festival of Hope in Latin America highlights the power of partnerships in driving meaningful change. Thanks to UWC Costa Rica’s Outreach and Innovation program, which facilitated the event, Festival de la Esperanza demonstrated how young people, educators, and organizations can come together to tackle global challenges with local solutions.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Agents of Change

UWC Costa Rica is incredibly grateful to the IB, all participating high schools, and partners for making Festival de la Esperanza possible. This event marks the beginning of a new chapter in fostering sustainability and student empowerment in Latin America, and we look forward to continuing to host events that inspire students to become true “Agents of Change.”