Costa Rican Children Get Educational Boost

The Bribris are among Costa Rica's very small indigenous minority, making up less than 3 percent of the population.

Their small numbers leave them little chance for a better future and their children have one of the lowest education rates in the country.

Recently, CBN staff spent a weekend visiting these indigenous communities and giving the children an educational boost.

The Cebror schoolhouse is located in the small town of Buenos Aires, about 120 miles from the capital city of San Jose. Here, children like Maikel (Michael) Morales appreciate going to school.

"I like coming here because of the teacher… the way she treats us… and because of the kids," Maikel said.

Two days before the start of another school year and Maikel didn't have any school supplies.

"I needed a backpack, I needed pens, whiteout, glue, and scissors," he said.

CBN staff arrived with a ministry that works with indigenous people. They brought Superbook's favorite character, Gizmo, known as Tuercas in Spanish. The children eagerly watched one of the series' Bible stories.

Afterwards, one by one the children claimed their donation of school supplies. Maikel and his friends were finally ready for school.

The team then moved on to other indigenous communities to introduce Superbook and provide notebooks, backpacks, and other supplies to needy children.

Franklin Navas is a pastor in this community.

"The children here had no school supplies and now, we are very pleased to receive these materials," he said.

In all, CBN donated 125 backpacks full of school supplies to grateful Bribri children.

"I want to thank Jesus because he brought me these materials," student Jeudy Sanchez said.

The CBN staff also introduced indigenous children to Bible stories through Superbook, hoping that through these, children and their communities will discover a better future.