Directed by
Antonio Sajid López
Yorleny Fontana Cotto
Entrepreneurship in rural communities represents a powerful tool for transformation and development. In these settings, where job opportunities and resources are often limited, the entrepreneurial spirit not only drives the local economy but also strengthens community bonds and enriches cultural identity.
Each initiative, no matter how small it may seem, has the potential to create significant changes, such as job creation, the preservation of traditions, and the promotion of sustainable development. By empowering people with skills, resources, and confidence, rural communities can become vibrant spaces for innovation and collaboration, showing that real change starts from within, fueled by the creativity and perseverance of their people.Thanks to the support of the University of Florida’s (UF) Office of Global Learning at the International Center, students from the Spanish in the Community course had the opportunity to collaborate with students from the Tourism Entrepreneurship course at the State Distance University (UNED) of Costa Rica.
This collaboration was also made possible thanks to the coordination of Carrie Martins and Laura Saborío Oviedo, the support of professors Mildred Acuña and Vivian Solano, along with the work of professors Antonio Sajid López from UF and Yorleny Fontana Cotto from UNED, as well as the invaluable digital support of Deborah Hendrix and the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program.
The project aimed to promote sustainable development and strengthen rural communities, addressing the importance of Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).
Through this project, students analyzed the history and development of Hispanic enclaves in the United States, focusing on factors such as displacement and militarization that have driven waves of migration from their countries of origin. This was contrasted with Costa Rica’s development model, which, after eliminating its army in 1949 and redirecting that budget toward education, offers a unique approach in the region: a security model that prioritizes social investment and the strengthening of civilian institutions.
In this context, students worked on proposals for tourism entrepreneurship in a rural area of Costa Rica, with the vision of reducing migration to the capital, San José, and preventing emigration by creating local opportunities.
The video we present is the result of the discussions and ideas generated around these sustainable entrepreneurship proposals in Costa Rica. We hope you enjoy the video and feel inspired by the initiatives of these students, who seek to contribute to the inclusive and sustainable growth of their communities.
The project, "Expanding and Embedding COIL Virtual Exchange at Honduran and Central American Universities – A Regional Partnership Initiative with the United States," is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. COIL Consulting leads the initiative, with Jon Rubin serving as Project Director and Daysi Rueda as Project Coordinator.
Produced by the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program
University of Florida 352 392-7168 http://oral.history.ufl.edu
241 Pugh Hall University of Florida
Cat. No. LDAP 131 Communities and Entre 12-4-2024
Clarification note: While December 1, 1948, marks the abolition of the military in Costa Rica, this video highlights 1949, the year it was officially added to the constitution./
Nota aclaratoria: Aunque el 1 de diciembre de 1948 marca la abolición del ejército en Costa Rica, este video destaca 1949, el año en que se oficializó en la constitución.
To learn more about Virtual Exchange, click here