The Request
The administrative board formally asked for support to restore safe learning conditions.
BÖËNA ARTICLE
A School Reopens in Tortuguero
How Community Collaboration Restored a Safe Place to Learn
For more than three years, students in Barra de Tortuguero attended classes in scattered facilities because their rural high school was unsafe. A community-wide effort led by Böëna helped restore the campus and bring students, teachers and administrators back together.
01 — The Challenge
A School Without a Safe Campus
The rural high school had remained closed for over three years because classrooms and essential structures were no longer safe.
Approximately 120 students received lessons in different locations around town, making it difficult to maintain a cohesive educational and administrative environment.
3+ years
The school remained closed
120
Students affected by the closure
5
Classrooms restored
₡4.5M
Materials and labor supplied by Böëna
02 — From Request to Action
A Community Responds
On March 3, 2023, Böëna received a request from the school’s administrative board to help create suitable conditions for students to return.
The response quickly became a coordinated restoration project involving tourism businesses, school authorities, parents and members of the local community.
The Work
Classrooms, common areas, roofs, ceilings, paint and electrical systems were repaired.
The Reopening
The school officially reopened its doors to students and staff.
03 — What Was Restored
Rebuilding the Spaces Students Needed Most
Five Classrooms
Teaching spaces were repaired so students could return to a stable daily routine.
Cafeteria
The food service area was restored to support everyday school operations.
Dining Area
A shared space for students and staff was brought back into use.
Essential Systems
New roofs, interior ceilings, paint and electrical infrastructure improved safety and comfort.
A Practical Investment in Education
Böëna supplied ₡4.5 million, approximately US$9,000, in materials and labor to help complete the restoration.
04 — Hotels and Community Working Together
A Shared Responsibility
The reopening was not the work of one organization alone. Mawamba Lodge and Laguna Lodge contributed funding and labor, while the school’s administrative board and parents also participated directly.
Böëna and Tortuga Lodge
Helped lead the initiative and contributed materials, equipment, labor and funding.
Local Hotels
Mawamba Lodge and Laguna Lodge supported the restoration through financial and operational contributions.
Families and School Leaders
Parents and the administrative board participated in the work and coordination needed to reopen the campus.
05 — Education as Sustainability
Investing in the Community’s Future
“Our staff is 100% from the local community, and we believe in the value of investing in education and doing projects together with community organizations and businesses in the tourism sector.”
— Priscilla Murillo, Böëna Sustainability Manager
Priscilla Murillo and Tortuga Lodge Resident Manager Rodrigo Alfaro helped guide the project from request to completion.
Part of Böëna and Tortuga Lodge’s contribution was funded through the one-time Conservation Fee paid by lodge guests, connecting the visitor experience directly with community improvements.
Local Employment
Tortuga Lodge’s staff comes entirely from the surrounding community.
Guest Contribution
The Conservation Fee helps support tangible environmental and community projects.
Education
Safe schools strengthen long-term opportunities for young people and families.
Collective Action
Partnerships allow local initiatives to achieve a broader and more lasting impact.
A Place to Learn Together Again
On June 20, 2023, the Barra de Tortuguero Rural High School reopened to students and staff.
The restored campus represents more than repaired buildings. It reflects what becomes possible when businesses, families and community organizations work toward the same goal.