Community Collaboration Update

August 28, 2024

Our Community Collaboration initiative launched three months ago and has generated a tremendous amount of excitement and interest within the local community. At Tulemar, we’re happy to be a bridge between our guests and homeowners and local families in need. This post provides an update on this exciting initiative and answers the most frequent question we hear, How can I help?

Celebrating Our First Donations

We are thrilled to announce that the first guest and homeowner donations have been made in support of our community collaboration initiative! These generous contributions mark a significant milestone, directly benefiting our local schools at the donors’ requests. Additionally, we are celebrating our company’s inaugural donations, supporting three vital organizations: the Sloth Institute, Full Circle Costa Rica, and our local schools.

Supporting the Sloth Institute

The Sloth Institute is dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of sloths. Thanks to Tulemar’s donations, the institute was able to purchase a sloth incubator. Incubators are essential for small baby sloths and patients that require constant temperature control and even oxygen supplementation. With this new equipment, the institute can further its mission of rescuing and caring for these gentle creatures.

Empowering Families with Full Circle C.R. Foundation

Full Circle focuses on supporting families and enhancing subsistence in the community. As Jim Barone, founder of Full Circle C.R. Foundation, shared, “Due to our new relationship with Tulemar and wonderful monetary donations, Full Circle is now and going forward in a position to tackle some much-needed necessities.” During a recent visit to the school in El Cocal, we identified several pressing needs. Of the three bathrooms the school has, only one has a roof to keep the rain out, while the other two are exposed to the sky, leaving students to either wait or get wet during the frequent rain. Adding roofs to these two bathrooms is now a priority. Additionally, a 20’x4’ wall is needed to separate the children’s lunch area from a neighboring home. The school’s kitchen also requires urgent attention, as the current sink, faucet, and base are rusted out and falling apart. There are small leaks over a classroom that need repair, and all classrooms need new whiteboards, markers, and erasers—approximately four classrooms and eight whiteboards in total. “We are currently getting quotes for these necessities,” Jim Barone added, “and intend on using the Tulemar funds for this.”

: Delicate newborn Three Fingered sloth needs the incubator to stay warm

: Baby and mama sloth released into the wild

: School supplies donated through our Community Collaboration Initiative

: School children proudly using backpacks

: El Cocal School needs roofing for bathrooms

: Clothing donations make a significant impact

Enriching Education at Local Schools

The local schools have also received much-needed funds. Education is a cornerstone of community development, and these donations will help enhance educational resources and opportunities for local children. Here are some immediate needs that our local schools have:

School Supplies:
- 6 notebooks of 100 sheets
- 1 box of #2 pencils
- 2 erasers
- 1 pencil sharpener
- 2 glue sticks
- 1 geometry set
- 1 geometry compass
- 1 pair of school scissors for children
- 1 box of 24 colored pencils
- 1 backpack
- 1 pencil case
- 1 pack of colored ink pens
- 1 correction pen
- 1 pack of colored sharpies
- 1 plastic homework folder
Volunteer and Teach: With a current shortage of funding for English teachers, English-speaking guests have a unique opportunity to volunteer by teaching a subject during their stay. This experience fosters a rich cultural exchange, benefiting the students and the volunteers. Guests can share their knowledge and skills with eager students at local schools, enriching education for the children and providing a unique and fulfilling experience for themselves. New curriculum that our volunteers can teach has now been developed. Here’s a glimpse into the exciting topics each grade will explore with the help of volunteers:

First Grade:

Unit 1: All About Me
Unit 2: This Is Our Classroom
Unit 3: We All Are Different
Unit 4: Going to School, So Cool
Unit 5: My Neighborhood
Unit 6: Playtime

Second Grade:

Unit 1: Learning Is Fun
Unit 2: Healthy Habits
Unit 3: Home Sweet Home
Unit 4: Loving and Caring For Animals
Unit 5: Fabulous Flora and Fauna
Unit 6: A Change of Scenery

Third Grade:

Unit 1: Our Family To-Do List
Unit 2: Families Celebrate Together
Unit 3: May I Help You?
Unit 4: Getting Around Town
Unit 5: Fun Places and Spaces
Unit 6: Welcome to Costa Rica

Fourth Grade:

Unit 1: Weather Wise
Unit 2: Natural Treasures
Unit 3: Farm to Table
Unit 4: Take Care (Going to The Doctor)
Unit 5: What is a Natural Disaster?
Unit 6: Oh The Places You Will Go

Fifth Grade:

Unit 1: Go Green
Unit 2: Pura Vida in Many Ways (Costa Rican Culture)
Unit 3: Connecting Electronically
Unit 4: Healthy Choices, Better Life
Unit 5: Tell Me a Story
Unit 6: Let’s Play

Sixth Grade:

Unit 1: Costa Rican Heroes
Unit 2: Staying Safe in a Digital World
Unit 3: Environmentally Speaking
Unit 4: Rainforest Rescue
Unit 5: Let’s Party
Unit 6: Focus on the Future

How You Can Get Involved

There are several ways you can contribute:

Make a Donation: Your financial contributions are invaluable. When making your reservation, let us know if you would like to add a donation to your payment. If you have already made your reservation, or at any time, you can make a donation through our Venmo account and we will pass 100% of it along to these organizations.
Sponsor School Supplies: $85 covers the cost on one child’s school supplies for a full year. Just add a note to your Venmo donation, and we’ll use your funds towards backpacks and supplies.
Bring Supplies: When packing for your trip, include some extra school supplies in your luggage. These items are always in high demand and greatly appreciated.
Bring Clothing: Bring clothing and shoes for children, ranging from newborn sizes to size 12/14. Donations of new or clean, gently used clothes are welcome. Name-brand clothing is not significant; practicality and comfort are what matter most.
Adopt a Sloth or Purchase items on the Sloth Wish List: By adopting a sloth through the Sloth Institute or purchasing items on the Sloth Wish List and bringing them on your next visit, you can help ensure these adorable creatures receive the care and attention they need.
Volunteer: Reach out for more details on how you can volunteer to teach at local schools. It’s a rewarding way to give back to the community and make a lasting impact. Email us at community@tulemar.com.

Conclusion

The impact of this initiative is a testament to the generosity and involvement of our guests and homeowners. Together, we are making a positive difference in the lives of local children, families, and the conservation of wildlife. We look forward to continuing this journey with your support and enthusiasm. Thank you for being a part of this incredible initiative!