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  • reto juvenil internacional, volunteer, internship latin america volunteering central america, volunteer work latin america, volunteering africa, volunteering south america
  • retojuvenil internacional, volunteer, internship latin america volunteering central america, volunteer work latin america, volunteering africa, volunteering south america
  • reto juvenil internacional, volunteer, internship latin america volunteering central america, volunteer work latin america, volunteering africa, volunteering south america.

Latest news

CAPSTONE PROJECT Bagatzi Costa Rica 2026

PROJECT SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED

Creating Lasting Impact!

Stronger Communities, A More Sustainable Future

Thanks to the dedication of the University of Toronto Capstone Project Team, Winds of Change, and their generous professional support and donations, we have successfully completed the Bagatzi Costa Rica Project.

We are now closer to implement initiatives that will improve the quality of life for local families, strengthen Typha paper production, create sustainable economic opportunities, and contribute to environmental conservation.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Equipment Repair and Rehabilitation We repaired processing motors, removed corrosion, and fully restored the paper production and mixing equipment.

Increased Production Efficiency We introduced more efficient tools and optimized production methods to improve productivity and product quality.

Preventive Maintenance Program We established a preventive maintenance program that includes regular cleaning, lubrication, inspections, and equipment monitoring to reduce downtime and prevent future failures.

Training 20 Local Youth (50% Women | 50% Men)We will provide hands-on training in Typha harvesting, paper production, equipment operation, and entrepreneurship to ensure long-term knowledge transfer and sustainability.

Reduced Operating Costs We will optimize production schedules during off-peak electricity hours and implemented energy-efficient manufacturing practices.

Business Development We will support marketing strategies, and access to new markets to increase sales and long-term business sustainability.

Sustainable Typha Harvesting We continue promoting the sustainable harvesting of Typha, helping protect the environment while controlling this invasive species in Palo Verde National Park.

CAPSTONE PROJECTS MEXICO University of Toronto & Winds Of Change

Mexico is shining brighter than ever ☀️

Two successful projects in Mexico are bringing sustainable impact where it matters most.

Engineering students from the University of Toronto, through their Capstone program, partnered with Winds of Change to design and implement solar water heaters for two children’s homes:

Casa Hogar NF in Texcoco and Casa Hogar SV in Ajusco.

These systems are more than just technology—they are life-changing solution

Now, hundreds of children and youth have reliable access to hot water, improving daily hygiene, health, and comfort. At the same time, these homes will benefit from significant long-term savings on energy costs—freeing up critical resources to invest in what truly matters: nutrition, education, and care.

This project proves that when innovation meets compassion, real change happens.

A sustainable solution. A stronger future. A better quality of life for vulnerable children.

 

#Sustainability #ImpactEngineering #SolarEnergy #CapstoneProject #WindsOfChange #Mexico #SocialImpact

 

NICARAGUA School Supplies Donation

Winds of Change Canada Supports Education and Well-Being of Children in Nicaragua

Winds of Change Canada has made a meaningful contribution to children living in vulnerable conditions in Nicaragua through a donation of essential school supplies on March 2026 and now a Second Donation on April 2026. This initiative directly benefits students facing social and economic disadvantages, helping remove barriers to education and daily well-being.

Thanks to this support, many children now have access to the basic tools they need to attend school and actively participate in their education. Beyond school supplies, this contribution also helps ensure that students receive proper nourishment, enabling them to focus, learn, and grow in a healthier environment.

The impact goes beyond the classroom. By providing adequate uniforms and materials, the initiative helps prevent bullying related to appearance, such as wearing damaged clothing or broken shoes, fostering greater confidence and inclusion among students.

This effort also brings relief to families living in poverty and extreme poverty, reducing the financial burden associated with education and allowing them to prioritize other essential needs. Additionally, the donation winds of change strengthens the work of El Comedor, a community program that serves children and supports by providing food, stability, and opportunities for development.

Through this initiative,

Winds of Change Canada continues to make a lasting difference, empowering children with the resources they need to build a brighter future through education.

 

RETO JUVENIL INTERNACIONAL Winner "Prestige Awards 2025 | 2026"

Reto Juvenil Internacional is proud to be the Prestige Award Winner for Community Development Non-Profit Organization of the Year in Central America. This recognition celebrates our consistent excellence in service, quality and innovation, as well as our ethical practices, transparency and sustainable impact in the communities we serve. Our commitment to empowering youth and strengthening communities set us apart and made us a standout choice for this honor. Thanks to everyone who contributes and collaborates with us; your support and dedication make this achievement possible. Together, we continue transforming communities!

 

Reto Juvenil Internacional se enorgullece de ser ganador del Prestige Award 2025 | 2026 como Organización Sin Fines de Lucro del Año en Desarrollo Comunitario en Centroamérica. Este reconocimiento destaca nuestra excelencia constante en servicio, calidad e innovación, así como nuestras prácticas éticas, transparencia y el impacto sostenible en las comunidades que servimos. Nuestro compromiso con el empoderamiento juvenil y el fortalecimiento de las comunidades nos convirtió en una elección destacada para este premio. Gracias a todas las personas y organizaciones que colaboran con nosotros; su apoyo y compromiso hacen posible este logro. ¡Juntos seguimos transformando comunidades!

 

RETO successfully completes the Diploma "Children's Rights in Context of Human Mobility"

Diplomado “Conocer, Construir y Participar”

Promoción de los derechos de Niñez y Adolescencia en contextos de Movilidad Humana.

As a result, we created a Support Guide for People in Human Mobility as well as journalistic articles developed with the participation of communicators from Mexico and Central America. The initiative was coordinated by PAMI Guatemala, facilitated by COMUNICARES Guatemala, and promoted within the framework of the Regional Network of Civil Organizations for Migration (RROCM).

Como resultado se elaboramos una Guía de apoyo para personas en movilidad humana en Costa Rica y varias notas periodísticas con comunicadores de México y Centroamérica con el fin de sensiblizar las poblaciones. El proyecto fue coordinado por PAMI Guatemala, con apoyo de COMUNICARES y la RROCM.

Agradecemos al equipo, aliados y al periódico La Voz de Goicoechea por su compromiso con la comunicación y la dignidad humana.

Puedes consultar información en los siguientes links:

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1443408371130524&id=100063841250129

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1288946969932928&set=pcb.1288947216599570

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1288954613265497&set=pcb.1288955046598787

 

 

Agradecemos profundamente al equipo humano, a los aliados estratégicos y al periódico La Voz de Goicoechea, de Costa Rica, por su compromiso con el poder transformador de la comunicación y por apoyar procesos que trascienden fronteras para poner la palabra al servicio de la dignidad humana.

We deeply thank the human team, strategic allies, and the newspaper La Voz de Goicoechea from Costa Rica for their commitment to the transformative power of communication and for supporting processes that transcend borders to place words at the service of human dignity.

Testimonial

  • Thank you so much for this opportunity to intern for and work for RJI. I had a wonderful time learning from you. Thank you for this amazing experience in the beautiful Costa Rica!


    Alice Liao, Michigan University.
  • RJI`s list of achievements is long and their impact within the youth and development arena in Central America is extensive.


    Sandra Eastwood, International Programs Manager, Youth Challenge Australia.-
  • We believe in the mission of Reto Juvenil. We support the work of Reto Juvenil. We will partner with Reto Juvenil. We are in solidarity with Reto Juvenil to make the world a better place.


    Virginia S. Williams, Associate Professor of History, Winthrop University, EEUU.
  • Earth Charter International has been extremely happy with RJI’s level of commitment to promote sustainability issues in their work in Central America. They put the Earth Charter comprehensively in action!


    Jaana Laitinen, International Youth Facilitator, Earth Charter International
  • RJI is a great agency to work with. This organization lives its mission, following its core values with great tenacity


    Bob Miller, Profesor of Social Work, UMichigan

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