The Augustinian celebrations in August usually mark in the calendar of the Boys’ Town, a socio-educational project of the Augustinian Recollects in Costa Rica, the beginning of the last stage of the school year and the opening of registration for the new 2027 school year, since in this country the calendar year and the school year coincide.
This year, the novena to Saint Augustine and the celebration on August 28 (the saint’s day) were remarkably successful in terms of participation. The Bishop of Cartago, Mario Quirós, presided over the Eucharist at the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, preceded by a procession throughout the school complex.
More than 400 people participated in the festive parade with multiple bands; during the procession prior to the Eucharist, it was the Cimarrona of the Boys’ Town and the choir directed by Dennis Loaiza that enlivened the event.
The day was dedicated to the human trainers who accompany the first-year students in the hostels; the 29th was dedicated to the teaching staff and those from the technical and management areas; and the 30th was dedicated to the alumni, who returned to their old center to experience the celebration, remember old times and meet with former classmates.
During those dates, the Boys’ Town received a visit from María José Vega Sanabria, executive president of the National Children’s Welfare Board (PANI), a government institution in charge of assisting minors in vulnerable situations.
She was able to tour the entire facility, chat with teachers and students, receive detailed information about educational programs and projects, and learn about the history of the Town and the institution that manages it, the Augustinian Recollects. The Boys’ Town has several agreements with PANI (National Children’s Welfare Board) to provide care for minors.
On August 27th, two students from the Children’s City participated in the Cartago Municipality’s Oratory Contest, along with high school students from other schools. One of them reached the grand final, demonstrating his talent for delivering an intelligible, well-organized, and structured speech, with excellent voice control and gestures.
In September, the 5th National Taekwondo Championship took place, and students from the Boys’ Town won the championship with two gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. This is a clear demonstration of the effort, discipline, perseverance, and commitment that are valued in the Town’s educational programs.
The Boys’ Town offers spaces to develop personal talents in all aspects of life: academic, technical, athletic, artistic, and cultural. Each child discovers how much they can contribute to the world and, especially, build a happy and responsible life project for themselves and society.
