Tech and Freedom Academies
"Change is possible if we unleash the full potential of people"
What we are:
In 2022, Phil Garnier, a dynamic businessman from Costa Rica, started Forward Academies.
His vision?
A six-month course to equip young minds with programming, coding, data skills, and much more.
Meanwhile, back in 2016, an innovative Costa Rican scientist, Dr. Alvaro Salas Castro, founded the Democracy Lab Foundation (or Demo Lab for short).
His mission?
To encourage young folks to speak up, think critically, and play an active role in making Costa Rica's democracy stronger and more vibrant.
In 2023, these two incredible groups came together. And that's how Forward: Academies of Technology and Freedom was born.
How?
• Train youngsters in tech skills, making them job-ready.
• Offer solutions to some of society's pressing issues.
• Encourage positive changes in our community.
• Empower individuals to make a difference.
• Teach the value and importance of freedom.
• Promoting the importance of entrepreneurship, competitiveness and individual empowerment.
Why?
Because Costa Rica is currently facing many challenges to take on:
ECONOMY & JOBS
Our economy depends on foreign investments and the creation of good jobs. We need skilled workers and innovative businesses to keep growing.
STAYING IN SCHOOL
There's a worrying trend of students dropping out school, and some of them, sadly, are getting involved in dangerous activities. We need to provide them with better employment options in an effective way.
TRUST ISSUES
Many people are losing faith in our institutions and aren't as involved in community matters as before.
PROTECTING DEMOCRACY
Our strong democratic history is facing challenges from new political trends. We need to ensure our democracy stays strong and inclusive.
GLOBAL FEEDBACK
International experts have concerns about the state of our democracy, especially when it comes to free speech.
LACK OF OPPORTUNITIES
In coastal or inner-country areas, people from the communities have fewer chances to enter the labor market.
REMEMBER...
"Knowledge is something that no one can take away from you."
