Service at the Heart of Education
Golden Valley School believes in forming leaders committed to their environment. Rooted in our mission to 'Educate for Life' and aligned with UNESCO's RedPEA values and the IB's CAS framework, our students engage in meaningful action that transforms both communities and themselves.
Understand
Comprehend a local or global reality
Reflect
Think critically about the issue
Design
Create a solution or proposal
Act
Implement with purpose
Evaluate
Measure the impact
COEEPI: Connecting Cultures
The Comisión Organizadora del Encuentro Estudiantil sobre Pueblos Indígenas (COEEPI) is a student-led initiative of fifteen students from grades 6 through 12 who are passionate about cultural exchange and social service.
Founded in 2022, COEEPI's mission is to raise awareness about Costa Rica's cultural diversity and build lasting bridges between Golden Valley students and indigenous communities. Through educational visits and student encounters, our students understand and support the needs of these communities, promoting equity and intercultural respect.
COEEPI acts as a bridge — through socialization, awareness is raised about the challenges these communities face, while celebrating their cultural richness, knowledge, and traditions.
COEEPI Journey
Foundation of COEEPI
COEEPI was founded and GVS students made their first visit to the Boruca community. The I Encuentro Estudiantil sobre Pueblos Indígenas took place — indigenous students from Boruca and Sepecue visited Golden Valley School, hosted by GVS families for 3 nights and 4 days of cultural exchange and learning.
II Encuentro Estudiantil
The II Encuentro Estudiantil sobre Pueblos Indígenas brought students together once again. COEEPI continued its visits and expanded cultural exchange programs, strengthening the bonds between GVS students and indigenous communities across Costa Rica.
Expanding Impact
Donations were delivered to 5 indigenous schools. A medical center beautification project was carried out for Ngöbe women in Sixaola. The III Encuentro Estudiantil was held, and students visited Bribri-Cabécar territory, deepening COEEPI's reach and impact across multiple indigenous communities.
Deepening Solidarity
Donations were delivered to 3 indigenous schools. Year-end celebrations were organized for 2 schools in Talamanca. COEEPI continued building bridges with indigenous communities, reinforcing the commitment of GVS students to equity and intercultural understanding.
Looking Ahead
The IV Encuentro Estudiantil sobre Pueblos Indígenas is planned for this year. Year-end celebrations will be organized for 2 schools in Talamanca. COEEPI aims to expand awareness and solidarity projects, inspiring more students and families to engage with indigenous communities.
Social Responsibility Committee
Led by María Fallas, the Social Responsibility Committee is an institutional body focused on driving social impact across the entire school community.
The committee coordinates school-wide solidarity initiatives and serves as a bridge between student organizations — including COEEPI, the National Honor Society, and CAS projects — and institutional resources, ensuring that every effort receives the support it needs to succeed.
Through strategic partnerships with community organizations, the committee expands the school's reach and amplifies the positive impact that students and staff can achieve together.
More Ways We Serve
TINI — Tierra de Niñas, Niños y Jóvenes
A RedPEA project that promotes the emotional and active bond between students and nature — through school gardens, green spaces, and sustainable practices that develop ecological responsibility and environmental awareness.
Environmental Campaigns
Student-led recycling programs, reforestation drives, climate change awareness campaigns, and clean-up days — all aligned with UNESCO's sustainability framework.
Solidarity Projects
Food drives, school volunteering, cause sponsorship, social campaigns, and Christmas charity activities. Our NHS chapter also requires community service hours from all members.
Cultural Heritage Projects
Students research, document, and share elements of Costa Rica's material and immaterial heritage — traditions, art, architecture, gastronomy, and ancestral knowledge — promoting respect for cultural diversity.
CAS Projects (IB Diploma)
IB Diploma students design and lead independent Creativity, Activity, Service projects addressing real-world challenges — a cornerstone of the Diploma Programme experience.
Intercultural Projects
Initiatives connecting students with schools around the world — letters, video calls, joint projects, and shared cultural celebrations that foster global understanding.
Service in Action
Be Part of the Change
At Golden Valley School, every student learns they have the power to make a difference. Our graduates leave as empathetic, critical, and compassionate agents of change — committed to justice, peace, and caring for the planet.
