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Impacto social
Our Impact

Transforming lives through art

Each handmade piece represents a story of hope, learning, and second chance for people in Costa Rica who have served time in prison.

Discover our impact
In numbers

Our impact in numbers

Since 2020, we have worked to transform lives through handicrafts, offering opportunities for growth and social reintegration to people in prison.

25+

Artisans supported

People in prison who have participated in our program

5

Years of trajectory

Transforming lives through art and professional training

70%

Reintegration rate

Of the participants who have completed the program

3,000+

Handmade crafts sold

Creations that have brought hope to Costa Rican homes

12
prison centers

Presence in prison centers

Our program has expanded to 12 prison centers in Costa Rica, bringing opportunities for training and work to different regions of the country.

San José
Alajuela
Heredia
Cartago
Puntarenas
Liberia
Success stories

Personal transformations

Get to know the stories of artisans who have found a new path through our program, developing skills and rebuilding their lives.

Marvin Alonso Brenes Oviedo

Marvin Alonso Brenes Oviedo

"This project has filled me with strength and motivation. It has propelled my personal and professional growth. As a publicist and graphic designer by profession, I have been able to apply my knowledge, sharing what I have learned in the community with my fellow inmates. I have taught them the importance of feeling useful, productive, and recognizing that we can develop our skills, talents, and abilities. Learning the value of teamwork serves as a foundation for performing dignified work, without having to resort to crime. It demonstrates that with effort and dedication, we can become better people every day. It has also helped me understand that this test, this imprisonment, is not forever. Freedom will come, and we must be prepared to value the opportunities that come our way. The majority of inmates grew up in marginalized neighborhoods, where opportunities are scarce and where drugs and homicides are part of daily life. That is why it is fundamental that they understand that it is possible to lead a straight life, regardless of where they come from or how they grew up. They can choose the right path, leave behind all the negativity, and channel their capabilities to sow fertile ground and build a better future for them and their families."

Jorge passed from having no technical skills to becoming one of our best woodcarvers. His designs are the most requested.

Before: No technical skills

Now: Master woodcarver specializing in Costa Rican flora and fauna

Eduardo Gutiérrez Salazar

Eduardo Gutiérrez Salazar

"To those who are interested, the Handmade Art project has been a great opportunity for me. Through this project, I have been able to cover my basic needs, such as toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, etc. In my situation, as a prisoner, it has helped me develop skills that I did not know I had. I have learned to do things that I never thought I could achieve, which is preparing me for a possible future, to grow as a person and avoid criminal behavior. Thank you very much."

During his three years in the program, Eduardo has developed innovative techniques to work with recycled materials, transforming them into beautiful decorative pieces.

Before: Basic sewing skills

Now: Master upcycling and sustainable materials

Jonathan A. Sandoval Martínez

Jonathan A. Sandoval Martínez

"I cordial greeting from my part, Jonathan Sandoval Martínez. I write to thank you for acquiring one of my pieces of art. I want you to know that through craftsmanship, other inmates and their families also benefit, as this work helps cover the costs of visits. For me, it is an honor to be part of Handmade Art, as it improves my life and the lives of my family, at the same time contributing to society through art. Knowing that I can repay society motivates me, and being seen as a productive, dedicated, and responsible person with my duties fills me with pride. This is my greatest gratitude, as I have a daughter who suffers from leukemia, and through art, with the help of Handmade Art, I am covering medical expenses. My sincerest gratitude to Handmade Art."

Jonathan has excelled in creating traditional coffee drip-makers and modern mirror frames.

Before: No technical skills

Now: Master coffee drip-makers and mirror frames

These are just a few of the many transformation stories we have witnessed over the past 5 years.

Learn more about our mission
Methodology

Rehabilitation and learning process

Our program is designed as an integrated path that combines the development of artisanal skills with tools for social and labor reintegration.

Initial training

Participants receive basic training in artisanal techniques, safety, and tool handling for a period of 3 months.

Specialization

Each artisan specializes in an area according to their skills and interests: wood carving, coffee drip-makers, decorative frames, or other crafts.

Production

With the guidance of master artisans, they begin to produce pieces for sale, receiving a percentage of the profits that are destined for a savings fund.

Business development

Workshops on entrepreneurship, costs, marketing, and customer service are held, preparing them to establish their own businesses upon release.

Post-release support

They receive support for reintegration into the labor market, including connecting with artisanal cooperatives, fairs, and sales opportunities.

Program results

Through this integrated process, we not only teach a trade, but transform lives by offering tools for:

Recover self-esteem

The mastery of an artisanal trade helps restore a sense of value and personal capacity.

Professional development

Acquisition of technical and business skills for future economic independence.

Effective reintegration

Complete preparation for reintegration into society with concrete tools for subsistence.

Partnerships

Institutional Collaborations

We work in partnership with public and private institutions that support our mission of social transformation through handicrafts.

Asamblea Legislativa de Costa Rica

Asamblea Legislativa de Costa Rica

Collaborates in the implementation of policies that support social reintegration programs and offers spaces for the exhibition and sale of handicrafts at official events.

Grupo Café Britt

Grupo Café Britt

Strategic partner that commercializes some of our handicrafts in their stores, especially traditional coffee presses, giving them national and international visibility.

Ministerio de Justicia y Paz

Ministerio de Justicia y Paz

Facilitates access to prisons and provides appropriate spaces for training and handicraft production workshops.

Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA)

Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA)

Provides certified technical training in various artisanal disciplines, improving the quality of products and employment prospects of participants.

Legislative Support in the Legislative Assembly

We have the support of various legislators who have promoted legislative initiatives to strengthen social reintegration programs through art and handicrafts.

Olga Morera Ortega (Firma principal)
Rosalía Brown Young
Fabricio Alvarado Muñoz
José Pablo Sibaja Jiménez
David Segura Gamboa
Yonder Salas Durán
Kattia Rivera Soto
María Marta Padilla Bonilla
Monserrat Ruiz Guevara
Carlos Felipe García Molina
Katherine Moreira Brown

"Este proyecto demuestra que la reinserción social es posible cuando se combina la voluntad política con el talento y la determinación de quienes buscan una segunda oportunidad."

— Rodrigo Arias Sánchez, Presidente de la Asamblea Legislativa 2022-2023

Our Workshops

Workshop Gallery

Discover the spaces where our artisans develop their skills and create unique pieces that combine Costa Rican tradition with stories of personal overcoming.

Taller of wood carving

Taller of wood carving where animal figures are carved

Coffee pot making

Process of creating traditional Costa Rican coffee pots

Taller of frames and mirrors

Artisans working on decorative frames with tropical motifs

Wood carving work

Fine details in decorative pieces inspired by Costa Rican flora

Technical training

Session of technical training in advanced wood finishing techniques

Artisan exhibition

Show of finished products ready for commercialization

Our Workspaces

  • Safe and equipped areas
  • Professional tools
  • High-quality raw materials
  • Learning environment

High-quality artisanal training

Our workshops are designed to provide a professional learning environment within prisons. We have master artisans who guide the creative process and transmit traditional Costa Rican techniques.

Artisanal specialties

  • Wood carving with animal motifs
  • Traditional coffee pot making
  • Decorative frames with tropical designs
  • Decorations inspired by biodiversity

Professional certification

Upon completing their training, artisans receive a certification from the INA validating their technical skills, facilitating their future employment.

Testimonials

The voice of our artisans

Listen directly from the participants how the program has impacted their lives and transformed their vision of the future.

Mario Gerson Ugalde Aguilar
This project has taught me many things. I have learned new skills, how to survive, and it has filled me with strength to keep going. It helps me learn much more about this project.

Mario Gerson Ugalde Aguilar

Specialist in bird carving

2 years in the program

Ángel Muñoz Azofeifa
Handmade Art, I thank God every day when I wake up, because every day I wake up with a little work, creating those beautiful pieces we make every day. We strive to create things every day more beautiful to improve ourselves as people and workers. Our goal is to do the best possible so that people feel satisfied with our work every day that passes.

Ángel Muñoz Azofeifa

Decorative frame artisan

3 years in the program

Jorge Vinicio Guzmán Guzmán
I like this artisanal project because with it I have developed skills that I had hidden, besides I see in the future having my own cabinet shop on the street, and with the growth as a person and entrepreneur I can maintain myself economically and help my family and other people, as workers of my future company.

Jorge Vinicio Guzmán Guzmán

Cafepot maker

18 months in the program

Didier Hernández Obando
This project has helped me develop my skills and the gift that God has given me, allowing me to exploit it to the maximum. It has also helped me to be a better person and live off the talents with which God has blessed me. It is a way of covering my personal needs.

Didier Hernández Obando

Woodcarving artisan

2 years and a half in the program

The impact in their own words

Beyond statistics, these testimonials reflect the true value of the program in human lives.

Expressed personal benefits

  • Recovery of self-esteem and dignity
  • Development of patience and discipline
  • Connection with Costa Rican cultural identity
  • Future vision and hope

Notable professional achievements

  • 5 former participants have established their own workshops
  • 12 artisans have participated in national fairs
  • 3 participants have won artisan awards
  • 7 have joined artisan cooperatives
Reinserción Social

Integral reintegration program

Our commitment goes beyond training within the prison. We accompany artisans in their social and labor reintegration process.

Pre-release preparation

During the last 6 months of imprisonment, intensive training in entrepreneurship and commercial skills is intensified.

Mentorship program

Assignment of an external artisan mentor who provides support during the transition to freedom.

Tool kit

Upon release, participants receive a basic tool kit to start their artisanal work.

Commercial support network

Connection with fairs, markets, and allied establishments for the commercialization of their products.

Reinserción social a través del arte

Reintegration program results

Our reintegration program has shown promising results in reducing recidivism and effectively integrating former prisoners into society.

Recidivism rate12%

Compared to 35% of the national average

Successful labor insertion78%

Participants employed or with their own businesses

Quality of life improvement85%

Based on follow-up surveys

Effective reintegration alliances

We work with various organizations and institutions to ensure that our artisans have all the opportunities to successfully reintegrate into society and the labor market.

Learn about our allies

Are you part of this transformation?

We constantly seek companies, institutions, and professionals who wish to contribute to our reintegration program through various forms of collaboration.

Be part of the change

By purchasing our handmade crafts, you directly contribute to this social impact program and help transform lives.