
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 impactOur impact in numbers
Since 2020, we have worked to transform lives through handicrafts, offering opportunities for growth and social reintegration to people in prison.
Artisans supported
People in prison who have participated in our program
Years of trajectory
Transforming lives through art and professional training
Reintegration rate
Of the participants who have completed the program
Handmade crafts sold
Creations that have brought hope to Costa Rican homes
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.
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
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
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 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 missionRehabilitation 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.
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
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
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
Facilitates access to prisons and provides appropriate spaces for training and handicraft production workshops.

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.
"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
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 where animal figures are carved

Process of creating traditional Costa Rican coffee pots

Artisans working on decorative frames with tropical motifs

Fine details in decorative pieces inspired by Costa Rican flora

Session of technical training in advanced wood finishing techniques

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

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

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

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

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
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.

Reintegration program results
Our reintegration program has shown promising results in reducing recidivism and effectively integrating former prisoners into society.
Compared to 35% of the national average
Participants employed or with their own businesses
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 alliesAre 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.