On October 26, 2024, the Institute for Peace and Development (IPADES) and the Federation of Students of the National University (FEUNA) organized the Meeting of Nicaraguan Migrant and Refugee Students in Costa Rica. With the support of People In Need (PIN) and the University Action Program of the Center for Action for Freedom (CAL), this initiative brought together 20 young Nicaraguans with the aim of promoting their psychosocial well-being, integration into Costa Rican society, and empowerment as active participants in university and community life.

Objectives and Development of the Meeting

The meeting focused on:

  1. Promoting the psychosocial well-being of migrant and refugee students.
  2. Facilitating their social, political, and cultural integration into Costa Rica.
  3. Encouraging their involvement in university life and the student movement at UNA.
  4. Creating support and collaboration networks among migrant students, the university community, and civil society organizations.

Key Activities and Sessions

The event was structured into key sessions, designed to create a participatory and reflective environment:

  • Psychosocial and Human Rights Workshop: Facilitated by IPADES and PIN, this session provided tools for emotional management, addressing the trauma of migration and offering information on students’ rights as refugees and migrants.
  • Social, Political, and Cultural Integration of Migrants and Refugees in Costa Rica: Led by CAL’s University Action Program, this session covered integration and access to rights, promoting active participation in Costa Rican society.
  • University Life and Student Well-being at UNA: Facilitated by FEUNA, this session provided information on university life and the student movement, encouraging students to become agents of change within the university and society.

Outcomes and Achievements

The Meeting of Nicaraguan Migrant and Refugee Students achieved:

  1. A better understanding of human rights and available resources for migrant students in Costa Rica.
  2. Stronger social and academic integration of Nicaraguan students at the National University and within Costa Rican society.
  3. Creation of support networks among migrant students, organizations, and the university community for future collaboration.
  4. Empowerment of participants as agents of change within their host communities.

Evaluation and Future Perspectives

At the end of the event, participants shared their feedback and suggestions through a participatory evaluation, which will help plan future events and follow-up actions. This meeting proved to be an invaluable space for strengthening the integration and well-being of Nicaraguan migrant and refugee students in Costa Rica, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration between IPADES, FEUNA, and other supporting organizations.

IPADES extends its gratitude to all collaborators and participants for their commitment and enthusiasm in this impactful social initiative.