PVFFK Foundation works with children and young people at social risk in Jaco and its surroundings. Through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Yoga, and other disciplines, they give them tools and skills for life so that they can "fight" their environment back. The accelerated growth of this tourist area has generated urban lagoons invaded by drug addiction, prostitution, and crime. A vast majority of these boys and girls experience situations of violence and vices in their families and/or in their neighborhoods or community. Their goal is to be a safe space for these boys and girls, empower them, work on their confidence, instill respect and discipline in them, promote socialization and learning, and that they enjoy their childhood.
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At Pura Vida Fighting for Kids Foundation, we work with children and young people at social risk in Jacó and its surroundings. Through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Yoga, and other disciplines, we give them tools and skills for life so that they can "fight" their environment back. A vast majority of these boys and girls experience situations of violence and vices in their families and/or in their neighborhoods or community.
Our goal is to be a safe space for these boys and girls, empower them, work on their confidence, instill respect and discipline in them, promote socialization and learning, and that they enjoy their childhood. In addition to providing multiple physical and psychological benefits, sport is a powerful tool for social transformation. We also focus on the development of skills and abilities for life.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has served as a fundamental tool to rescue children and adults. Called human chess, it is a sport that is shared worldwide, being the fastest growing sport in the last decade. Based on studies, it has been possible to understand the importance of implementing this sport from an early age in 5 aspects: Confidence and self-defense, Respect and discipline, Socialization, Physical Condition and Fun.
We complement this with the Judo program, declared by UNESCO as the best initial formative sport for children and young people and Yoga, which helps children to recenter attention on the present moment and begin to build capacity and self-regulation within themselves.
Additionally, each year, we give all students a package of school supplies to support the start of the school year. Additionally, seasonally we have other programs such as Chess, School for Parents, Break Dance, and others. We promote hard work, dedication, discipline, and perseverance from a very young age, so that our students have a comprehensive development both in sports and in social matters.
The accelerated growth of this tourist area has generated urban lagoons invaded by drug addiction, prostitution, and crime. On the other hand, with a population of more than 26,028, the schooling of the adult population is around 5.6 years. Attendance rates for preschool and secondary education are low. Since 2003, a rate of more than 20 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants has been registered in a sustained manner and since 2018 it increased to 30. High crime rates threaten the safety of all inhabitants and commerce.
Finally, in recent years there has been clear evidence of a war for the territory resulting from drug trafficking.
