Costa Rica
- Capital city: San Jose
- Population: 4,133,884
- Export commodities: bananas, pineapples, coffee, melons, sugar, ornamental plants
- % below the poverty line: 18% (2003)
- GDP/ capita: $12,500 (2006)
- Life expectancy: 77.21 years (2007)
- Literacy rate: 96.0% (2004)
- Environmental issues: deforestation, air pollution, waste control


A new, red roof was added to the La Pina school



An image of African King Grass

La Candelaria
Background – La Candelaria is located in a rich, predominantly coffee growing region of Costa Rica. The Rogers Company has purchased beans from this farm for a number of years, but 2001 was the first year that social programs were implemented.

2001- The first project was to extend the roofs on existing housing. Concrete walkways were also poured. Total spent: $4,000

2002- Many upgrades were made to the local school, La Pina. A new roof was added and the school’s bathrooms and basketball court were repaired (see picture). A meal program was also begun for students at La Pina and books, school supplies and soccer balls were provided. For the community, an African King Grass field was planted to absorb runoff from the wet mill coffee operation so that none of the mill's outflow of dirty water runs into and contaminates the local water supply.

2003- Funding continued to be provided for La Pina to enhance its programs. More books, pencils, paper and other educational supplies were provided and support continued for the school’s meal program.

2004- Aid was provided to support the school’s existing nutritional and educational programs. Various community projects around the farm also received funds.