Educational Blackout in Costa Rica
The Challenges of a National Emergency
As a Costa Rican student at Harvard, I discovered an alarming situation back home when I returned to my country for winter break: youth unemployment. My peers, people I had gone to high school with, to some fresh out of university, armed with degrees and high hopes, are finding themselves in a quagmire of unemployment.
In the bustling streets of San José and the towns alike, a common narrative unfolds among youth: the struggle to find a job that matches their qualifications and aspirations. Many of my recently graduated friends shared stories of their relentless job searches, often ending in frustration, a disheartening experience. The lack of suitable employment opportunities has pushed a significant number of young, educated Costa Ricans to take unconventional paths. I observed an increasing trend of their starting independent ventures, such as reselling used electronics on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, turning their culinary skills into small-scale home businesses, or using platforms such as Uber and UberEats to make a living. While commendable for their entrepreneurship, these initiatives are often born out of necessity rather than choice.
Youth stroll through the streets of San José. Photo by Diana Solis.
In an interview, David Fiery, 18, told me he had graduated from a public high school in the Costa Rican rural area of Turrialba and had applied to more than 19 jobs and was unsuccessful in entering the labor force. This led him to work alongside his parents in a catering business.
David’s mom had been a public high school teacher for over ten years but with the low wages for educators, she had to look for a stable income somewhere else. In addition to this, David explained that many public high schools fail to encourage students to continue their education and support them along the way. Many students who may think about going to college are lost in the confusion of which career path to take or if it is even worth pursuing a career at all. The public Costa Rican educational system lacks funding for extracurricular activities, crucial in preparing students for the real world and helping clarify what path they might want to take. This is especially true in the rural areas, I found out.
During my stay, I talked with many young adults, who expressed similar concerns. Many of them were either in the transition of finding a job, desperately seeking employment, or stuck in jobs for which they were underpaid and overqualified. This situation is not just anecdotal but is reflected starkly in the national statistics. A University of Costa Rica article indicates that “three out of ten young people are unemployed,” and one-fifth of young people neither study nor work. Furthermore, the latest reports showcase Costa Rica as one of the regions with the highest youth unemployment rates among OECD countries with more than 23% by the end of 2023. Another research paper by the College of Economic Sciences of Costa Rica, “Economic Inclusion of Young People, a Pending Debt,” also concluded that the country is not making enough effort to generate opportunities for youth, especially young women in the age bracket of 15 to 24, where the unemployment rate soars to 55.4%.
Social Science Department, University of Costa Rica. Photo by Diana Solis.
This alarming rate of youth unemployment is more than just a number; it symbolizes a deeper, more systemic issue within the Costa Rican society and economy. It represents a failure to harness the potential of a highly educated, yet underutilized segment, of the population. In addition to a lack of educational opportunities such as extracurricular activities in high schools. Public universities also face a deficit of funding.
The impact of this crisis goes beyond the immediate economic repercussions. It has profound psychological and social implications, manifesting in increased levels of stress, anxiety, and a general sense of hopelessness among the youth. The World Health Organization considered unemployment, especially among young people, to be associated with increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and even higher rates of suicide. Furthermore, in 2014, the Journal of Economic Psychology published a study titled “Gender differences and the re-establishment of employment” and found that youth unemployment significantly increases the risk of mental health issues, with young women being particularly vulnerable.
The situation is further exacerbated by the discrepancy between the low minimum wage and the high cost of living in Costa Rica. This economic imbalance makes it challenging for young people, even those employed, to maintain a decent standard of living. The struggle to make ends meet on a meager income is a reality for many, leading to a cycle of financial insecurity and limited prospects for future advancement. As of this year, the minimum wage in Costa Rica for a full day of employment is 11.953 thousand colones equivalent to $US23.85. The hourly minimum wage is 1.494.125 which is $US2.96. Currently, in tourist areas, the price of a burger costs around 6.000 to 8.000 colones equivalent to $US12 to $16. This is more than half the salary of a full day of work at minimum wage. Although the cost of living has significantly increased over the years, the minimum wage has nearly stayed the same over the last decade.
Lack of employment opportunities can lead to jobs in the informal sector. Photo by Arianna Fowler Instagram @arianna.1108
Even before going to Harvard, I was concerned about the plight of youth. I wrote my high school thesis on the decline of youth civic engagement in Costa Rica from 1986 to 2022. The research involved surveying young Costa Ricans about their perceptions and experiences. One of the survey questions asked about their frustrations as young citizens. A recurring theme in the responses was the lack of opportunities and the challenge of finding a stable, well-paying job.
This sentiment resonates with the wider narrative of disillusionment and disenchantment among the youth, contributing to their apathy towards civic participation and national affairs.
The correlation between high youth unemployment and low civic engagement is not coincidental. Disengaged and disillusioned youth are less likely to participate in the democratic process, voice their concerns, or believe in the potential for change. Again, this apathy towards civic duties is a significant concern, as it undermines the foundations of a democratic society and hampers the development of informed, engaged citizens.
As I delved deeper into my research, I discovered that the issue of youth unemployment in Costa Rica is multifaceted, involving economic, educational, and societal dimensions. The educational system, while robust in many aspects, is out of sync with the labor market demands. There’s a mismatch between the skills and knowledge imparted by educational institutions and the requirements of the job market. This disconnect results in an academically qualified workforce that needs to be equipped with the skills and experiences employers seek.
Currently, the Costa Rican economy is heavily reliant on sectors like tourism, agriculture and electronics manufacturing in free trade zones. This does not provide enough diverse opportunities for the burgeoning number of graduates. The lack of industry variety limits the absorption of these young professionals into the workforce, leading to saturation in certain job markets and a dearth of opportunities in others.
Another dimension of this crisis is the global economic environment. Costa Rica, like many other countries, has been affected by global economic trends and events, including the recent Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has profoundly impacted the economy, exacerbating existing challenges and creating new ones. The tourism sector, a significant source of employment in Costa Rica, has been particularly hard hit, leading to job losses and reduced opportunities for young people, which has not yet recovered.
The situation calls for an immediate approach to address the youth unemployment crisis in Costa Rica. This includes policy interventions aimed at aligning educational curricula with labor market needs, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, and creating an environment conducive to job creation and economic growth.
The youth unemployment crisis in Costa Rica is a complex issue that requires urgent attention and action. It’s not just about creating jobs; it’s about creating the right kind of jobs that utilize the talents and aspirations of the country’s young population. It’s about building an economy that is diverse, resilient, and inclusive. Most importantly, it’s about restoring hope and confidence in the youth, who are not just the future of the nation but its present. As I continue my studies in the United States, these reflections and insights from my homeland will remain a driving force in my academic and professional journey, inspiring me to contribute towards finding solutions for this pressing issue.
Daniela Solis is an undergraduate student at Harvard University from Costa Rica studying government. She wants to pursue a career in international and constitutional law to help battle governmental corruption in her home country as well as in the entire Latin American region.
She wishes to express her deep gratitude to Emanuel Segura for his invaluable contributions to this article. As a student of Political Science and Economics at the University of Costa Rica, Emanuel played a pivotal role in the production of this piece. His expertise, insights, and dedication were instrumental in providing valuable information, data, and statistics that are highly relevant to the discussion of youth unemployment in Costa Rica. Without his assistance, this article would not have been possible.
As a Costa Rican student at Harvard, I discovered an alarming situation back home when I returned to my country for winter break: youth unemployment. My peers, people I had gone to high school with, to some fresh out of university, armed with degrees and high hopes, are finding themselves in a quagmire of unemployment.
In the bustling streets of San José and the towns alike, a common narrative unfolds among youth: the struggle to find a job that matches their qualifications and aspirations. Many of my recently graduated friends shared stories of their relentless job searches, often ending in frustration, a disheartening experience. The lack of suitable employment opportunities has pushed a significant number of young, educated Costa Ricans to take unconventional paths. I observed an increasing trend of their starting independent ventures, such as reselling used electronics on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, turning their culinary skills into small-scale home businesses, or using platforms such as Uber and UberEats to make a living. While commendable for their entrepreneurship, these initiatives are often born out of necessity rather than choice.
Youth stroll through the streets of San José. Photo by Daniela Solis.
In an interview, David Fiery, 18, told me he had graduated from a public high school in the Costa Rican rural area of Turrialba and had applied to more than 19 jobs and was unsuccessful in entering the labor force. This led him to work alongside his parents in a catering business.
David’s mom had been a public high school teacher for over ten years but with the low wages for educators, she had to look for a stable income somewhere else. In addition to this, David explained that many public high schools fail to encourage students to continue their education and support them along the way. Many students who may think about going to college are lost in the confusion of which career path to take or if it is even worth pursuing a career at all. The public Costa Rican educational system lacks funding for extracurricular activities, crucial in preparing students for the real world and helping clarify what path they might want to take. This is especially true in the rural areas, I found out.
During my stay, I talked with many young adults, who expressed similar concerns. Many of them were either in the transition of finding a job, desperately seeking employment, or stuck in jobs for which they were underpaid and overqualified. This situation is not just anecdotal but is reflected starkly in the national statistics. A University of Costa Rica article indicates that “three out of ten young people are unemployed,” and one-fifth of young people neither study nor work. Furthermore, the latest reports showcase Costa Rica as one of the regions with the highest youth unemployment rates among OECD countries with more than 23% by the end of 2023. Another research paper by the College of Economic Sciences of Costa Rica, “Economic Inclusion of Young People, a Pending Debt,” also concluded that the country is not making enough effort to generate opportunities for youth, especially young women in the age bracket of 15 to 24, where the unemployment rate soars to 55.4%.
Social Science Department, University of Costa Rica. Photo by Daniela Solis.
This alarming rate of youth unemployment is more than just a number; it symbolizes a deeper, more systemic issue within the Costa Rican society and economy. It represents a failure to harness the potential of a highly educated, yet underutilized segment, of the population. In addition to a lack of educational opportunities such as extracurricular activities in high schools. Public universities also face a deficit of funding.
The impact of this crisis goes beyond the immediate economic repercussions. It has profound psychological and social implications, manifesting in increased levels of stress, anxiety, and a general sense of hopelessness among the youth. The World Health Organization considered unemployment, especially among young people, to be associated with increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and even higher rates of suicide. Furthermore, in 2014, the Journal of Economic Psychology published a study titled “Gender differences and the re-establishment of employment” and found that youth unemployment significantly increases the risk of mental health issues, with young women being particularly vulnerable.
The situation is further exacerbated by the discrepancy between the low minimum wage and the high cost of living in Costa Rica. This economic imbalance makes it challenging for young people, even those employed, to maintain a decent standard of living. The struggle to make ends meet on a meager income is a reality for many, leading to a cycle of financial insecurity and limited prospects for future advancement. As of this year, the minimum wage in Costa Rica for a full day of employment is 11.953 thousand colones equivalent to $US23.85. The hourly minimum wage is 1.494.125 which is $US2.96. Currently, in tourist areas, the price of a burger costs around 6.000 to 8.000 colones equivalent to $US12 to $16. This is more than half the salary of a full day of work at minimum wage. Although the cost of living has significantly increased over the years, the minimum wage has nearly stayed the same over the last decade.
Lack of employment opportunities can lead to jobs in the informal sector. Photo by Arianna Fowler Instagram: @arianna.1108
Even before going to Harvard, I was concerned about the plight of youth. I wrote my high school thesis on the decline of youth civic engagement in Costa Rica from 1986 to 2022. The research involved surveying young Costa Ricans about their perceptions and experiences. One of the survey questions asked about their frustrations as young citizens. A recurring theme in the responses was the lack of opportunities and the challenge of finding a stable, well-paying job.
This sentiment resonates with the wider narrative of disillusionment and disenchantment among the youth, contributing to their apathy towards civic participation and national affairs.
The correlation between high youth unemployment and low civic engagement is not coincidental. Disengaged and disillusioned youth are less likely to participate in the democratic process, voice their concerns, or believe in the potential for change. Again, this apathy towards civic duties is a significant concern, as it undermines the foundations of a democratic society and hampers the development of informed, engaged citizens.
As I delved deeper into my research, I discovered that the issue of youth unemployment in Costa Rica is multifaceted, involving economic, educational, and societal dimensions. The educational system, while robust in many aspects, is out of sync with the labor market demands. There’s a mismatch between the skills and knowledge imparted by educational institutions and the requirements of the job market. This disconnect results in an academically qualified workforce that needs to be equipped with the skills and experiences employers seek.
Currently, the Costa Rican economy is heavily reliant on sectors like tourism, agriculture and electronics manufacturing in free trade zones. This does not provide enough diverse opportunities for the burgeoning number of graduates. The lack of industry variety limits the absorption of these young professionals into the workforce, leading to saturation in certain job markets and a dearth of opportunities in others.
Another dimension of this crisis is the global economic environment. Costa Rica, like many other countries, has been affected by global economic trends and events, including the recent Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has profoundly impacted the economy, exacerbating existing challenges and creating new ones. The tourism sector, a significant source of employment in Costa Rica, has been particularly hard hit, leading to job losses and reduced opportunities for young people, which has not yet recovered.
The situation calls for an immediate approach to address the youth unemployment crisis in Costa Rica. This includes policy interventions aimed at aligning educational curricula with labor market needs, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, and creating an environment conducive to job creation and economic growth.
The youth unemployment crisis in Costa Rica is a complex issue that requires urgent attention and action. It’s not just about creating jobs; it’s about creating the right kind of jobs that utilize the talents and aspirations of the country’s young population. It’s about building an economy that is diverse, resilient, and inclusive. Most importantly, it’s about restoring hope and confidence in the youth, who are not just the future of the nation but its present. As I continue my studies in the United States, these reflections and insights from my homeland will remain a driving force in my academic and professional journey, inspiring me to contribute towards finding solutions for this pressing issue.
Daniela Solis is an undergraduate student at Harvard University from Costa Rica studying government. She wants to pursue a career in international and constitutional law to help battle governmental corruption in her home country as well as in the entire Latin American region.
She wishes to express her deep gratitude to Emanuel Segura for his invaluable contributions to this article. As a student of Political Science and Economics at the University of Costa Rica, Emanuel played a pivotal role in the production of this piece. His expertise, insights, and dedication were instrumental in providing valuable information, data, and statistics that are highly relevant to the discussion of youth unemployment in Costa Rica. Without his assistance, this article would not have been possible.
Crisis de Desempleo Juvenil en Costa Rica
Un Llamado de Acción
Por Daniela Solís
Como estudiante costarricense en Harvard, cuando regrese al país me encontré con una situación bastante alarmante: el desempleo juvenil. Me encontré con amigos e incluso ex compañeros de colegio algunos que incluso recién se habían graduado de la universidad, armados con títulos y grandes esperanzas en busca de trabajo sin exito en poder entrar a la fuerza laboral.
En las calles de San José, se desarrolla una narrativa común entre los jóvenes: la lucha por encontrar un trabajo que coincida con sus calificaciones y aspiraciones. Muchos de mis amigos recién graduados compartieron historias de sus incansables búsquedas de trabajo, que a menudo terminaban en frustración, una experiencia bastante desalentadora. La falta de oportunidades de empleo adecuadas ha llevado a un número significativo de jóvenes costarricenses educados a tomar caminos poco convencionales. Observé una tendencia de empezar emprendimientos de independientes, entre ellos la reventa de productos electrónicos usados en plataformas como Facebook Marketplace, servicios de catering de alimentos, hasta utilizar plataformas como Uber y UberEats como empleo primario para poder ganarse la vida. Aunque son encomiables por su espíritu empresarial, estas iniciativas a menudo nacen de la necesidad más que de la elección.
Jóvenes pasean por las calles de San José. Crédito de foto: Diana Solís.
En una entrevista, David Fiery, de 18 años, me contó que se había graduado de una escuela secundaria pública en la zona rural costarricense de Turrialba y había solicitado empleo en más de 19 empleos pero sin éxito. Esto lo llevó a trabajar junto a sus padres en un negocio de catering. La mamá de David había sido maestra de escuela secundaria pública durante más de diez años, pero con los bajos salarios que hoy en día se les brinda a los educadores, tuvo que buscar un ingreso estable en otro lugar. Además de esto, David explicó que muchas escuelas secundarias públicas no animan a los estudiantes a continuar su educación ni hay un esfuerzo para apoyarlos en este proceso. Muchos estudiantes de secundaria frecuentemente se encuentran una gran confusión respecto a la decisión de ir a la universidad y lo más importante sobre qué carrera estudiar o si vale la pena continuar su educación. El problema actual que tiene el sistema educativo público de Costa Rica es que carece de financiamiento para actividades extracurriculares. Estas actividades pueden llegar a ser cruciales para preparar a los estudiantes para el mundo real y ayudar a aclarar qué camino podrían querer seguir. Esto descubrí es un problema principal de las escuelas y colegios en las zonas rulares del país.
Durante mi viaje de vuelta al país, converse con varios adultos jóvenes que expresaron preocupaciones similares. Muchos de ellos estaban en la transición de encontrar un trabajo ya sea buscando desesperadamente empleo o atrapados en trabajos mal remunerados y para los que estaban sobrecalificados. Esta situación no es solo anecdótica, sino que se refleja claramente en las estadísticas nacionales. En un artículo de la Universidad de Costa Rica “Tres de cada diez jóvenes están desempleados”, una quinta parte de los jóvenes ni estudia ni trabaja. Además, los últimos informes muestran a Costa Rica como una de las regiones con las tasas de desempleo juvenil más altas entre los países de la OECD, con más del 23% al final de 2023. Otro documento de investigación de la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas de Costa Rica, “Inclusión Económica de los Jóvenes, una Deuda Pendiente”, también concluyó que el país no está haciendo el suficiente esfuerzo para generar oportunidades para los jóvenes, especialmente mujeres jóvenes en el rango de edad de 15 a 24 años, donde la tasa de desempleo se dispara al 55,4%.
Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Costa Rica. Crédito de foto: Diana Solís.
Esta alarmante tasa de desempleo juvenil es más que un número. Es una problematica que simboliza un desafío más profundo. Representa un fracaso que tiene el país para aprovechar el potencial de un segmento de la población altamente educado, pero subutilizado. Además de la falta de oportunidades educativas como actividades extracurriculares en las escuelas secundarias. Las universidades públicas también enfrentan un déficit de financiamiento.
El impacto de esta crisis va más allá de las repercusiones económicas inmediatas. Tiene profundas implicaciones psicológicas y sociales, manifestadas en niveles elevados de estrés, ansiedad y un sentido general de desesperanza entre los jóvenes. La Organización Mundial de la Salud considera que el desempleo, especialmente entre los jóvenes, está asociado con niveles más altos de estrés, ansiedad, depresión e incluso tasas más altas de suicidio. Además, en 2014, la Revista de Psicología Económica publicó un estudio titulado “Diferencias de género y el restablecimiento del empleo” y encontró que el desempleo juvenil aumenta significativamente el riesgo de problemas de salud mental, siendo las mujeres jóvenes particularmente vulnerables.
La situación se agrava aún más por la discrepancia entre el bajo salario mínimo y el alto costo de vida en Costa Rica. Este desequilibrio económico hace que sea difícil para los jóvenes, incluso los empleados, mantener un nivel de vida decente. La lucha por llegar a fin de mes con un ingreso escaso es una realidad para muchos, lo que lleva a un ciclo de inseguridad financiera y perspectivas limitadas para el avance futuro. A partir de este año, el salario mínimo en Costa Rica para un día completo de empleo es de 11.953 mil colones equivalentes a 23.85 dólares estadounidenses. Lo que indica que por hora, el salario mínimo es de 1.494.125 mil colones, que son 2.96 USD. Actualmente, en las zonas turísticas, el precio de una hamburguesa cuesta alrededor de 6.000 a 8.000 colones, equivalentes a 12 a 16 USD. Esto es más de la mitad del salario de un día completo de trabajo de una persona con salario mínimo. Aunque el costo de vida ha aumentado significativamente a lo largo de los años, el salario mínimo ha permanecido casi igual durante la última década.
La falta de oportunidades laborales puede conducir a trabajo en el sector informal. Crédito de foto: Arianna Fowler, Instagram @arianna.1108
Antes de empezar mi carrera en Harvard, escribí mi tesis de bachillerato sobre el declive del compromiso cívico juvenil en Costa Rica desde 1986 hasta 2022. La investigación incluyó encuestas a jóvenes costarricenses sobre sus percepciones y experiencias. Una de las preguntas de la encuesta indagaba sobre sus frustraciones como ciudadanos jóvenes. Un tema recurrente en las respuestas fue la falta de oportunidades y el desafío de encontrar un trabajo estable y bien remunerado. Este sentimiento resuena con la narrativa más amplia de desilusión y desencanto entre los jóvenes, contribuyendo a su apatía hacia la participación cívica y los asuntos nacionales.
La correlación entre el alto desempleo juvenil y la baja participación cívica no es coincidencia. Los jóvenes desinteresados y desilusionados tienen menos probabilidades de participar en el proceso democrático, expresar sus preocupaciones o creer en el potencial de cambio.
Nuevamente, esta apatía hacia los deberes cívicos es una preocupación importante, ya que socava los cimientos de una sociedad democrática y obstaculiza el desarrollo de ciudadanos informados y comprometidos.
A medida que profundicé en mi investigación, descubrí que el problema del desempleo juvenil en Costa Rica es multifacético, involucrando dimensiones económicas, educativas y sociales. El sistema educativo, si bien es sólido en muchos aspectos, está desfasado con las demandas del mercado laboral. Existe una discrepancia entre las habilidades y conocimientos impartidos por las instituciones educativas y los requisitos del mercado laboral. Esta desconexión resulta en una fuerza laboral académicamente calificada pero que necesita estar equipada con las habilidades y experiencias que los empleadores buscan.
Actualmente, la economía costarricense depende en gran medida de sectores como el turismo, la agricultura y la manufactura electrónica en zonas de libre comercio. Esto no proporciona suficientes oportunidades diversas para la creciente cantidad de graduados. La falta de variedad de industrias limita la absorción de estos jóvenes profesionales en la fuerza laboral, lo que lleva a la saturación en ciertos mercados laborales y a la escasez de oportunidades en otros.
Otra dimensión de esta crisis es el entorno económico global. Costa Rica, como muchos otros países, se ha visto afectada por tendencias y eventos económicos globales, incluida la reciente pandemia de Covid-19. La pandemia ha impactado profundamente la economía, exacerbando los desafíos existentes y creando nuevos. El sector turístico, una fuente importante de empleo en Costa Rica, ha sido particularmente golpeado, lo que ha llevado a pérdidas de empleo y a la reducción de oportunidades para los jóvenes, que aún no se han recuperado por completo.
La situación requiere un enfoque inmediato para abordar la crisis de desempleo juvenil en Costa Rica. Esto incluye intervenciones políticas destinadas a alinear los planes de estudio educativos con las necesidades del mercado laboral, fomentar el espíritu empresarial y la innovación, y crear un entorno propicio para la creación de empleo y el crecimiento económico.
La crisis de desempleo juvenil en Costa Rica es un problema complejo que requiere atención y acción urgente. No se trata solo de crear empleos; se trata de crear el tipo correcto de empleos que aprovechen los talentos y aspiraciones de la joven población del país. Se trata de construir una economía diversa, resiliente e inclusiva. Lo más importante, es que de esta forma se pueda restaurar la esperanza y la confianza en los jóvenes, que no solo son el futuro de la nación, sino que son el presente. A medida que continúo mis estudios en los Estados Unidos, estas reflexiones y conocimientos de mi país seguirán siendo una fuerza impulsora en mi viaje académico y profesional, inspirándome a contribuir hacia la búsqueda de soluciones para graves problemas que enfrenta la región así como este.
Finalmente, quiero expresar mi profunda gratitud a Emanuel Segura por sus invaluables contribuciones a este artículo. Como estudiante de Ciencias Políticas y Economía en la Universidad de Costa Rica, Emanuel desempeñó un papel fundamental en la producción de este artículo. Su experiencia, conocimientos y dedicación fueron fundamentales para proporcionar información valiosa, datos y estadísticas que son altamente relevantes para la discusión sobre el desempleo juvenil en Costa Rica. Sin su ayuda, este artículo no habría sido posible.
Daniela Solís es una joven estudiante costarricense que está cursando su pregrado en la Universidad de Harvard en la carrera de gobierno. Su objetivo es continuar su carrera en derecho internacional y constitucional para contribuir a combatir la corrupción gubernamental en su país natal y en toda la región de América Latina.
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