The Upala workshop: reflections on the pedagogical experience from the relationship with a cross-border territory at the School of Social Work of the University of Costa Rica, 2018-2022

Abstract

Introduction: This article recovers the processes experienced during the period 2018-2022 as part of the University Society relationship developed from the linking of two substantive university activities, in a local space located in the cross-border area of ​​San José de Upala, in the north of Costa Rica from the School of Social Work of the University of Costa Rica.

Objective: Recover the main processes experienced within the framework of a pedagogical and Social Action process during five years of existence of the link between the School of Social Work and the towns of San José de Upala.

Method: Based on the experience of the process and its systematization, a tour is made of the main milestones that have marked the development of academic activities in San José de Upala, from a qualitative approach to administrative documents, student works, field notes. of the teacher responsible for work processes, administrative reports, among others.

Results:  A work process marked by the conditions of social exclusion experienced by cross-border populations, deepened during the COVID19 syndemic, is recognized. In this framework, the bond established between the students and the teacher was fundamental, which has allowed us to recognize and influence the particularities of each locality.

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