An interview with César Barrantes from The Voice of Guanacaste

Earlier this month, Kati sat down for an interview with César Barrantes of The Voice of Guanacaste – a fantastic publication that connects the rural communities of Costa Rica with what’s happening in the wider world. His determination to promote literacy and give his people a platform to be heard is truly inspiring! Read our interview with César Barrantes below:

Could you tell us a little bit about ‘The Voice of Guanacaste’? Why do you think local news stories are so important?

The Voice of Guanacaste (VOG) is a non-profit newspaper that publishes stories and investigations from communities in Guanacaste, a wonderful province in the north of Costa Rica. These are powerful stories, not like those stories that just talk about power.

By doing this, we at the VOG are hoping to make the province more visible. We help people learn that there’s more about the region than just its beaches and resorts. We build bridges between the province and the capital city, and from the communities of Guanacaste to the rest of the world. Producing and publishing local stories in both English and Spanish, VOG strives to empower the people and bring more context to the public policy, even to the tourists from around the world who visit us.

Your work focuses on rural communities, trying to tell their stories and show them the wider world – do you think these people benefit from being more connected?

Absolutely. More quality information provides the people in the rural communities with more power. If they use the content that VOG produces to make better decisions or to organize themselves with greater efficiently, then other people, cities, or provinces will be able to learn from their good example. Also, if our people have the chance to tell their stories to the world, they are ever more likely to be connected with what is happening at present and also (more excitingly) with the future.

You’ve been working on a project to increase literacy in rural areas, could you tell us a bit about that?

I was born and raised here, always surrounded by books and with a Mom constantly telling me the benefits of reading. So, I wanted to do something to bring more books, mainly children’s books, to the people in the smallest communities from Guanacaste. I want to promote and indulge the habit of reading and love explaining to the children the joy and the benefits of this habit. It’s hard to find reading books here, and the people from the capital have supported my idea with much generosity.

Have you met any local heroes as part of your work? Any stories to share?

A lot! From women working to improve their children’s access to culture, to young leaders striving to create more opportunities for their peers in the region. The people here are incredibly grateful, yet also aware of their rights and the importance of a good education in facing the future and the inevitable effects of globalization.

What would be your top recommendations for someone visiting Costa Rica? Any unmissable highlights?

1. Do some reading on Costa Rica and its people before you visit – it will help you connect with the locals.
2. Talk to the locals! Costa Ricans are incredibly friendly and laid-back all over the country.
3. Consider going on a diet before the trip… just kidding! But it’s nice to be able to enjoy all our amazing food without any regrets.

What’s next for you? Do you have any more projects you’re working on?

Always! There’s still a lot of work to be done here. Right now, I’m working on my new podcast called Verbo Joven, where I talk with young people from all seven provinces about politics, the economy, entrepreneurship, and the future. We need to amplify the voices of young people who are studying and working hard to transform the status quo, they’re creating more opportunities for everyone. I’m really excited about this because traditional media usually focuses on older voices, but it’s us, the young people, who are building the future. We deserve the chance to share our opinions and have a platform to do so.

What would be your three dream travel destinations around the world?

Uyuni in Bolivia, Canaima National Park in Venezuela, and Chiloé in Chile – these are places I absolutely love in Latin America. I can’t get enough of it and always find myself wanting to return to these countries over and over again!

Make it happen

If our interview with César Barrantes have inspired you to travel to the magical country of Costa Rica and discover its fabulous culture and enchanting local population, then get in touch with our local experts and start planning your next trip today!