San José, Costa Rica - March 2023 - According to data from the National Judicial Investigation Agency, Costa Rica recorded more than 650 homicides in 2022, and 142 have already been added in the first two months of this year alone. In the face of such disturbing data, the Salesian work "CEDES Don Bosco" launched the "I Accept the Challenge" (Yo asumo el RETO, in Spanish) campaign to promote a violence-free community. On March 9, over 2,000 people, including students and staff, pledged to join this initiative. The campaign, inaugurated at the "CEDES Don Bosco" facilities, aims to raise awareness and promote concrete actions to prevent violence in Costa Rican society. Various strategies will be implemented throughout the year, such as: staff training, talks with parents, conversations, and workshops with students, theater performances, and the creation of a storybook for the institution's youngest children. "Violence can manifest itself in many forms, but it is important that we strive to eradicate it from our environment. We want to strengthen our institutional culture and educate children and youth so that they are not indifferent to the violence that other people may experience," said Edwin Soto, psychologist and campaign coordinator. "CEDES Don Bosco" also invites other schools to join this initiative and work together for a country without violence and a more just and safer society for all.