Building a Better Future ACJ Asociacion Cristiano de Jovenes

Abstract

Associated with the global organization of YMCA, ACJ holds the same philosophies of its parent organization, but has adapted them to the specific needs of Costa Rica. While the YMCA of the United States focuses on organizing youth through sports and the YMCA of Germany focuses more directly on religion, ACJ takes more of / a human development approach, focusing on meeting the social needs of the entire community. Developing programs on a religious, lay, and ecumenical level, ACJ provides services to aid the "integral development of the person". Established 25 years ago in Costa Rica, the organization continues to fight for justice and peace, while also creating a union to defend human rights. The three main areas that ACJ has dedicated itself to contribute to are community development, formation and leadership of youths, and infant and childcare.