Finding a way to help the national population was the main reason why a group of young people from La Carpio decided to get to work and develop protective face shields that reduce the possibility of Covid-19 contagion.
These face shields are produced at the SIFAIS LAB of Cuevadeluz in La Carpio, which was able to be installed in 2018 thanks to contributions from customers of Ferretería EPA. The design and evaluation of materials were endorsed by the INNOVATIO LAB of the National Learning Institute (INA), which oversees the manufacturing and prototyping processes.
Upon knowing and evaluating the condition of being able to reach the entire country with a quality product that is a basic necessity in times of national emergency, the SIFAIS Foundation proposed an alliance to Ferretería EPA through which this product could be promoted, not only in the five physical stores, but also through its delivery point in Liberia and the online store. This proposal was accepted with enthusiasm:
"We are very happy to help these entrepreneurs who seek daily to improve the quality of life of their families and homes. It is very important for us to help communities that require support to publicize initiatives and projects. One of our focuses of action is training in trades, and this idea of the face shields goes hand in hand with this objective," said Andrea Aguilar, Head of Community Initiative at Ferretería EPA.
The protective face shields will be available in the five Ferretería EPA stores (Belén, Curridabat, Desamparados, Escazú, Tibás) starting this Friday, May 8, for all Costa Ricans who wish to buy them and support this initiative. In addition, thanks to epaenlinea.com, people will be able to purchase them through that medium and receive their protective face shields anywhere in the country.
These masks are multi-size, reusable, easy to clean, and are made of durable, resistant material with zero porosity. They have a thickness greater than that approved by the CCSS for the protection of their doctors and health personnel.
Thanks to this distribution channel, the SIFAIS foundation will be able to benefit and continue promoting the social development of the La Carpio community, generate complementary resources for the young participants of the Makers program of the SIFAISLAB Academy, and also support, with donations of protective face shields, officials who are on the front lines of action in communities across the country.