Awakening the dream: from vision to reality

Back in 2016, while participating in the '24h at the Beauce Entrepreneurship School (EEB)' coaching program, I had an enriching experience sharing insights with young entrepreneurs. During an initial team-building exercise, we were asked to envision our goals for the next decade. Inspired by the EEB's approach, I voiced my aspiration to establish a school dedicated to teaching practical skills to the underprivileged, thereby enhancing their life quality. This school would mirror the EEB’s philosophy, with courses led by seasoned professionals committed to sharing their knowledge.

This vision stayed with me, continually evolving as I considered the perfect time and place for its realization. During the pandemic, my family and I relocated to Costa Rica for two months, enjoying remote work. We were instantly hooked with Guanacaste province and began scouting for a suitable property. Our search for a typically Costa Rican village, convenient to both airport and amenities, led us to Marbella. Visiting a plot of land there, I experienced an instant connection. My entrepreneurial spirit took charge, shifting my focus from a single house to a larger land parcel for a more significant project. Initially, I contemplated developing rental homes. However, observing the landowner's sad demeanor - a local in a region where foreign ownership is common - stirred empathy within me. Her reluctance to sell, driven by necessity, resonated with my own roots in Lebanon, imagining my family in a similar situation. This empathy crystallized my decision: Marbella would be the site of my envisioned trade school.

This project, I realized, could contribute positively to the community by providing well-paying jobs and allowing locals to thrive in their homeland. Although the initial land deal fell through, we acquired several other plots, ironically all previously owned by foreigners. The search for the ideal location for our educational center continued, culminating in a triumphant moment last November. With the support of Aylee, our family trust, we secured a magnificent 14,000 m² land parcel, setting the stage for a transformative journey for many in Costa Rica and Canada. This center aims to foster community bonds, facilitate learning exchanges, and offer Canadian students a unique opportunity to engage in community service in a meaningful and safe environment. Fundamentally, this initiative is about enabling those driven by altruism to fulfill their potential.

As the saying goes, while ideas are crucial, execution is key. We're embarking on this start-up journey with ambitious goals but understanding the need to begin modestly and remain responsive to growth and change. With the land now ours, we've commenced planning, marking the start of an exciting adventure.

Realizing this dream, however, requires financial backing. We're committed to this cause and are reaching out for support from friends and all willing contributors.

Thus, the Aylee Learning Center is now a reality, poised for growth and awaiting the collective support it needs to flourish."