Educate First-Generation Students in Honduras

Dear Friends,

You absolutely overwhelmed us with your support this holiday season. Because of your support, we have started this year on a solid ground. We hope you will help us keep the momentum going and make our 15th year the best one yet!

So much has happened since we last checked in.

In December, 16 of our scholars graduated from high school and two more young women graduated from university - with degrees in education, - in addition to the three young women who graduated earlier this year. We received and reviewed the applications of nearly 100 aspiring scholars for 2020.

In January, after interviews, home visits and a careful evaluation of existing scholars and resources, we welcomed 32 new scholars into the OYE family at our annual welcoming ceremony. Making the most of the final weeks before the start of the new school year, we engaged our youth through workshops on emotional intelligence, sexual health and relationships. Furthermore, a small delegation of youth and staff participated in a three-day training and exchange with Radio Sónica in Guatemala, two adolescent girl leaders participated in a five-day training on girl-centered and girl-led advocacy, and two of our young women leaders represented OYE at a convening of Global Fund for Children grantees in Honduras.

Now, we are a few weeks into the new school year, youth coordinators have been selected, and our youth-led programs - in the arts, graphic design, communications and sports - are in full swing.

Thank you so much for being a part of this community, supporting and believing in our youth and their potential as leaders and changemakers. We have so much in store for 2020 and can't wait to share all of the amazing things we achieve together.

In appreciation,
Amanda

Dear Friends,

We generally use this as a platform to share stories of change and the important work that we do together. While that still holds true, we also feel it is important to give you a glimpse of the reality that our scholars – and students across Honduras – are living right now.

Hondurans have been living through crisis after crisis over the past several years, most recently as a direct result of the people’s indignation over the politics and (unconstitutional) presidency of Honduras’ second-term president, Juan Orlando Hernández, who is increasingly implicated in drug-related corruption and represses peaceful protests with police and military violence.

This violent repression hit even closer to home last week. Last Tuesday, police released tear gas inside a bus that transports students from the public university campus in San Pedro Sula to the city of El Progreso, where OYE is located. Seven of our scholars were on that bus and were forced to escape the fumes through open windows. Tear gas was also released in the general parking area, which affected students attending classes in nearby academic buildings. We are relieved that all of our scholars - and the rest of the students on that bus - are physically okay, though very rattled. This is only one in a series of attacks on students over the past couple years who peacefully stand up for their rights and what they believe in.

One of the students returning home from university that terrifying night was Óscar.

Now 20, Óscar came to OYE in his early adolescence, nearly eight years ago. His boyish grin may fool you into thinking he is the typical young and carefree teenager, but that is not the case. Behind that grin is a serious and concerned young man who is striving to go to college, where he studies civil engineering, and provide financially for his mother and little sister.

For most young people in Honduras, the opportunity to go to college is not even on the table. So, while Oscar’s road is not always easy, the fact that he even has the chance makes him one of the lucky ones. You don’t have to tell him that, though. He already knows it and is determined to always persevere, stay positive, and never let opportunities pass him by.

Over the past 14 years, our generous community has come together to support nearly 400 young Hondurans to graduate from high school and - in most cases - continue on to higher education. Beyond their education, our scholars become empowered and engaged citizens who stand up for themselves and for what is right, even when it is hard.

Thank you for being a part of this community and for standing with OYE.

In appreciation,
Amanda

P.S. Right now, all small donations up to $50 will be matched 100% by GlobalGiving until funds run out. Your donation will receive an additional match by anonymous OYE donors until the end of the month as a part of our summer campaign. 

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