Educate First-Generation Students in Honduras

Dear Friends,

Over the past several months, we have witnessed migrant families being torn apart in real time. The sad reality is that this is not new. Violence, poverty and inequality in Honduras have been separating families for decades, sometimes permanently.

Beyond the lack of opportunities to study or work, disadvantaged youth are exposed to violence, discrimination and social exclusion in their daily lives. Facing these challenges and dreaming of a better life, it should not come to a surprise that they continue to risk their lives to make the dangerous journey north.

Yet in the last five years, only 4 of over 200 OYE scholars have left or tried to leave Honduras. The reality is that most Honduran youth do not actually want to abandon everything they know and love for a country that is openly hostile to their presence. But without opportunities in Honduras, leaving becomes the only option.

Together with you, and our generous community of donors and partners, OYE has provided education, opportunity and hope to hundreds of youth since 2005.

This past weekend, several of our youth scholars sat in a circle with a delegation of U.S. Congressional staffers to talk about OYE and their lives in Honduras. The words "opportunity," "support," "family," and "belonging" came up repeatedly as they talked about their experiences in OYE. They acknowleged the importance of our scholarships to continue their education, but emphasized that OYE means so much more than that. They teared up (and so did the rest of us present) as they talked about what their lives may have looked like without OYE.

Sometimes youth just need someone to believe in their potential. And the support to reach it.

Former scholar, Cesar, captures this perfectly: "When our mom died, everyone would look at us and say: 'Those poor kids won't amount to anything. They will end up on the streets, in gangs or on drugs.' But we proved them wrong. The values my mom instilled in us, and the support we have received from OYE, guided us along a different path. Look at us now. My sister graduated from high school. I graduated. Later this year, my brother will graduate."

We are proud to share that César graduated from high school last year and is now employed full-time at one of Honduras' leading banks. At only 19-years-old, he is currently the sole financial provider for his family.

The transition from poverty to prosperity takes years of consistent and comprehensive support and is only possible through a shared effort between our youth, their families, our staff and our community of donors.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

In appreciation,
Amanda

P.S. An incredible group of anonymous donors have stepped up to match all donations dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000 through the end of the summer. We are over halfway to our goal, but we would really appreciate a gift from you to keep us moving forward!