Educate First-Generation Students in Honduras

Hi Friends,

It's hard to believe that the last time we checked in, social distancing was not even a part of our vocabulary, let alone a daily ritual to protect ourselves and those around us. Always, but especially in difficult times like these, we are grateful for our incredibe community of donors and supporters in the US, Honduras and across the globe. Thank you for believing in OYE and investing in our young people.

As you already know or can imagine, OYE closed its doors in mid-March as Honduras went into a strict lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Now five months in, schools and many non-essential businesses remained closed and circulation is limited to specific hours and days, depending on ID number.

In order to understand the true impact of the pandemic on education in Honduras, it must be noted that Honduras is one of the countries with lowest connectivity in the region. Only 40% of students have mobile data plans or fixed Internet connections at home and nearly 90% access Internet through a mobile device.

On top of continued scholarship support, which in many cases is our scholars' only source of income during lockdown, OYE has been providing mobile data credit on a needs basis to ensure they are able to keep up with their schoolwork and access OYE's virtual opportunities. These include workshops, reading clubs, counseling, indvidual and small-group tutoring sessions, arts and media classes, and group exercise sessions. Despite these connectivity challenges and limited devices, we are happy to report that OYE scholars are keeping up with their schoolwork and actively engaged in one or more virtual sessions each week. We believe that the fact that our young people continue to connect week after week is a reflection of the strength of our community and the deep connections young people build with each other and our staff.

On a lighter note, last month we started a fun new Q&A series to introduce some of our young leaders. Like Claudia, Kevin and Anderson, who (respectively) coordinate our youth sports, graphic design and communications programs. We encourage you to check out these interviews and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with our work and the young people we engage.

Thank you so much for your continued support. You make all of this, and more, possible.

In appreciation,
Amanda