Educate First-Generation Students in Honduras

As May comes to a close and we approach our 9th Anniversary, we are reminded that our work with at-risk Honduran youth would not be possible without the generosity of supporters like you. Because of your support, this year we are able to provide academic scholarships to over 60 youth in El Progreso and reach even more through our capacity-building and community engagement programs.

2014 ushered in a new team of youth coordinators, eight scholars who have dedicated their time and effort to bring our five community action programs to new heights. Participation in the community action programs not only provides an opportunity for our youth to put into practice the skills they acquire in the capacity-building and leadership program, but also serves as a medium of expression to engage with at-risk youth who do not directly benefit from our programs and create positive change in their communities.

So far in 2014, the magazine program organized a day of leadership and teambuilding activities at a home for street boys; the art program painted an environmental mural at a local elementary school and a health-related mural at a public health center in a nearby community; the radio program planned an excursion to a nearby waterfall, which not only provided an affordable opportunity for local youth to enjoy one of Honduras’ hidden gems, but also raised funds for the program; the graphic design program created a video on leadership and the wants of Honduran youth; and the sports program organized an athletic field day.

In collaboration with university volunteers from the United States, a local elementary school and the municipal government of El Progreso, our youth executed yet another river clean-up and reforestation event along the Pelo River, followed-up by the painting of a mural and an environmental campaign the local elementary school next to the clean-up and reforestation site.

In a country where the economy continues to deteriorate, unemployment soars, violence reigns and the term “youth” is often followed by “delinquents” in the minds of many, we at OYE believe in the importance of investing in and showing our confidence in the youth of Honduras.

We are eternally grateful to all of you who have shown your support for our youth over the past nine years and with your continued support, we will persist in pursuing our mission to provide at-risk Honduran youth with the tools and resources they need to continue their education, create change in their communities and contribute to the positive development of Honduras.

Links:

• Video on Leadership and Honduran Youth, created by OYE scholar.
• Blog piece on volunteer experience and environmental campaign.
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