Rural Honduras - What is school like?

When Honduras Outreach Inc. began working in the Agalta Valley, many of the aldeas had one school room, if that. Grades K-6 would be taught in a single room with a single teacher, to about 80-100 students. After 20 years in the Agalta Valley, we have seen some significant changes. For one, HOI has a kindergarten in every aldea with a separate teacher. Many of the aldeas now have two additional school rooms for grades 1-6, with at least two teachers. This is a huge improvement which has had a significant impact on how education is valued in the region. More children are going to school, and more are interested in continuing school after sixth grade even though many of their parents either never went to school, or only went for a couple of years. Thankfully HOI runs a scholarship program to help students continue their education, and has built a middle school and high school in Culuco near their ranch. If anyone wants to help their website is http://www.hoi.org/.

As much as the situation has improved, it is important to note that it is still no where near ideal. Many students still go to schools where they have to sit on the floor because there are no desks or chairs. In addition, many do not have school supplies so it is hard to complete assignments. They can still use further assisstance in the form of donations or missionary work. Each mission team brings a school kit for each child in their assigned aldea, so there is the option of bringing supplies directly to the children.

The special part of helping this way is the experience you have when you walk into a school room and see how little they have, therefore giving yourself the opportunity to better understand the situation. Secondly, the smiles on their faces when you hand them a new spiral notebook and pencils are priceless. And thirdly, the message that you send them that they are worth the visit means the most of all. When they see you standing in their school room, they know for certain that you care, and that they can trust you. Afterall, they don't ever see anyone from the government coming to help them, so for some we are their last hope.