Hello one and all, greetings from Honduras Child Alliance of El Porvenir, sandwiched between the beautiful Caribbean and rolling mountain ranges. I live beachfront on the last stretch of main road, the only paved piece in Honduras.There are many different sections of El Porvenir that expand from there, and HCA trys to reach into these different parts of the community with multiple programs, and teaching locations. I’ve been here just shy of a month and have a lot to share.
There are two volunteer houses, I live in the beach house just a handful of steps away from a swim, and a beautiful rooftop view of the water and the mountains. To say it concisely it’s a very chill spot to call home for the next couple months. At the moment there are three other volunteers living here aside from me, as well as our project manager and another girl who is running her own organization and living here full time in El Porvenir. There are 6 more volunteers living at the other house, along with a full time employee from Honduras, Celina who lives with her adorable 3 year old daughter. We make quite a group when we are all together, coming from countries such as France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, and the States. This past week we have been working on rewriting the curriculum as we are starting a new cycle of signups and classes. We have an abundance of volunteers currently so we are stepping up what our program offers. Now on top of the classes, there are a variety of clubs and as well as an activity day once a week, for excursions and solely fun with the kids.
Every volunteer is assigned to the various classes offered here dividing equally, between number of students, volunteers, distance and time.I visit a public Kindergarten Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, at 8 in the morning for about an hour to sing songs, and do activities in basic English. The kids are all full of energy and excitement every morning. As soon as you walk in the door you’re greeted by a chorus of “hello teacher”, and loads of little hugs.
Next in the day is PEP (Porvenir English Practice), these kids range from around a second grade level to sixth or seventh grade. Each day has a different focus of words and activities. There will be four classes a day two running simultaneously in alternate locations. Two classes are in the morning, two classes are in the afternoon as the kids only go to school here for half days here due to a lack of teacher.
It really is a wonderful organization, a beautiful location, with amazing people. It’s incredible how obvious of a difference we are making. The kids really are teaching me as well, especially with my Spanish. Teaching a language really goes both ways, the kids are always eager to help you with how to say certain things. My communication abilities may be limited though it doesn’t matter. At the very least we can show them that there are good people out there who care about their futures.
Cheque Leque
Ricky Bentley