Hearts For Honduras School
What is the purpose of the Hearts For Honduras School? Many children in La Entrada do net get an opportunity to attend school. In many cases this is because their parents cannot afford the cost of uniforms, books, etc. needed to attend public school. More often the children have had to “sell” on the streets to make money for the family to survive day-to-day. The purpose of Hearts For Honduras is to encourage and support families to send their children to school. An important goal is to educate parents, who are mostly uneducated, about the value of getting an education to improve the quality of their life. The hope is that with more children being educated, future generations will have a better chance of breaking the vicious cycle of poverty.
Who benefits from the program? The children and parents of La Entrada benefit. The children receive an education and everyone is counseled about the importance of school, good nutrition, healthy living and following a Christian life.
Where are the classes held? Classes at the Hearts For Honduras School in La Entrada are conducted in classrooms have been funded by Liberty Corner Church and friends of Honduras. Construction of a portion of the buildings containing the classrooms was performed by LCPC volunteers during their annual visits. Four of the classrooms were renovated in 2005. Classrooms include a modern computer lab opened in March 2004 with 15 new computers donated by industry local to Liberty Corner
Scope of the program? While there are hundreds of children who would benefit from the program, it is important that it be done correctly and that the benefits are obvious and realized. The school was started with 23 children in a first grade class in 2000 and now has 175 children attending grades Kindergarten through 6th grade. In November 2004 the school graduated its first 6th grade class! (In Honduras a typical public grammar school is grades 1-6).
What resources are needed in Honduras? Teachers and assistants are hired by the School Director. These teachers visit families, help to identify children who may need help, teach school, and work with local educators and health professionals to provide the support and education needed by these children. The school is funded by gifts from Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church.
What will happen to children who complete the schooling? Children are encouraged to continue schooling in high school or technical school. This “encouragement” takes place through financial support as well as “follow-up” counseling to improve the chance that a child will continue to take advantage of the opportunity provided by Hearts For Honduras. A scholarship program set-up by LCPC is used to provide the financial support required.
What is expected of the children and parents in Honduras? Families are encouraged to attend church services, follow a Christian life style, and become part of a “church family”. Children are expected to attend school faithfully each day, and meet the requirements of the school. Parents are required to periodically help in the school with lessons, childcare, preparation of meals, etc., and to encourage their children to live healthy lives; spiritually, mentally and physically.
What do “supporters” of the program receive? Supporters of Hearts For Honduras receive the best gift of all….the knowledge that children are being given the chance to make a better life for themselves, and learn what Jesus Christ can do in their lives. Periodic newsletters are sent by Liberty Corner containing news about the school and the Honduras ministry at LCPC.
We hope you will join us in praying and supporting Hearts For Honduras! Muchas gracias!
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