May 1

Written by: reh
5/1/2006

On each visit to Honduras there is always some incident that re-strengthens my resolve to work with the L4L program. This past visit was no exception.

One objective of the recent trip was to visit each of the four schools we are adding to the L4L program (we are now feeding a total of 425 elementary school children lunch each school day at 7 rural schools). All four schools are at least a half hour ride on dirt roads off CA-1. The Honduras Government builds the school houses and pays the teachers. The local community provides maintenance and school supplies. The poorer the neighborhood, the poorer the school. A recent wind storm blew six panels off the roof of one school house. Once the local residents collect enough money to purchase new panels, the “care taker” will repair the roof. The total cost of the panels is $90. The community expects to have the necessary money collected in 6 to 8 weeks. Anyone who tours these poor rural communities quickly appreciates the significance of the L4L program.

During each visit, I invite the school principals to join me for evening dinner. After dinner, I open the discussion by asking if there is anything L4L can do to improve the lunch program. Ms. Yojana Ortega started the discussion by explaining that she is friends with the principal of the elementary school north of hers. She continued “My friend wants to know how her school can become among the chosen”. “….among the chosen” stays with me. Those communities where the elementary school children benefit from the L4L program consider themselves to be “among the chosen”.

It is hard for us to comprehend what a struggle life is that the parents of those children who simply receive a lunch each school day consider themselves to be “among the chosen”.

I came home committed anew to work toward the continuation the L4L program far beyond the present school year.

Siemper su amigo,

Ron Hicks

           

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