Apr 15

Written by: reh
4/15/2008

April 15, 2008, Tuesday

7:15AM Breakfast at the Maya with Dr. Avila. After preliminaries that included an update on Dr. Avila’s (he is becoming more involved in academia and expects to be appointed as the rector-our version of dean-of the Honduras University system) travels and on L4L, I explained that L4L needs a more stable financial base. I explained that I only know about the United Nations and the World Bank what I read in the news magazines but want to approach one of them for a grant. I know that, while the paperwork is important and applying with the right department within the organizations in important, presenting the proposal to the right person is most important. I understand the process will take time; my goal is to have results within a year, not within months. I would like Dr. Avila to coach me over the next year on the best approach. His reaction was instant and enthusiastic. He will talk to people today, when can I meet? He advised that we start with contacts in Honduras who will assist as we move forward. I said I would be back in the second half of June. He said he will get everyone ready. As the conversation developed, I talked a little of my dream (not the L4L mission nor a necessarily realistic expectation, but a dream)of building to 4000 to 6000 elementary students in Valle District then setting up a scholarship program for 7th thru 10th grade and finally approach the Honduras government and the UN to build a trade school in Valle District (I did this because Dr. Avila will be the Dean of Universities in Honduras). He observed that there is no such school in the Southern part of Honduras and thinks it’s a great goal. He then asked if I was going to present the total vision to the UN and WB. I said I hadn’t thought of that, but had expected to present the present program. He advised that my proposal be for the entire dream. Finally, he offered to go with me as I visit the various agencies, if I prefer; I prefer.

8:20AM In my room packing.

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