HONDURAS

(MissionNewswire) The San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Center, located in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, celebrated its 39th anniversary this year. Founded by Salesian Father Guerrino Giacomel, the center has left an indelible mark on the country’s technical training.

Under the current leadership of Salesian Brother Oscar Pereira and his team, the center has expanded its reach to serve a growing number of youth. Students can take a wide range of technical training including skills for hairstyling, graphic design, electrical and photovoltaic systems, automotive mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, baking and pastry, refrigeration and air conditioning, and computer systems support. The center also offers distance learning opportunities.

“Youth need access to the vocational and technical training that provides them the skills for later employment,” explained Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian schools in Honduras and around the globe provide students with opportunities and create a well-trained pipeline of workers ready and able to enter the workforce into sectors that need skilled labor.”

The second largest country in Central America, Honduras is one of the poorest and most crime-ridden countries in the Western Hemisphere with 60% of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rough geographic terrain in the country has limited the development of transportation, keeping much of the rural population isolated. Poverty and food scarcity are severe in rural areas and one out of every four Hondurans struggles with chronic malnutrition. In addition, one out of every five Hondurans lacks access to adequate health care.

As of March 2023, official data showed 14% of Hondurans could not read or write, with the rate reaching 31% for those aged 60 and older. Only 56% of children between 12 and 14, and 29% between 15 and 17, were attending school.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Honduras for more than 100 years operating schools, youth centers, and medical clinics to help support and educate poor youth and their families.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of  Salesians of Don Bosco West

Salesians of Don Bosco West – San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Centre Celebrates 39th Anniversary

Salesian Missions – Honduras

World Bank – Honduras

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HONDURAS

(MissionNewswire) More than 1,000 youth in Salesian educational institutions in Honduras are benefiting from school furniture thanks to a donation secured by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The furniture was provided by Furniture Reuse Solutions, which has a commitment to sustainability and societal benefit. The company provides charities and nonprofits with gifts-in-kind donations that aid in their humanitarian missions.

The donation, which was received in December 2021, provided tables, chairs, and shelving units to the San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Center, San Miguel Salesian Institute, and the Archdiocese of Gracias Lempira. Prior to the donation, there were no tables for students in classrooms or chairs for offices. Many of the rooms also lacked shelving for organizing school and office supplies. Students who are studying refrigeration also lacked tables to do their work.

With the furniture, the Salesian schools have much more organizational structure in work and studying spaces. Shelving was installed for equipment and supplies. The refrigeration and barbershop areas now have space to practice. Staff are able to sit in offices and students now can study and learn at tables, which makes learning much more comfortable.

Carmen Lorraine Posadas, a 19-year-old student at the San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Center, was impacted by the donation. She is studying styling and lives with her mother who works as a domestic employee. Posadas noted that for other schools her mother needed to buy everything for her to be able to attend classes. At the center, many things were provided for her.

Posadas said, “I am completely in awe of everything this institution offers us as young people.  They provide us with tools for learning, and the spaces are comfortable. The chairs are suitable for the work that we do and the tables helps us keep everything organized. I think this institution would benefit many in our country. I want to thank all the people and organizations that strive to help and improve the environment at San Juan Bosco Center and improve what we already have available.”

The second largest country in Central America, Honduras is one of the poorest and most crime-ridden countries in the Western Hemisphere with 60 percent of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rough geographic terrain in the country has limited the development of transportation, keeping much of the rural population isolated. Poverty and food scarcity are severe in rural areas and one out of every four Hondurans struggles with chronic malnutrition. In addition, one out of every five Hondurans lacks access to adequate health care.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Honduras for more than 100 years operating schools, youth centers, and medical clinics to help support and educate poor youth and their families.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Furniture Reuse Solutions

Salesian Missions – Honduras

World Bank – Honduras

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HONDURAS

(MissionNewswire) The Mary Help of Christians Parish in Comayagüela, Honduras, facilitates a Salesian youth volunteer program, which provides youth an opportunity to be engaged in acts of service. This year the volunteer program camp had the theme of the Rector Major’s Strenna 2022 “Do all through love, nothing through constraint.” The 70 participating volunteers delved into its meaning and used it as a guide for volunteer initiatives.

Father Ángel Prado, provincial of Central America, gave a video message to the participants. In it he said, “Dear young people, I would like to congratulate you on your willingness to do good and to give all your energy, time and affection to the good of the Church. But remember that you have to do it out of love because you love the Church and the young people you are addressing.”

Volunteering provides youth an opportunity to give back to people in need within their community. Through service, youth learn skills, build relationships with their peers, engage with supportive adults and build confidence through the activities.

In another project to help youth build skills, Mary Help of Christians Parish collaborated with World Vision and the Mexico Fund – Youth Building the Future in Honduras to launch the NINIS project. The project offered youth, ages 19-29 who do not study or work, the opportunity to acquire technical skills and financial support.

“Providing youth in Honduras with technical training is the first step in helping them achieve self-sufficiency,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “In many countries around the globe where poverty is high and access to education is not universal, it is crucial that Salesian missionaries continue to offer technical and vocational training to as many youth as possible to ensure that they have access to long-term stable employment.”

The second largest country in Central America, Honduras is one of the poorest and most crime-ridden countries in the Western Hemisphere with 60 percent of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rough geographic terrain in the country has limited the development of transportation, keeping much of the rural population isolated. Poverty and food scarcity are severe in rural areas and one out of every four Hondurans struggles with chronic malnutrition. In addition, one out of every five Hondurans lacks access to adequate health care.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Honduras for more than 100 years operating schools, youth centers, and medical clinics to help support and educate poor youth and their families. In addition, thanks to an ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger, an international relief organization that provides food and life‐saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable, thousands of people in need are receiving crucial medical aid and nutritious food through Salesian programs in Honduras.

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ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Honduras – Volunteering for love of the Church and young people

HONDURAS: Unemployed youth benefit from skills training

Salesian Missions – Honduras

World Bank – Honduras

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HONDURAS

(MissionNewswire) The Mary Help of Christians Parish in Comayagüela, Honduras, in collaboration with World Vision and the Mexico Fund – Youth Building the Future in Honduras, launched the NINIS project. It offers youth, ages 19-29 who do not study or work, the opportunity to acquire technical skills and financial support.

The project was founded based on social co-responsibility between the public and private sectors to help youth have employable skills. About 250 people have signed up for the program to date.

“Providing technical training to youth is the first step in helping them achieve self-sufficiency,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “In many countries around the globe where poverty is high and access to education is not universal, it is crucial that Salesian missionaries continue to offer technical and vocational training to as many youth as possible to ensure that they have access to long-term stable employment.”

The Salesians are regarded as the single largest provider of vocational and technical training in the world. They offer more than 1,000 vocational, technical, professional and agricultural schools around the globe. This training provides youth the practical skills to prepare for employment and helps them lead productive lives while becoming contributing adults in their communities. These programs go beyond educating. They also assist youth with making connections within industries and preparing them for the process of searching, finding and retaining employment.

The second largest country in Central America, Honduras is one of the poorest and most crime-ridden countries in the Western Hemisphere with 60 percent of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rough geographic terrain in the country has limited the development of transportation, keeping much of the rural population isolated. Poverty and food scarcity are severe in rural areas and one out of every four Hondurans struggles with chronic malnutrition. In addition, one out of every five Hondurans lacks access to adequate health care.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Honduras for more than 100 years operating schools, youth centers, and medical clinics to help support and educate poor youth and their families. In addition, thanks to an ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger, an international relief organization that provides food and life‐saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable, thousands of people in need, from infants to seniors, are receiving crucial medical aid and nutritious food through Salesian programs in Honduras.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – Honduras – A project in favor of young people launched

Salesian Missions – Honduras

World Bank – Honduras

The post HONDURAS: Unemployed youth benefit from skills training first appeared on MissionNewswire.

HONDURAS

(MissionNewswire) Honduras has been hard hit by two Category 4 hurricanes. Hurricane Eta hit on Nov. 3, and Hurricane Iota hit less than two weeks later. The torrential rains brought deadly landslides, flash flooding and destruction across Central America. More than 200 people have died, 94 of them in Honduras, according to news reports.

In response to the devastation and overwhelming need, students in the 2021 graduating class at San Miguel Salesian Institute, located in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, launched a fundraiser to support the people affected by Hurricane Eta. With COVID-19 safety measures in place, more than 1,000 people from the Francisco Morazán and Cortés departments were provided food, personal hygiene items, clothes, shoes, sheets, bedspreads, mats and bio-safety equipment.

The initiative also received the support of the Past Pupils Association from the María Auxiliadora Salesian Institute and San Miguel Institute in collaboration with Mis Manos Son Tus Manos Association. Rector Father Horacio Macal and the entire Salesian community also participated.

“Salesian students saw the need of people in these local communities and stepped up to provide support and assistance,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Because Salesian missionaries live in the communities where they work, they are perfectly positioned to respond in times of crisis. The entire Salesian community has rallied behind these youth who are coming to the aid of their fellow citizens.”

In response to the overwhelming needs brought about by the two hurricanes, Salesian Missions has launched its Central American Hurricane Relief Fund. Those who want to support these efforts are urged to make a donation online at salesianmissions.org/lp/hurricane-central-america/. 

The second largest country in Central America, Honduras is one of the poorest and most crime-ridden countries in the Western Hemisphere with 60 percent of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rough geographic terrain in the country has limited the development of transportation, keeping much of the rural population isolated. Poverty and food scarcity are severe in rural areas and one out of every four Hondurans struggles with chronic malnutrition. In addition, one out of every five Hondurans lacks access to adequate health care.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Honduras for more than 100 years operating schools, youth centers, and medical clinics to help support and educate poor youth and their families. In addition, thanks to an ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger, an international relief organization that provides food and life‐saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable, thousands of people in need, from infants to seniors, are receiving crucial medical aid and nutritious food through Salesian programs in Honduras.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – Honduras – Pupils from “San Miguel” Salesian Institute help over 1000 victims of Hurricane Eta

San Miguel Salesian Institute

San Miguel Salesian Institute Facebook

Salesian Missions – Honduras

World Bank – Honduras

The post HONDURAS: More than 1,000 hurricane victims receive help from students first appeared on MissionNewswire.

(MissionNewswire) In November, Central America was hard hit by two Category 4 hurricanes. Hurricane Eta hit on Nov. 3 and Hurricane Iota hit less than two weeks later on Nov. 16. Hurricane Eta made landfall south of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, and then Iota made landfall less than 15 miles south near the town of Haulover. The torrential rains brought deadly landslides, flash flooding and destruction across Central America. More than 200 people have died as a result of the storms with millions more impacted and in need of help.

Salesian missionaries across Central America, including Nicaragua, Guatemala and Honduras, are responding locally to help those in need with shelter, food, clothing and more. Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has launched a new fundraising campaign to help with this relief work.

Salesian missionaries across Central America are responding with shelter, food, clothing and more for those in need of hurricane relief.

“The stakes are high for those impacted by these hurricanes, especially now when we are still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions. “Because Salesian missionaries live in the communities where they work, they are perfectly positioned to respond in times of crisis. They know the local landscape and can ensure that relief aid is provided to those most in need.”

The Salesian community of Carchá, Guatemala, has eight priests who serve 350 villages, including more than 5,000 Indigenous students. At least 40 of the villages have been directly affected. The rains, strong winds and landslides have damaged houses with some completely destroyed under flood water. Many roads have been lost and some communities are no longer reachable. People have lost everything and are facing a challenging road ahead. Villages have opened their schools and churches to welcome displaced people.

Right after Hurricane Eta, Father Vittorio Castagna, a Salesian missionary stationed in San Pedro Carchá, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, said, “It hasn’t rained for three days, yet the water continues to rise and people are unable to go out. I saw some of them with deep sadness, feeling alone and insecure. The displaced people are now crowded into a very small place. It is a very uncomfortable environment, and this is indeed a trial for them.”

In Tegucigalpa, Honduras, students in the 2021 graduating class at San Miguel Salesian Institute launched a fundraiser to support the people affected. With COVID-19 safety measures in place, more than 1,000 people from the Francisco Morazán and Cortés departments were provided food, personal hygiene items, clothes, shoes, sheets, bedspreads, mats and bio-safety equipment.

The initiative also received the support of the Past Pupils Association from the María Auxiliadora Salesian Institute and San Miguel Institute in collaboration with Mis Manos Son Tus Manos Association. Rector Father Horacio Macal and the entire Salesian community also participated.

Salesian missionaries in these local communities are still assessing the damage and working to respond to people in need. In support of this work, Salesian Missions has launched its Central American Hurricane Relief Fund. Those who want to support these efforts are urged to donate online at salesianmissions.org/lp/hurricane-central-america/. 

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ANS Photos (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS) 

ANS – Honduras – Pupils from “San Miguel” Salesian Institute help over 1000 victims of Hurricane Eta

GUATEMALA: COVID-19 pandemic complicates Hurricane Eta response

Salesian Missions

The post CENTRAL AMERICA: New appeal to help people impacted by hurricanes first appeared on MissionNewswire.

HONDURAS

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have launched the Center for Digital Education and Innovation (CEDI San Juan Bosco), a new training center, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, thanks to support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The center has individual areas for the use of technologies, a meeting room and a coworking room with interactive tablets that provide access to a self-learning platform. This environment will offer connectivity to learning and promote collaborative work to generate skills that facilitate youth employment.

Salesian missionaries provide vocational and technical training in Tegucigalpa to help ensure disadvantaged youth gain the social and trade skills needed for long-term employment. The majority of the youth who enter Salesian educational centers come from highly vulnerable areas where gangs and drug trafficking prevail. Most are at risk of social exclusion and vulnerable to exploitation and violence.

Close to 250 youth attend one Salesian vocational center in the city. They attend classes full-time for up to two years of technical and vocational training in key employment sectors. These sectors have been identified by companies that are working with the center to place students into work after they successfully complete their education. The center also has more than 1,000 students attending weekend courses in a variety of subjects, preparing for the workforce and improving upon skills while currently working.

“Through Salesian schools and vocational centers in Honduras, students are taking the first steps to rebuild their lives and their country,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Learning skills for employment, students are able to find jobs in high growth sectors that help them support themselves and their families. We appreciate USAID helping to launch this new Center for Digital Education and Innovation.”

The second largest country in Central America, Honduras is one of the poorest and most crime-ridden countries in the Western Hemisphere with 60 percent of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rough geographic terrain in the country has limited the development of transportation, keeping much of the rural population isolated. Poverty and food scarcity are severe in rural areas and one out of every four Hondurans struggles with chronic malnutrition. In addition, one out of every five Hondurans lacks access to adequate health care.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Honduras for more than 100 years operating schools, youth centers, and medical clinics to help support and educate poor youth and their families. In addition, thanks to an ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger, an international relief organization that provides food and life‐saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable, thousands of people in need, from infants to seniors, are receiving crucial medical aid and nutritious food through Salesian programs in Honduras.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Honduras – Inauguration of “San Juan Bosco” Center for Digital Education and Innovation (CEDI)

Salesian Missions – Honduras

World Bank – Honduras

The post HONDURAS: Salesian missionaries launch the Center for Digital Education and Innovation thanks to support from USAID first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, secured a grant from the Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement to fund this project. Its goal is to reduce the involvement of youth in the criminal justice system who are at high social risk of drug abuse and related criminal activities.

The life skills training provided by the project touches on topics including self-knowledge, self-esteem, assertive communication, interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, resilience, youth leadership and ethical and moral values. Participating youth are also able to access sporting and other recreational activities including football, volleyball, dance and art workshops, guitar and other music lessons.

Medina lives with his mother and is the only income-earner in the home. He had a challenging childhood marked by drug use starting at just 13 years old. By age 14, he already belonged to a gang that dominates the neighborhood where he lives and as a result, was involved with drugs and other illegal activities.

Salesian missionaries met with Medina on the recommendation of staff at Project Victoria, a Salesian project partner that offers therapy to those addicted to drugs. During the meeting, Medina explained to Salesian staff the many difficult situations he experienced in his childhood and adolescence that contributed to his drug and gang choices.

Medina chose to take his life back, leave the gang and become a participant in the Salesian “Preventing Drug Consumption by Youngsters in Honduras” project. He started taking courses in industrial mechanics at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center and began rehabilitation at Project Victoria. In 2018, Medina completed his rehabilitation and has now graduated to outpatient care at Project Victoria.

Since engaging in the Salesian project, Medina has excelled in his studies as well as in arts and sports. He is currently at the internship stage of his studies and receiving good reports from his boss. Medina is also a strong candidate to be selected as student of the year at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center. Sharing his life experiences with his classmates and encouraging them to stay away from drugs so they don’t experience what he did, has made him a leader among his peers.

“The new life skills training project is providing youth like Medina the vocational and life skills they need to overcome the challenges in their families and communities,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. “Prevention is key but the project helps to meet youth wherever they are and redirect them onto a path to success.”

The “Preventing Drug Consumption by Youngsters in Honduras” project is timely and relevant given that Honduras, which is the second largest country in Central America, continues to be a highly dangerous place because of the lack of job opportunities, political instability, violence and insecurity and high risk and vulnerability to natural disasters. Honduras is also one of the poorest and most crime-ridden countries in the Western Hemisphere with 60 percent of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rough geographic terrain in the country has limited the development of transportation, keeping much of the rural population isolated. Poverty and food scarcity are severe in rural areas and one out of every four Hondurans struggle with chronic malnutrition. In addition, one out of every five Hondurans lack access to adequate healthcare.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Honduras for more than 100 years, operating schools, youth centers and medical clinics to help support and educate poor youth and their families. In addition, thanks to an ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger (formerly Stop Hunger Now), an international relief organization that provides food and life‐saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable, thousands of people in need, from infants to seniors, are receiving crucial medical aid and nutritious food through Salesian projects in Honduras.

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Salesian Missions

World Bank – Honduras

The post HONDURAS: Ze Carlos Castro Medina excels in industrial mechanics course work as a recipient of the “Preventing Drug Consumption by Youngsters in Honduras” project first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, secured a grant from the Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement to fund the “Preventing Drug Consumption by Youngsters in Honduras” project. The project is much needed in the region because of its high rate of violence and murder.

“Many of the participating youth are at-risk of heading down an unproductive path, potentially using drugs and participating in gang violence,” explains Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. “Through life skills and vocational skills training coupled with drug abuse rehabilitation services, Salesian missionaries aim to reduce the involvement of youth who are at a higher social risk of drug abuse and related criminal activities in the criminal justice system.”

The project’s life skills training touches on topics including self-knowledge, self-esteem, assertive communication, interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, resilience, youth leadership and ethical and moral values. Participating youth are also able to access sporting and other recreational activities including football, volleyball, dance and art workshops, guitar and other music lessons.

Joya came from a difficult family situation. He was abandoned by his father and his mother is unable to work because she has a daughter with cerebral paralysis who requires full-time care. Due to these issues, Joya was not always prepared for his classes, he was sloppy in his appearance and his academic performance suffered. Salesian staff met with Joya’s mother to discuss the situation and urge her to help her son improve his grades and his interpersonal and family relationships.

At follow up meetings, it was found that Joya had a strong cigar addiction, smoking more than five cigars a day, and had recently begun to smoke marijuana. To support him, Salesian missionaries referred Joya to Project Victoria, a Salesian project partner that offers therapy to those addicted to drugs. There, Joya participated with his mom in therapeutic care.

According to the therapist’s reports, Joya’s problems were mostly related to having a sister with special needs and the shame that brought the family. The therapist visited Joya’s home to treat the problem by working with the whole family. This helped improve the family’s interpersonal relationships and at the same time, helped Joya to quit smoking.

Discharged from outpatient care, a Salesian course instructor carried out follow up meetings with Joya and noted his improved personal care, attitude and behavior. Currently, Joya seems happy and continues to improve day by day.

The “Preventing Drug Consumption by Youngsters in Honduras” project is timely and relevant given that Honduras, which is the second largest country in Central America, continues to be a highly dangerous place because of the lack of job opportunities, political instability, violence and insecurity and high risk and vulnerability to natural disasters. Honduras is also one of the poorest and most crime-ridden countries in the Western Hemisphere with 60 percent of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rough geographic terrain in the country has limited the development of transportation, keeping much of the rural population isolated. Poverty and food scarcity are severe in rural areas and one out of every four Hondurans struggle with chronic malnutrition. In addition, one out of every five Hondurans lack access to adequate healthcare.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Honduras for more than 100 years, operating schools, youth centers and medical clinics to help support and educate poor youth and their families. In addition, thanks to an ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger (formerly Stop Hunger Now), an international relief organization that provides food and life‐saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable, thousands of people in need, from infants to seniors, are receiving crucial medical aid and nutritious food through Salesian projects in Honduras.

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Sources:

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Honduras

The post HONDURAS: Juan Ángel Joya breaks addiction and begins coursework at Don Bosco Vocational Training Center thanks to new Salesian project first appeared on MissionNewswire.

Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, secured the grant from the Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement to fund this project. The project was needed in the region because of its high rate of violence and murder.

“The majority of the youth who enter the Salesian center come from highly vulnerable areas where gangs and drug trafficking prevail,” explains Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. “Most youth are at risk of social exclusion and vulnerable to exploitation and violence. The goal of the project is to reduce the involvement of youth in the criminal justice system who are at high social risk of drug abuse and related criminal activities.”

The life skills training provided by the project touches on topics including self-knowledge, self-esteem, assertive communication, interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, resilience, youth leadership and ethical and moral values. Participating youth are also able to access sporting and other recreational activities including football, volleyball, dance and art workshops, guitar and other music lessons.

Herrera, who comes from a low-income family, became a participant in the project while he was enrolled in pre-vocational courses at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center. Herrera’s father works as a security guard and his mother receives a commission but doesn’t earn a base salary at her job. In the community in which they live, the sale and distribution of drugs is very common.

At the beginning of the pre-vocational process, Herrera was characterized as a young person who applied himself very little, but in spite of this, his grades were good. At the end of the pre-vocational process, he began his technical training in motorcycle mechanics. There was a decline in his grades, and not knowing the reason for it, Salesian missionaries contacted Herrera’s mother for more information as to why his grades might be falling. His mother promised to support him in whatever way she could but her work required her to leave home early in the morning and return very late.

Herrera asked Salesian missionaries for help in treating his marijuana addiction— a drug he had used since he was just 7 years old and was provided by his older brother. Herrera was referred to Project Victoria, a project partner of the Salesian missionaries that offers therapy to those addicted to drugs. He attended outpatient treatment once a week and was able to continue his technical training.

Since the start of his treatment, Herrera has made every effort to stop using the drug. With the support of his mom, who went with him to all his outpatient care appointments and supported him throughout the entire process, Herrera was able to move forward and be discharged from the treatment project. Because of his drug use, memorizing and learning was much more difficult for him but despite these challenges, he was able to finish both his coursework and his internship successfully. He is currently awaiting graduation.

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Sources:

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Honduras

The post HONDURAS: José Wilfredo Herrera was able to stop drug use and successfully complete coursework at Don Bosco Vocational Training Center thanks to new Salesian project first appeared on MissionNewswire.

As of the fourth quarter of 2018, 331 youth have been trained in the “Preventing Drug Consumption by Youngsters in Honduras” project. This includes 287 continuing from the third quarter as well as 44 participants who recently started the program. Fifteen groups of about 20 students each received an average of 40 hours of life skills training.

The life skills training touches on topics including self-knowledge, self-esteem, assertive communication, interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, resilience, youth leadership and ethical and moral values. Participating youth are also able to access sporting and other recreational activities including football, volleyball, dance and art workshops, guitar and other music lessons.

“The new life skills training project is providing youth the skills they need most to overcome the challenges in their families and communities,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. “Prevention is key but the project helps to meet youth wherever they are and direct them onto a path for success in the future.”

Further activities of this project aim to help strengthen the whole family. A common challenge for participants is having at least one family member grappling with a drug issue or conflict with the law. Many come from families that have completely disintegrated. Often, there are serious economic problems at home that resulted in participants not having their basic needs met and lacking basic services such as food, drinking water and access to transportation.

In August, there was a hosted meeting involving 207 parents and children to discuss the theme, “Let’s make the family the best place to grow.” This meeting provided opportunities for reflection and discussion on ways to better communicate as a family and have parents be a more positive influence on their children. Project staff have recognized that family attitudes can affect the development of youth and drug problems can be prevented by addressing family issues such as domestic violence, negative attitudes and parental drug use.

The project was needed in the region because of its high rate of violence and murder. The majority of participants come from highly vulnerable areas where gangs and drug trafficking prevail. Most are at risk of social exclusion and vulnerable to exploitation and violence.

According to official data of the Online Statistical Police System there were 26 percent fewer homicides in 2017 than in 2016. The murder rate is still alarming with 3,791 people killed in the cities of Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and Choloma, the most violent areas in the country. The victims are often young men between the ages of 16 and 25 years. Most homicides are related to drug trafficking, extortion, gang disputes and assaults.

The second largest country in Central America, Honduras continues to be a highly dangerous place because of the lack of job opportunities, political instability, violence and insecurity and high risk and vulnerability to natural disasters. Honduras is also one of the poorest and most crime-ridden countries in the Western Hemisphere with 60 percent of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rough geographic terrain in the country has limited the development of transportation, keeping much of the rural population isolated. Poverty and food scarcity are severe in rural areas and one out of every four Hondurans struggle with chronic malnutrition. In addition, one out of every five Hondurans lack access to adequate healthcare.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Honduras for more than 100 years operating schools, youth centers and medical clinics to help support and educate poor youth and their families. Thanks to an ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger (formerly Stop Hunger Now), an international relief organization that provides food and life‐saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable, thousands of people in need, from infants to seniors, are receiving crucial medical aid and nutritious food through Salesian projects in Honduras.

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Sources:

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Honduras

The post HONDURAS: Salesian Missions secures funding to provide life skills training to combat risk of drug abuse and criminal activity in Tegucigalpa first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The majority of the youth who enter the Salesian center come from highly vulnerable areas where gangs and drug trafficking prevail. Most are at risk of social exclusion and vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Salesian educators go into these communities to meet with youth and their families. In the process, they too have been attacked and even threatened but note that the risks are worth helping youth to have hope for a better future.

“Going to students’ homes to meet with their families means reaching the heart of youth and seeing first-hand their reality, and their weaknesses, pain and concerns. It is getting to know who they really are and allowing us to better support and help them,” says Salesian Brother Oscar Pereira, who is in charge of the center and personally takes part in the visits to students’ homes.

Close to 250 youth attend the vocational center full-time for up to two years of technical and vocational training in key employment sectors. These sectors have been identified by companies that are working with the center to place students into work after they successfully complete their education. The center also has more than 1,000 students attending weekend courses in a variety of subjects, preparing for the workforce and improving upon skills while currently working.

“Through Salesian schools and vocational centers in Honduras, students are taking the first steps to rebuild their lives and their country,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Learning skills for employment, students are able to find jobs in high growth sectors that help them support themselves and their families.”

The second largest country in Central America, Honduras is one of the poorest and most crime-ridden countries in the Western Hemisphere with 60 percent of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rough geographic terrain in the country has limited the development of transportation, keeping much of the rural population isolated. Poverty and food scarcity are severe in rural areas and one out of every four Hondurans struggle with chronic malnutrition. In addition, one out of every five Hondurans lack access to adequate healthcare.

Salesian missionaries have been working in Honduras for more than 100 years operating schools, youth centers and medical clinics to help support and educate poor youth and their families. In addition, thanks to an ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger (formerly Stop Hunger Now), an international relief organization that provides food and life‐saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable, thousands of people in need, from infants to seniors, are receiving crucial medical aid and nutritious food through Salesian programs in Honduras.

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Sources:

ANS – Honduras – “Reaching the Heart of Every Young Person”: the Choice of the Don Bosco Vocational Training Centre

World Bank – Honduras

The post HONDURAS: At-Risk Youth Access Employment Skills Training at Salesian Vocational Training Center first appeared on MissionNewswire.

The second largest country in Central America, Honduras is one of the poorest and most crime-ridden countries in the Western Hemisphere with 60 percent of its population living in poverty, according to the World Bank. Rough geographic terrain in the country has limited the development of transportation, keeping much of the rural population isolated. Poverty and food scarcity are severe in rural areas and one out of every four Hondurans struggle with chronic malnutrition. In addition, one out of every five Hondurans lack access to adequate healthcare.

Salesians have been working in Honduras for more than 100 years operating schools, youth centers and medical clinics to help support and educate poor youth and their families. Thanks to an ongoing partnership between Salesian Missions and Stop Hunger Now (an international relief organization that provides food and life‐saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable) thousands of people in need, from infants to seniors, are receiving lifesaving medical aid and nutritious food through Salesian programs in Honduras.

In 2013, Stop Hunger Now provided three shipments of rice-meals and medical aid to Salesian programs in Honduras. Another shipment was sent this past March. The rice-meals were provided to day care centers, schools, youth centers, senior programs and medical clinics as well as distributed through social programs run by local church parishes.

Staff at Salesian programs reported a marked improvement in their students as a result of the nutritious meals provided. Nutritional benefits of the rice-meals prevent early loss of teeth and well-fed students find it easier to focus in school. With the nutritious meals, fewer students were held back a grade and were able to advance in their studies.

“Access to nutritious meals allows youth to be better prepared to take part in school activities and focus on their education,” says Jessica O’Connor, property and logistics officer at the Salesian Missions Office for International Programs. “Prepared students are more likely to learn valuable skills that will help them gain employment, break the cycle of poverty in their lives and enable them to give back to their communities.”

After providing seniors with rice-meals, dramatic results included recuperation from illnesses more quickly, the development of stronger bones and more defined muscles and diminished rates of anemia.

“Salesian programs are a good match for our mission to end hunger in our lifetime by providing food and life-saving aid while creating a global commitment to mobilize the necessary resources,” says Chessney Barrick, director of communications and cause marketing at Stop Hunger Now.

Salesians in Honduras also run a small medical clinic in an impoverished community where people have little access to healthcare. Medical staff there treat acute respiratory infections, chronic non-communicable diseases, pneumonia, bronchitis and malnutrition. Last year, medical donations to the clinic benefited more than 450 patients each month. The donated medical supplies, including lifesaving medicines, are helping to treat these illnesses while allowing the clinic to focus on preventative health, including prenatal care.

Salesians in Honduras seek to improve the quality of life of their patients and the nutritional state of malnourished children and adults. The clinic offers healthcare to every person who needs it, especially those who are not able to access medical care at other health clinics and hospitals due to economic reasons or because of the long distances they must travel to access them.

“The partnership with Stop Hunger Now allows Salesian Missions to expand its scope of services to youth in need,” adds O’Connor. “Operating feeding programs and medical clinics for those in need is an important and integral part of promoting healthy communities and the success of our students’ ability to gain an education.”

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Sources:

World Bank – Honduras

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