Education in our facilities
We accompany young women during their studies and as they start their careers. Five of the older girls now live in a shared apartment, learning independence. Despite the INFOP strike, we managed to offer nine courses at the SRC vocational training center and computer classes at six schools. At our school El Alpinista in Colonia Unión y Esperanza, 288 children receive an education. The snack sales program supports single mothers, and through computer and English classes, we create prospects for a brighter future.
Visit from Tat and Tatta
Tat and Tatta, as the children call Patricia’s parents, visited us again this year. All the children were thrilled to have them here. Tat was in high demand as a handyman and fixer. Tatta tried to teach math for everyday situations, such as reading the clock, giving change in a shop, and other essential daily tasks. On Epiphany, they baked a traditional cake and crowned a king or queen in each age group.
As a grand finale, they invited the entire home on a day trip to a beautiful hotel in Tela. Everyone was overwhelmed. At the buffet, both the children and staff couldn’t believe their eyes. Sara, a six-year-old girl, ate six plates “packed” with delicious food, and Alfred, our driver, said he had never eaten and drunk so much in his life.
Both the pool and the beach were a hit, and some even said it was the best day of their lives.
Start of the new school year
After three months of school holidays, the new school year finally starts in February. This year we have 21 primary school students, one secondary school student, and eight high school seniors.
Since our children attend private schools, they enjoy certain privileges: better educational quality with qualified teachers, smaller classes, and modern teaching materials. These schools usually offer a safer environment and emphasize discipline, values, and personal development. They often provide language instruction and access to technology, opening up better future opportunities for students.
We are delighted to report that we are currently supporting two young women on their way to becoming nurses. They recently began their training and show great commitment. We are also accompanying two students who are about to graduate from university, one in law and the other in psychology. Their upcoming graduation fills us with pride and confirms the importance of sustainable educational support.
Independence Through Shared Living
This year, the foundation took an important step by giving the five oldest girls the chance to move into a shared apartment. This transition to independence means they are now responsible for their daily lives, they must work and study at the same time. The foundation pays rent and utilities and continues to provide guidance, but the focus is now on self-responsibility, organization, and personal growth.
SRC Vocational Training Center
INFOP Strike
In February 2025, the Honduran vocational training institute INFOP experienced a nationwide strike triggered by conflicts between management and the SITRAINFOP union. The dispute centered on unjustified dismissals and violations of the current collective agreement.
The protests led to the occupation of INFOP facilities and a complete halt to training activities. Our courses were also affected, and we were unable to offer classes for three weeks.
We had previously signed an official partnership with INFOP to create career opportunities for young people. Despite the current difficulties, we remain committed to this partnership and hope for a sustainable resolution.
USAID
In 2025, the worldwide closure of all USAID programs was announced, affecting Honduras as well. For us, this means losing an important partner with whom we have worked closely in recent years. Through USAID, we received numerous donations, including laptops, computers, televisions, refrigerators, and air conditioners. In addition, we jointly organized several activities and projects to promote education and youth participation.
Courses in the First Quarter
In the first quarter, we offered a total of nine courses, including two for hairdressing and one each for locksmithing, sewing, carpentry, scented candle making, cleaning techniques, and crafting figures and accessories. Each course had between 12 and 19 participants, allowing us to train a total of 365 people.
With the start of the new school year, computer classes for six public schools resumed, with 183 students attending weekly.
At the nursing school, 44 students are currently enrolled, 39 women and 5 men.
Unión y Esperanza
El Alpinista School
A New School Year Full of Hope
In January, excitement was high in Unión y Esperanza: the children could finally move into their new school! Thanks to the support of the Yo Quiero Ser foundation, all students received their uniforms and necessary school supplies, a logistical achievement that required extensive preparation.
Currently, 169 internal and 119 external students attend the school. Class sizes range from 18 to 44 children. Particularly noteworthy is that 113 secondary students, who would otherwise have had to travel long distances to Cofradía, can now be taught in their own community, a major benefit for the entire region.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to our loyal sponsor communicaziun, who professionally and modernly designed the new logo for the school El Alpinista..
Snack Sales – A Chance for Mothers
In Colonia Unión y Esperanza, many single mothers struggle daily to survive. It is therefore all the more gratifying that the snack sales on the school grounds have become an important source of income for some of them.
A total of ten women sell typical snacks during school breaks, such as baleadas, pupusas, fries, chips, soft drinks, sweets, pilones, topogigos, fruit salad, and much more. The small sales stand is not only an economic support but also a step toward independence.
Thanks to their earnings, some have already been able to purchase their own tent, a new stove, or a sturdy sales table. A small but significant improvement for their families.
The snack sales program impressively demonstrates how simple structures can create self-help opportunities and how the school’s impact extends far beyond education.
Education for the Future – Teaching Team and New Offers
A strong team for a strong school: The Honduran government provides eleven teachers for our school in Unión y Esperanza; nine women, one man, and a principal. The Yo Quiero Ser foundation additionally funds two key positions; a computer science teacher and an English teacher.
The newly equipped computer lab is the big attraction. From first grade onward, children receive computer lessons, a rarity in rural areas. Starting in fourth grade, English classes are added, providing valuable preparation for the future of our students.