Dear Readers:
I returned last week from a five-day trip to the Caribbean island of Roatán in Honduras. Like my previous visits there, it was a blend of checking out the progress of a special economic zone called Próspera (along with the new kinds of communities being built within) and service work.
This time, the service work focused on donations to the learning center within this zone. This post is about my visit to the learning center. The startup societies conference I attended comes later.
I was greeted at the airport by my friend Virginia who runs the learning center.
The drive from the airport to Próspera took about 20 minutes, passing the island's unique blend of Caribbean, Honduran, and Western cultural influences: chickens running around, a resort hotel, motorbikes galore, a Wendy's restaurant.
The next day, I walked to the learning center halfway down the hill overlooking the island's northside beach.
Inside the one-room building, students from the nearby village of Crawfish Rock attend an after-school program. It’s completely voluntary and free. Students work on their homework along with additional lessons Virginia prepares. Most days she has several students; this day saw just a couple of lads arrive.
The younger pupil showed me his lessons. He was hard at work on his times tables—multiples of three. Then, I presented Virginia with the rest of the money we raised from contributors.
Last year, I delivered the many supplies people donated:
This time, I came with cash—$300—which goes quite a long way on the island.
And Virginia knew exactly what to spend it on: a much-needed water fountain for the students. She also knew just the place to get it, and she promptly received it the following day.
“Thank you to all the supporters,” said Virginia. “Your contributions are helping these students, day in and day out.”
Actually, why not have Virginia tell you this directly? She surprised me with an appreciation video just a few days ago:
If you didn’t donate to this cause, there will be plenty of other chances. (Or, donate right now HERE.) Because of our ongoing connection to this school and community, and my deeper connection with the broader societal work of Próspera, I’ll continue to stay close with Virginia, return to the island, and share updates along the way!
Let me know if you have any questions about the learning center, this community, these students, or how you can get involved. Reach me in the comments or at my email brandon@theperiphery.com.
And thank you, once again, to all those who chipped in for this water cooler.
-Brandon
The world needs people that step up to help each other! Keep doing amazing things Brandon and those that helped with this cause!