A Coffee Picking Christmas

I thought I'd share an email I received from Rodger Harrison, the President of a charity called Paramedics for Children (click here to learn more) based in Copan Ruinas, Honduras.  I share it for information purposes only and for no other reason than to enlighten you on what Christmas may bring to that part of the world.  

Hope you had a Merry Christmas and I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy 2015.

PFC - School Supply Program

The main purpose of our stay at Copán Ruinas in February 2013 was to participate in the School Supply Program created by Paramedics for Children.  This program delivers school supplies to Mayan Chorti children in schools that are located in the mountains around Copán Ruinas.  In Honduras, the Government provides a school and teacher, but does not supply note books, pencils, pens etc.  Many of the children are from families who cannot afford to buy what is needed, and would otherwise have to go without.

A Day on the School Supply Trail

Each morning were up at 7 a.m. and served a delicious breakfast at Hacienda La Esperanza.  We enjoyed typical Honduran Breakfast, Pancakes, Oatmeal or Yogurt & granola along with fresh fruit.

Between 8 & 9 a.m., we boarded the 4 x 4 Mules and headed into the mountains for the scenic drive to the various schools.  The roads were a a bit rough to say the least, but the scenery was spectacular.  We passed through small communities, coffee plantations, pine forests and many steep inclines.

The arrival of the Mules at the schools always created a commotion.  The children were excited to see Roger (program founder) and Marco Tulio (program coordinator), as they have been visiting these communities and bringing supplies to the children for the last 17 years.







One group of students made signs welcoming Roger, Marco Tulio and "Visitantes" - that would be us.  Quite often they had a song or two, and always a "Gracias" and a smile.

Everyone lines up and receives a plastic bag to carry their supplies.

Children display their supplies.

The children are given 2 notebooks, two pencils, a pen, ruler, eraser, a box of pencil crayons and a candy.

Inside one of the school rooms.  On average, there were 3 grades, 30 to 40 students and one teacher.

Marco Tulio presents a Soccer Ball for the students.

Students at a school just across the border in Guatemala

Visiting with the teachers and children was a big part of the experience.  

Roger entertaining children with his favorite puppets.

In all, we visited 23 schools, and delivered supplies to just under 2,000 children.  The experience was educational and very rewarding.  The schedule allows ample time to learn as much as possible about the schools, and the culture of the people.  

Click here to learn more about Paramedics for Children, or make a donation to this worthy and efficiently run program.  I recommend it!!!