July 7,2024
Hello Friends,
We are halfway through another year in Honduras for Project 541, our 10th. It has certainly been a year of both challenges and successes. But in all things, our commitment and care for our children never waiver and you help us to see each situation through with their best interest in mind.
Our move to Tegucigalpa continues to help us accomplish some long-term goals. Mika, now age 8, continues to be monitored by her cardiologist, who now considers her old enough and healthy enough to see a surgeon to correct her heart defect. Cheslor and Annie are continuing to see a top infectious disease doctor, and their health and numbers continue to be strong.
Learning disabilities and meeting school expectations continue to be a challenge, but there are two new things to report. We did obtain some much needed educational testing on Nani, Mika’s sister, and discovered neurological issues that we are working with both educational and medical professionals to address. Also, two of our wonderful supporters provided funds for us to employee two teachers to work with the children after school. This has been a game changer and we couldn't be more grateful! Caterin was our star student last year and continues to shine, but all of the children had their best-ever start this year. Project 541 will continue to help, guide, and provide each of our children with every opportunity and resource needed to reach his/her potential.
Research shows that:
1. Girls and young women in rural areas are discouraged from continuing their education. Many parents remove girls and young women from school, assigning them the task of caring for younger siblings or sending them to work to help the family economically.
2. 10% of the poorest females, ages 7 to 16 in Honduras, have never been to school… [while] the countrywide average is 4 years of education in Honduras. (The Pursuit of Education by Women in Rural Honduras by Charles Seeley)
Two of our older girls were reintegrated with their families at the end of last year. One young lady returned, but we are working with her to complete her GED and then transition her to more independent living. We are quite proud that these two young ladies, as well as all of our residents, are the exceptions to those statistics. And it’s all been possible with support from you, our donors.
Project 541 is grateful for the many ways you show your love to us. Our supporters have been faithful with their prayers, their interest, and their financial donations. So thank you from all of us to all of you. As you are making contributions to non-profit agencies during the year, please consider Project 541. If you are a regular donor, we are honored by your gifts. If you are not a regular donor, please consider becoming one for Project 541. Our website to donate is www.project541.org. Always remember, we feel your love and prayers from a world away!
Love,
Brenda Austin
Board President, Project 541