December 2022

In December 2022, a team spent a wonderful week in El Rosario reconnecting after so much time away because of the pandemic. There were old friends to visit, improvements to admire, a school to learn about, and new ACTS members Lisa Purvis and Dave Bogacz to introduce to everyone and everything. Significant time was spent with the Patronato (community leadership) discussing the colegio (high school) and how to get it jumpstarted after more than two years of schools being shut down across the country. In a lively participatory process with a whiteboard, pictured below, the Hondurans listed ideas and sorted priorities for improving the school. The Patronato met with us on the porch of the bunkhouse to affirm their support and talk frankly about the challenges to recruit and keep teens in school.

Sue Burgos PA and Dave Bogacz DMD were active in the medical and dental clinics assisting Nurse Nolvia and dentist Dr. Reina. The clinics were well-stocked although we understand that lately, medicines are increasingly expensive and harder to source in Honduras. Several special needs individuals received attention from the medical team.

Worthy of mention, entrepreneurship is lively in El Rosario with several new small businesses in the residential area. A tiny barbershop also has a TV and when not cutting hair, the owner hosts soccer fans who were enjoying the soccer World Cup. Just a few feet away, a tin roof covers two pool tables, and around the corner is a tiny chicken restaurant.

Team members – Matt Garton, Jules Ortego, Lisa Purvis, Dave Bogacz, Sue Burgos, and Linda Kennedy with Hondurans Cesar Alas and Karla Montero.