Inside Kellogg featured this article from Dr. Susan Nedza about experiences that influenced Olancho Aid's response to COVID-19. EMBA Alumni Collaborate to Support a Community in Honduras April 23, 2020By Susan Nedza (EMBA 2000)I recall being assured on entrance to Kellogg that, as a graduate, I would be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead teams even in difficult circumstances. I recently had a chance to test that promise as the president of a U.S.-based non-profit … [Read more...]
Volunteers Return Home
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, most Olancho Aid volunteers returned home. Here is a post from Jim Walker, one of the volunteers who was forced to end his term of service early.Olancho Aid Volunteers – Safe and well taken care of in uncertain times!I made my fourth volunteer trip to Juticalpa in very early March, the United States had few cases of the virus and my state of Maine had zero. As a specialist volunteer in the accounting office there was projects to be done and I had my … [Read more...]
COVID-19 in Honduras
COVID-19 in HondurasOn Saturday, March 14th, Honduras issued an "Alerta Roja" (Red Alert) after additional cases of COVID-19 were confirmed. Airports and borders between Honduras and its neighboring countries have been closed to all but essential travel. The country is focused on keeping the virus out of the country as an outbreak would seriously tax their healthcare system.As of this morning, there are 9 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Honduras in the departments of Atlantida, Choluteca, … [Read more...]
Welcome, Kerry Lindstrom!
Welcome, Kerry Lindstrom! Please join us in welcoming Kerry to the Olancho Aid Foundation Board of Directors. With her background in education and experience living in Honduras, she will be an asset to the Education Committee.Kerry is a 5th grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Fairview Elementary in Dayton, OH. Previously she taught Kindergarten and English Language Learners K-4th grades at Warner Arts Magnet School in Nashville, TN. At Warner, she led the school … [Read more...]
High Heels in Honduras
High Heels in Honduras By Monica P Flood Prairieville, LouisianaThrough the hole in the roof…The bugs scurried in.The wet trickled in.The dust swirled around carelessly.A unpleasant carpet of dirt and grime replaced the students that once gathered here eager to learn.Poverty can be shaming.People are afraid to look it in the eye because it’s too real - too immensely painful.Poverty calls us to pay attention and act.I said yes because I wanted my friend to … [Read more...]
Celebrating Differences and Encouraging Inclusion
Celebrating Differences and Encouraging InclusionThe end of March and beginning of April were an especially busy time at Nazareth Special Needs School. On top of day-to-day school work, students found time to visit with mission teams, practice and perform a dance on Father's Day, and even to lead the community of Juticalpa in celebrating two very important days: World Down Syndrome Day and World Autism Awareness Day.All over the world, individuals with special needs face troublesome … [Read more...]
Hope and Transformation
Hope and Transformation Volunteering?…Letting go of old ideas, ways of life, and allowing god to guide my life changing me into the person he wants me to be for the good of myself and others?Change is not easy. It can be difficult, scary, uncomfortable, and just plain different from how we are used to living our lives. However, ultimately change is inevitable. If we are aligning ourselves with god, and open to change, we discover a new beautiful world.It has taken me many years to … [Read more...]
Interesting Dynamics of Intercultural Friendships
Interesting Dynamics of Intercultural Friendships One unique aspect of the Olancho Aid Long Term Volunteer Program is that volunteers get to experience living abroad for an extended period of time. I have lived in Honduras for almost six months now, and one of my favorite parts has been having the opportunity to establish and build connections with Hondurans. The friendships that I have made here have been a huge part of what has made this experience so amazing! That being said, when … [Read more...]
We’re looking for volunteers!
We’re looking for volunteers! In additional to the traditional volunteer program, this year Olancho Aid is seeking experienced volunteers who are experts in their field to serve as mentors and administrators at the Foundation. Our most pressing needs are for an early education specialist, a human resource specialist, and a mission team assistant.The early education specialist will provide support to preschool and kindergarten teachers by providing feedback and … [Read more...]
Memories built after a year of volunteering for Olancho Aid Foundation…
Memories built after a year of volunteering for Olancho Aid Foundation... TRAVELING AROUND HONDURAS Roatan was one of the most amazing places I have ever visited. There was nice weather, friendly people, and wonderful beaches. I also enjoyed visiting Copan Ruinas. Learning about Mayan history was something really intriguing and mind opening.NINOS/AS AT MARIA DE LOS ANGELES CHILDREN’S HOMEI have enjoyed sharing time with the kids at the Children’s Home. It is a blessing to be able to … [Read more...]