Olancho Aid Foundation Names Lauren O’Neill New Executive Director Olancho Aid Foundation is pleased to announce that Lauren O'Neill has been named Executive Director. Lauren was previously in the role of Director of Honduran Operations. She has more than 10 years experience in grassroots leadership, strategic partnership management, and international development along with a strong background working with NGOs, like Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos and Pro Mujer, that serve the people of … [Read more...]
Why do they leave home?
Why do they leave home? “You work in Honduras, help me understand why people leave.” “Why do people keep trying to cross the border even knowing they are unlikely to make it to the U.S. and not be deported?” “What is the Church doing to help suffering Hondurans?” “How can I help members of our parish understand the challenges faced by Catholics in Honduras?” These are but a few of the questions friends, family and members of my parish have asked me over the last few weeks. I am happy … [Read more...]
Living Our Mission During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Living Our Mission During the Coronavirus Pandemic On March 16th, Honduran officials implemented a shelter in place order for people across the country in hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19. Olancho has strictly enforced the lock down, halting travelers in and out of the department. The massive impact on the economy means more people need assistance to meet their basic needs. Businesses and nonprofits around the world have been forced to evaluate their operations, finances, and … [Read more...]
EMBA Alumni Collaborate to Support a Community in Honduras
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, 2020 By 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...]
COVID-19 in Honduras
COVID-19 in Honduras On 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...]
Thoughts and Reflections of a First Time Volunteer
Thoughts and reflections of a first time volunteer. My journey, like many others before me, started with a calling; in my case it was an urge to go out and experience the world. I wanted to help others, learn about different cultures, and in turn learn more about myself. My hope was to make a difference in the world, however small or insignificant, I just wanted to make an impact. I came across Olancho Aid through an internet search. It was actually kind of amazing how everything clicked … [Read more...]
Sporadic Reflections
Sporadic Reflections “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 My mother served as a Public Health Nurse and when appropriate I would volunteer at her side. In addition to watching my mother in awe as she serviced her community, I was allowed to witness and experience a world beyond and different from my own. When I commenced my tertiary education, my voluntary service dwindled to nil and did not resurrect until graduation. Upon … [Read more...]
Celebrating Differences and Encouraging Inclusion
Celebrating Differences and Encouraging Inclusion The 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...]
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...]