Honduras is the 2nd poorest country in Central America, with approximately 64% of Hondurans living below the poverty level of 2 dollars per day.
Thirty-nine percent of the population is employed in agriculture; however, an onslaught of natural and man-made disasters continue to damage that industry. Deforestation through illegal logging activities has led to widespread erosion and destruction of the agricultural industry.
In 1998 Hurricane Mitch brought 75 inches of rainfall which caused landslides and widespread flooding exacerbated by the deforestation. The result was an economic and humanitarian catastrophe that left nearly 1.5 million people, 20% of the country’s population, homeless. The president of Honduras estimated that Mitch set back nearly 50 years of economic development in the country. The picture above shows a one room structure near Jayacayan, Honduras that 17 people call home.
The need for foreign aid in Honduras is astounding. The government provides very little in the way of social services to its people. The remote villages we travel to have little to no access to clean water, nutritious food, electricity, basic transportation, and medical care – things that are essential to the quality of life. That
being said, one of the most striking things we encounter is the happiness of the people there. Their happiness stems from the sense of community, family, and the simple things in life – something we could all learn from. With the help of those who generously donate to the Rotary club and the time and talents of our Rotarians, we hope to continue to support these families with our boots-on-the-ground service. Thanks to everyone who helps make this possible.
Oh, and this little girl? She’s just one of the reasons we go to Honduras.