Honduran Mission
School Bag Project
Each year in the US, students return to school in early September with their new school clothes, uniforms, backpacks and books. The new year is filled with the promise of new learning and new adventures.
For the children in Honduras, the school year begins in early February and continues until late November. Unfortunately for many of the children, going to school is not a viable option. Although education is free, there are many costs which make it impossible for parents to send their children to school.
Each child must have a uniform (all schools require a uniform of white shirt, t shirt, blue pants or skirt, white sox, and black shoes). In addition, they must pay for the registration fee and buy their notebooks, pencils, and other school supplies. Along with these supplies, the children must provide items for the school, such as chalk, toilet paper, writing paper, etc.
The cost of buying the required school supplies beyond the reach of many parents whose average daily wage is about 100 Lempiras ($5). Since most families have more than one child - many with 8 or 9 children - it is simply impossible to send the children to school. A mother or father can not afford to buy shoes for all of their children, not to mention the other needed items.
Through our parish St. Vincent de Paul Society, we have tried to help parents educate their children, since educating children is a way to change a society for the better. We provide needy families with the uniforms, shoes, school supplies, etc., that the children need to attend school.
The "School Bag Project" came about as an idea of Msgr. Stephen Avila and the parish of St. Mary's in Mansfield. Families were invited to "sponsor" a child's education for a year ($99), providing them with their uniform, shoes, notebooks, pencils, etc. The response was overwhelming. We were able to provide for the educational needs of the altar servers, the children of our catequists, and some of the children of the Delegates of the Word.
The parents of the children were extremely grateful for the help that the people of St. Mary's Parish provided. When Msgr. Avila visited the parish, he was able to meet some of the children that received the aid.
If you, or your parish, would like to help this year by sponsoring a child's education, send a check (payable to "Honduran Mission") to the Propagation of the Faith Office, 106 Illinois Street, New Bedford, MA 02745. Note on the check that it is for the School Bag Project.
For more information, contact Father Craig at the Mission, or Msgr. Stephen Avila at St. Mary's Parish in Mansfield.
God bless your kindness!