September 2012
Katherine Olden
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September 2012
Jennifer Cedeño
Position
Overall Rating:
More then I could have ever imagined which is why I'm going back for a second time :)
Did you feel like you made a difference?:
Organization and communication:
Accommodation:
Volunteer houses are GREAT!
Safety:
I would recommend the organization Honduras Child Alliance to everyone.he organization is located in the the beach town of El Porvenir. My time there was amazing and I was able to build strong relationships with the volunteers as well as the people of the community. I loved always having a beautiful view of the mountains and being so close to the beach. I was there for the vacations activity program which was a BLAST! We put on a talent show, made bottle rockets and created a Honduran style slip n' slide. During PEP ( The Porvenir English Program) I was able to see the progress of my students English skills and their desire to learn the language. All in all my trip to Honduras was more then I could have ever expected and will always be remembered as such a special time in my life.
September 2012
Stephanie Martin
Position
Overall Rating:
I loved my experiences volunteering with Honduras Child Alliance in El Porvenir! The kids are wonderful, energetic, and so friendly. The town is small, but that means little stores, restaurants, and the beach are all within walking distance, and the city is only a half hour bus ride away. I found everyone in the town to be extremely welcoming. PEP is really fun to teach at, and most volunteers work with another volunteer to teach their classes together, so you get to come up with your own lesson plans, with guidance from Iris, a teacher who is always there. I also think it is really important that HondurasChildrens programs operate all year long it makes the program much more sustainable and effective.
Did you feel like you made a difference?:
To me, one of the most important things that PEP gives the kids is a love of learning and motivation to continue their studies. Though the kids may not end up being fluent in English, the program at least exposes them to English and teaches them the basics. It also provides a productive activity for them to do during the day since they only go to school for half a day, its a real benefit to have a program to go to for an hour or two during the other half of the day. I think the Readers Club, which helps kids with their reading and writing skills, was a great addition to the program, since most of the kids dont get extra help with schoolwork outside of class and though the program is not directly connected to their regular schoolwork, it helps them improve their skills, and to have fun while doing it!
Organization and communication:
This is the area that I think could be most improved. However, I do see positive changes, such as having a volunteer liaison to connect with volunteers before their arrival, show them around the town and projects when they arrive and check in with them to see how the projects are going, and to help maintain communication between the directors and volunteers.
Accommodation:
The houses arent fancy, but they definitely have everything you need (though I did miss hot water!). They have made improvements and hired a once-a-week housekeeper since the first time I volunteered, and the house was much improved free of mice and (mostly) bugs. One of the houses is on the beach, and the other is right in the center of town and has a nice yard where you can have the kids over to play. The price of the housing is expensive for Honduras (it costs about what I paid for a nice hostel in Copan Ruinas), but much cheaper than anything at home!
Safety:
I felt very safe in El Porvenir and in the volunteer houses. Its different from at home (though not all that different from some U.S. cities) in that walking around with very valuable things and walking alone after dark are not great ideas, but if you use a little caution, youll be fine.
January 2013
Xavi Anguela
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Did you feel like you made a difference?:
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that was my the first time as a volunteer, and so i had high expectations and i was not disappointed at all.
honduras child alliance is a small and familiar organization, where you know where the money goes, communication between coordinators and volunteers it is very easy and effective, and you have the freedom to start new projects and they do appreciate all the ideas from volunteers.
i worked with the vap project, and absolutely loved it.
would love to go back again, there is so much to do and so much to learn too.
el porvenir is a small and friendly community, you would be living right next to the beach, in an stunning environment and supported for the organization in all problems that you could have.
i definately recommend honduras child alliance, for me was an eye opening, and looking forward to go back
thank you for everything
April 2013
Katlyn McConnell
Position
Overall Rating:
AMAZING. I could write all the words in the world and it wouldn't be enough!
Did you feel like you made a difference?:
YES. Everyday I could see why I was there. In the children's faces, their smiles and hearing their stories.
Organization and communication:
Accommodation:
I love the beach house!
Safety:
Many people disregard Honduras for its danger. El Porvenir is quiet little town, the people here look out for one another and especially the volunteers!
My time in Honduras was one I will NEVER forget. I grew to love so many children and families. Every day I was happy to be there and work with this community. This has inspired me to begin new programs!
May 2013
Adam Shepard
Position
Overall Rating:
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. From the moment I first spoke with Eve until the day I left, I was completely satisfied with all aspects of working with Honduras Child Alliance. If something goes wrong (gas tank running out for cooking), Eve is all over it and will find a way to get it filled immediately. She makes the process of volunteering simple and fun.
Did you feel like you made a difference?:
Volunteering with Honduras Child Alliance was an ideal organization for me to work with, because I feel as though I could see tangible progress AND it was fun.
Organization and communication:
Goals and expectations (from both sides here) are clearly outlined and understood. And when I sent an email to Eve back in Philadelphia asking for clarification, she was back to me within the day.
Accommodation:
By the beach? Can it be any better?
Safety:
Honduras is one of the more dangerous countries of the world, but Honduras Child Alliance makes the safety of its volunteers a top priority. I never felt endangered; in fact, I felt welcomed by the small communities of Honduras. They know why we are there and they are grateful to us.
Working with Honduras Child Alliance was such a touching and important part of my one year trip around the world that I wrote a full essay in my new book about my experience. You can read it here:
http://oneyearlived.com/excerpt_detail.php?title=Honduras-Child-Alliance&id=70
May 2013
Adam Shepard
Position
Overall Rating:
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. From the moment I first spoke with Eve until the day I left, I was completely satisfied with all aspects of working with Honduras Child Alliance. If something goes wrong (gas tank running out for cooking), Eve is all over it and will find a way to get it filled immediately. She makes the process of volunteering simple and fun.
Did you feel like you made a difference?:
Volunteering with Honduras Child Alliance was an ideal organization for me to work with, because I feel as though I could see tangible progress AND it was fun.
Organization and communication:
Goals and expectations (from both sides here) are clearly outlined and understood. And when I sent an email to Eve back in Philadelphia asking for clarification, she was back to me within the day.
Accommodation:
By the beach? Can it be any better?
Safety:
Honduras is one of the more dangerous countries of the world, but Honduras Child Alliance makes the safety of its volunteers a top priority. I never felt endangered; in fact, I felt welcomed by the small communities of Honduras. They know why we are there and they are grateful to us.
Working with Honduras Child Alliance was such a touching and important part of my one year trip around the world that I wrote a full essay in my new book about my experience. You can read it here:
http://oneyearlived.com/excerpt_detail.php?title=Honduras-Child-Alliance&id=70
May 2013
Joshua Gateshill
Position
Overall Rating:
I had the experience of a lifetime in El Porvenir with HCA. I would gladly go back and I would recommend the organisation to anybody. A really worthwhile cause.
Did you feel like you made a difference?:
Yes, unfortunately I wasn't able to see out the full PEP program, but you could see the difference the classes were making to the children. I also got to help build a bathroom. The difference it amde to the family was immediately obvious.
Organization and communication:
The organisation and communication was first class. Everything was clear and communicated well.
Accommodation:
I lived in the VH1 location. It is a traditional Honduran home, HCA provide everything you need. It is in experience but a highly enjoyable one.
Safety:
I always felt safe when with HCA. Of course precautions were needed to be taken, but everyone is safe and sensible. The local community are very welcoming.
I had the experience of a lifetime. Firstly I helped with the last few weeks of VAP which was a very fun time. Lots of games and fun with the children. Secondly I taught in PEP. The program was very well thought out and was a pleasure to assist with. Although my teaching experience was lacking I was supported well by the Project Co-ordinator and my teaching ability improved greatly.
