School during Covid 19
Since March 16, 2020
Since March 16 of last year, when the country went under a national quarantine, students have been studying at home. They connect to their classrooms through technology: the smart phone. But these phones are expensive for many families, starting at $250.00 each. In one case, a student had to rent one. In addition, one has to pay the telephone company for internet access.
The Ministry of Presence bought the children their books, pencils, and backpacks, as we do every year. But this time, adusting to the pandemic, we also paid for internet, which can cost $20 per month. And in one case, we bought a telephone for one of our students.
Here Estefany is doing her lessons, which she never neglects. Her matching pink smart-phone is in front of her.
Stories and News
Angelita learns how to cut hair
January 20, 2021
Angelita has been our student, since her Quinceañera in 2016 (her 15th birthday). She was born deaf. Her mother, her sole caregiver, is a housekeeper. She cannot afford to send her daughter to a special school for deaf. When we learned of Angelita, she was taking care of the children at home and doing housework. She had not been to school since third grade. She scarcely left her home. She was a forgotten child.
We tried to enroll her in school again. But she had missed so much of her studies that they would not accept her. Accordingly, we hired a deaf language tutor, who now teaches her basic math, science, sign language, and Spanish.
Her teacher is also training her to be a cosmetologist, so that she can earn an income. For her recent birthday, she received a set of scissors, electric razors, and combs. Here she is in action.
Congratulations Comando Erick Vasquez!
May you have a successful career in serving the people of Honduras. Your family and I are proud of you...
Comando Erick Vasquez graduated from School of Sub-Officers in the Army of Honduras, on Friday, November 19, 2021. He comes from a family of modest means and was helped in his graduation by a scholarship from the Ministry of Presence.
Our goal is help young Hondurans earn a profession or a trade and lift themselves and their families out of poverty. In the family oriented culture of Honduras, if one person does well, the whole family does well.
November 22, 2021
The school year is starting again in Honduras. This year many children, who stayed home during Covid, are returning to school.
We began the year with End of Vacation Pizza Parties.
This year we already have four new children in the program and are recruiting more. Please consider becoming a Sponsor.
School Year begins -- end of Covid?
February 22, 2023
Hurricane Relief
The Ministry of Presence is involved in more than just scholarships. After hurricane Eta and Iota totally devasted Honduras with floods, we helped families, who had lost their homes, by distributing clothing and food. These two girls, who look totally stressed out in this photo, have just received new clothing to keep them warm. Our relief work has been in Copan Ruinas, where we have scholarship students.
November 23, 2020
Pizza party with children and parents from Cerro de Hula, near Tegucigalpa.
Make a difference - sponsor a child.
April 9, 2023
This year we are expanding our group from ten to fifteen students, adding at least five more to the program. Many children are returning to school after missing two years because of covid. Accordingly, we are looking for new sponsors for our children.
Here is how the ministry work
Through education, we make a difference.
Our children come from poorest families in Honduras, like Fernanda above. Many would drop out of school, because their parents are too poor to pay for school supplies, uniforms, and the fees required in the 'free' public school system. We keep these children in school.
We follow these children from kindergarten to high school. And if possible, upon graduation, we help them train for a trade or profession.
In turn, the additional income that they earn as an adult will help raise the entire family out of poverty.
We choose a child based on three criteria:
1. They have stable family environment, so that they will be with us for all of their elementary and secondary education. We value the long-term relationships.
2. They come from a poor family that can't afford the costs of a public education.
3. They are eager to learn.
In order to help these children, we need SPONSORS.
Please pray and if you are led to help, click here to become a sponsor. If you know of someone who would make a good sponsor, please ask them for us.
The names and pictures are on the Sponsors' Page of this website. If you need more information, please contact me.
Fernanda, one of our students since kindergarten, is having breakfast in the kitchen. There is no refrigerator, just an cooler. Only one or two chairs. And a wood stove. Nevertheless, Fernanda enjoys her breakfast of tortillas, beans, and eggs. These conditions are typical for our children.
Update: We have had a successful campaign. We now have a sponsor for each child. Thank you to all who have stepped forward to help.
Beginning of School Year 2004
Pizza party with children and parents before the beginning of the school year. We hold these small get-togethers in three different locations each year. In Honduras the school year is from February to the end of November.
February 15, 2024