About Us
Our History
Upon the inception of our first educational institution in 1996, the founders of Olancho Aid embarked on the journey of becoming educators. We aim to operate high quality schools that can lift students and their families out of poverty, by encouraging students to excel academically and become advocates for social justice in Honduras.
Father Richard Donahue first travelled to the department of Olancho in 1991 to minister in a local parish. What was originally a two year assignment has become a life dedicated to the people of Juticalpa.
Families in the community approached Fr. Donahue about a school dedicated to students with special needs. A generous land donation, as well as funding from various US donors and organizations, led to the establishment of Escuelita Nazareth as the first school of its kind in the department of Olancho. With the help of the diocese, and in line with Fr. Donahue's vision, a high school and an elementary school were then founded in 2002 and 2003, respectively.
One school has blossomed into three, serving over 350 students and employing more than 50 local faculty and staff. To properly oversee this network of educational institutions, the Olancho Aid Foundation was formally established and expanded in 2006, including a central director providing support in strategic planning, fundraising and public outreach.
Olancho Aid also coordinates programs for foreign volunteers wishing to work in Honduras. Individuals with a love of children and passion for learning are invited to join us in Juticalpa, teaching in classrooms or training local educators. The Foundation can also accommodate groups of visitors looking to participate in Solidarity Projects in a number of communities. Recent projects have included school construction and refurbishment, medical brigades and environmental awareness campaigns.