Olancho Aid Foundation

Our Blog

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400

We are grateful to the many parties who have written and expressed interest in assisting our mision. Many write with questions, looking for information. Sometimes a photo is really " worth a thousand words" and we would like to welcome people to view us at our blog. It is:

Padredonahue`s blog. Enjoy and if you have any questions or comments please let me know.

Sincerely

Padre Ricardo

Olancho Aid is excited to announce a formal Scholarship Program!

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Presently we have many students on scholarships but let�s dream things unthinkable by creating a school where 50% of each incoming class will be from financially handicapped families. Incredible? Yes! Impossible? NO. Many of you know the hymn that strikes chords in my head and heart is �The Lord hears the cry of the poor, Blessed be the Lord�. If on this day, the Feast of Corpus Christi, Bread and Wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus, than may education be the blood carrying hope in Honduras.

This program is committed to giving annually 25 scholarships to each incoming Kindergarten class at Santa Clara starting this year in September. In order to accomplish this goal, we are currently seeking individuals interested in financially supporting a child�s education. In return, we are committed to developing a meaningful relationship between the scholarship recipient and their sponsor. How do you do this? I would like to invite you to visit Olancho Aid�s scholarship website at http://sponsor.olanchoaid.org.

Bilingual Principal

Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Job Opportunity!

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Elementary PK-6 Principal of Catholic Bilingual School in Honduras

Qualifications:
- Must possess a current teaching license.
- At least three (3) years of successful public/private school teaching experience
- Must be bilingual � Spanish/English
- Must demonstrate leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively and cooperatively with students, teachers, and parents in providing the best possible educational environment
- Must be patient, flexible, and open to the challenges of cultural differences
- Prefer practicing Catholic with sound knowledge of the Catholic faith
- Prefer postgraduate professional license with an administrative endorsement/ Masters Degree in Education
- Prefer prior administrative experience

Primary Function:
The principal will provide administrative and instructional leadership for Centro Escolar Santa Clara, a non-profit Catholic bilingual PK-6 Elementary School in Juticalpa, Olancho, Honduras.

Grades: Pre K � 6
Current number of students: 385
Average class size: 25, 2 sections of each grade from Pre-K to 6th
Number of teaching staff: 25 (One Honduran and one North American for each grade level, as well as Library, P.E., Computer, Art/Music, and Kindergarten and 1st grade bilingual classroom aides.)

DEADLINE: May 15, 2010, but it is a "rolling review" process and earlier submissions are encouraged.

Start Date: June 15, 2010

Send resume and cover letter by email to Mr. Carlos Najera at cnajera(at)olanchoaid.org

Qualified applicants should be prepared to provide references, transcripts, and certificates upon request.

Performance Responsibilities:

1. Assumes leadership in the development of grade level goals and curriculum in accordance with U.S. and Honduran National Standards as well as the selection of appropriate textbooks to guide student learning.
2. Works cooperatively with Honduran and North American staff to encourage and facilitate open communication and cross-cultural understanding by promoting a positive school climate that fosters cooperative working relationships, encourages success, communicates high expectations and recognizes accomplishments of staff and students.
3. Facilitates all scheduling relative to an effective instructional program.
4. Monitors academic progress of students and provides leadership in developing a plan of action to address student and/or instructional needs.
5. Monitors the delivery of curriculum for effectiveness relative to student learning and provides leadership in the implementation of an action plan designed to meet student needs.
6. Plans and implements staff development programs that focus on school needs.
7. Supervises and evaluates all school personnel.
8. Works cooperatively with the central office of the Olancho Aid Foundation to select, retain, recognize, and promote personnel.
9. Establishes and maintains a high standard of student conduct in order to provide a positive learning environment.
10. Plans professional development activities for school personnel in accordance with school needs.
11. Communicates clearly and regularly all administrative memoranda, policies and regulations, and school rules and goals with staff, students, parents, and members of the community.
12. Plans, administers, and supervises the use and efficient operation of school facilities and ensures that the school plant and facilities are attractive, clean, safe, and secure.
13. Demonstrates and applies effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
14. Works to ensure that the school�s Catholic character is alive and active, scheduling and organizing regular religious celebrations and activities throughout the school year.
15. Works actively with parents and national and international community to foster positive public relations
16. Performs other duties as assigned by the superintendent.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!, URGENT OPPORTUNITIES!

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400

TEACHERS!

Several teaching positions still available at Santa Clara for the 2010/2011 school year!!!! Get your application in ASAP!

Many things happening

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400

While February is the shortest monthof the year it did not fall short for OlanchoAid Projects.

Once again the wonderful people from Mary Queen of Peace in Salem New Hampshire came shortly after Valentine`s Day with hearts bursting with love and friendship and with "regalitos" for the people, They arrived on the day after Ash Wednesday visiting those for whom sacrifice is not a forty day spiritual practice but a daily companion among the poor.

American Airlines had barely touched down when Claire Sullivan became the Good Shepardess from Saint John`s in Westport leading a group of medical people, electicians and carpenters who spent considerable time helping us in amany areas that needed attention and trips to visit the sick in aldeas.

The day they left TACA airlines dropped off members from the Orange County Chapter of Engineers Without Borders and some graduate students from the University of San Francisco. Thanks to James McBryan and his crew for setting us antenas that will enable us to have a much more efficient communicatuions system and to the students who offered us their observations as to how we can improve our programs in the schools and in particular how to use technology in the classroom.

Soon it will be La Semana Santa which in Latin America is a time for rest and relaxation marked by church services and many - yes many - processions. OAF thanks all those groups who believe in what we are doing and are so generous in coming and helping out. After Easter we are preparing for 3 new groups. God`s Grace keeps on growing. Blessings to all for a Grace filled Holy Week.

OAF's New Volunteer Recruitment Video

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Facebook

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

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Donations online

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Non Discrimination Policy

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Olancho Aid Foundation, Inc. Admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools programs. It does not discriminate on any national, ethnic or religious basis in administration of the school's education policies, financial-assistance programs, athletics or any other school-administered activities.

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Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

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Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

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Teacher�s Day

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

On September 17, the Olancho Aid Foundation celebrated the Honduran Teacher�s Day by preparing a special dinner for its 58 teachers who work at the various schools. The dinner celebrated and recognized the hard work, sacrifice and dedication the teachers bring to the students, families and organization. The Teacher of the Year award was received by Zacarias Avila (Cardinal Rodriguez Institute), Brenda Dinora (Santa Clara) and Vilma Esperanza Jimenez (Escuelita Nazareth) for their outstanding work in the field.

Congratulations to all teachers on their special day!

Day of the Children

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

On September 10th, Escuelita Nazareth, Santa Clara and the Cardinal Rodriguez Institute celebrated the annual Day of the Children.
Escuelita Nazareth celebrated the day with students enjoying delicious pastries, ice cream and traditional pi�atas designed especially for them. Celebrations initiated with a small presentation performed by teachers.

Santa Clara students celebrated the day with laughter, music and sweets. Students participated in a variety of activities including musical chairs, pi�atas and various races. Seventh graders brought joy to the community of La Empalizada by bringing pi�atas and lots of sweet treats.

Students from the Cardinal Rodriguez Institute celebrated the day by volunteering their time and bringing fun activities to children from local schools and communities who are faced with challenging economic situations including Talanquera, La Concepcion, La Posolera and kindergarteners from Santa Gertrudis.

2009-2010 Volunteers

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Olancho Aid Foundation along with the Santa Clara School welcomes the new 2009-2010 academic year volunteers. A total of 10 international volunteers have integrated in working along with the Santa Clara school with the goal of contributing and strengthening the bilingual education program at the school. The volunteers will lend their services for a year and assist at all education levels from kindergarten to seventh grade.

....Ginny Christine Rainwater...................... Mary Elizabeth Monley

.... Nicole Renee Lanning ..................... Elizabeth Ann Mevissen

.. Daniel Christopher Karbousky ................ Katherina Mary Wolff

.... Teresa Ann Morrison .......................... Meagan Powell Tenety

....Sarah Elise Veazey............................ Anthony Minniti

Launching of the �Nazareth Products� Company

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

On Friday July 24th, after several months of preparation and with the support of the Joint Program for the Support of Human Security, students from the Catholic University and various entrepreneurs, la Escuelita Nazareth launched the small company named �Productos Nazareth.� This launch released to the public Escuelita Nazareth�s products including �Condimentos Nazareth� (spices) and �Juguitos Freskito� (frozen juices) which are put together by Escuelita Nazareth students in various shops. The event was held at the central park of Juticalpa which brought together municipal authorities, the staff of the Olancho Aid Foundation and locals. The launching of the company is a dream come true and as said by teacher and director Alejandrina Salgado, �there were many barriers during the process and creation of the vocational shops but none was an obstacle that could not be overcome to reach the dream where today we offer dignified jobs to 11 youths with special needs.�

Youth from the spice shops presenting their products

Presentation of the �Juguitos Freskito� by youth who are deaf

Members from the main table

Director Alejandrina Salgado explaining the process of the creation of the company

Catholic University students supporting the tasting of �Juguitos Freskito� to the public

Tasting of the food prepared with the oregano mix spice from �Condimentos Nazareth�

Escuelita Nazareth students presenting an act to add diversity to the event
Public present at the event

Public present at the event

Cultural Celebration at the Cardinal Rodriguez Institute

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

On July 20th Hondurans celebrate the day dedicated to the Honduras Lempira chieftain who became a national hero for fighting against slavery and defending the lands of Honduras. The Cardinal Rodriguez Institute celebrated the day with various cultural activities ranging from set ups representing the lifestyles of various tribes of the country and traditional balloons made by students. Activities also included a beauty competition known as the �India Bonita� in which girls dress up in blankets and are decorated with dried tuzas, pencas de platanos (type of cactus), and corn and bean seeds; each girl represented the beauty of the indigenous women. Each activity was evaluated by judges who selected and rewarded the most original India Bonita and balloons. The objective of the celebration is to demonstrate the Honduran national identity and awaken our Honduran pride and our past.

7th Annual Science Fair, Cardinal Rodriguez Institute

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

A small opening act kicked off the 7th Annual Science Fair at the Cardinal Rodriguez Institute. Engineer and teacher at Cardinal Rodriguez, Bany Naum Pineda, set the ground rules for the Science Fair contest. Students, Maria Jose Garcia and Bany Yanira, received a medal of recognition for their academic excellence from Director Ixa Castro.
A total of 27 projects were showcased to a panel of teachers including Daniel Molina, Bay Pineda and Henry Borjas who served as judges for the event.
The Science Fair�s goal is to challenge student�s creativity and innovation and as Bany Pineda said �all of this is done with the objective to motivate students towards research and hands on experiences.�

1st Place in Science, �Protein Extraction�

1st Place at the High School Level, �Sound Amplification�

2nd Place in Science, �Papaya Fungicide�

2nd Place in High School Level, �Renewable Cement�

3rd Place in Science, �Household Vacuum�

3rd Place in High School Level, �Household Floor Disinfectant�

501 (c) Status

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

We are pleased to inform our supporters that we have received notification from Internal Revenue Service that we classify as a 501(c)3 Tax Exempt Organization. We are especially grateful for guiding this tedious process to Father Donahue, Rob Privette and Christopher Ernest. They, along with Carlos Najera have helped pave the way that hopefully will invite more foundational support to our efforts.

Historic Graduation at Santa Clara

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In a special and historic ceremony, last Saturday, June 27th, the Santa Clara School graduated their first class of 6th graders, where 25 students participated in the historic event. Celebrations began with a religious ceremony presented by Father Richard Donahue. Followed by presentations of diplomas by Father Richard Donahue (President of Olancho Aid Foundation), Father Edmundo Osorto (Priest of Patuca Municipality), Carlos Najera (Executive Director of OAF), Annie Cashore (Santa Clara Director) and Ivonne Hernandez (Santa Clara Elementary Director).

During the presentation, Father Richard Donahue recalled the beginning of the Santa Clara project, which was a day care center for the children of students at the Catholic University. It is a great accomplishment to see those same students that begin at the day care center receive their 6th grade diploma and continue with their education at the Santa Clara school. During the ceremony students received their graduating diplomas as well recognition to those students who excelled in their academics and overall classroom collaboration.

2009 Santa Clara Kindergarten Graduation

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Forty-eight kindergarten students received their diplomas this past Friday, June 26th. Celebrations began with a thanksgiving mass led by Father Richard Donahue at the University�s chapel. Students then received their diplomas where each of the students happily received recognition for finishing their year successfully from Father Donahue, Annie Cashore (Santa Clara Director) and Flavia Suyapa Garcia (Kindergarten Director). Students with high academic achievement were also recognized.

The kindergarten graduates celebrated with their parents, family members and Santa Clara teachers the success of achieving the first stage of their academic lives and the beginning of the next.

Solidarity Project

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

From June 9th to 18th, Olancho Aid hosted a group of 16 young adults from the parish of St. John the Evangelist. The group supported the organization and mission of solidarity projects to improve the environment of public schools. This year two schools benefited from the hard work of the group: Jacobo Murillo Lara School from the La Paz community, 30 minutes outside of Juticalpa, and Francisco Morazan School from La Posolera, Telica community. During their trip, the group had the opportunity to share both hard work and fun times with students and children of the community. Despite cultural and language barriers, the group made unforgettable memories with the communities.

Farewell to 2008-2009 Volunteers

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Pictured from the left: Erin Ernest, Eric Macias, Maria� Balata, John Monley, and Ginny Rainwater.

As the locals say, the door to Olancho is very wide and easy to enter, but the exit is a narrow and difficult path. As the school year at Santa Clara comes to an end, Olancho Aid says good bye to five outstanding volunteers and teachers who will make their way towards the exit. Each of our teachers dedicated themselves not only to their students, but to the values of a quality bilingual Catholic education. We thank them for their commitment and compassion.
Of our volunteers at Santa Clara, Erin Ernest, Eric Macias, Maria� Balata, and John Monley, were all long-term volunteers who made the commitment to stay for the school year. While they will be missed in the classrooms of Santa Clara next year, we also wish them the best of luck as they go on to pursue other callings in life, such as John Monley, the sixth grade teacher, who will be attending law school in the fall and Maria� Balata, the second grade teacher, who will be attending Catholic University for her masters degree in Historical and Systematic Theology. Our fifth grade teacher, Ginny Rainwater, will be returning to Santa Clara again this fall as a volunteer. We wish them all the best of luck in their future endeavors and offer our gratitude

Student Carnival and Walk, Student Celebration Week

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Student Week is an important week for our students filled with celebration and various activities. The Cardenal Rodriguez Institute kicked off the event with the Celebration of the Word. Students then broke off into groups led by Dr. Napoleon and Zapata Luis Figueroa, B.A. Several activities were planned for this program included activities with teachers, a �Mr. and Mrs. Cardenal Rodriguez� contest, dancing and a buffet of typical Honduran food made by student�s parents, teachers and administration.

This event was conducted by 12th graders with the support of Director Ixa Castro and Julissa Juarez, teacher.

The Escuelita Nazareth also celebrated the day with older students from the center who preferred to pass the day in a tourist center. They enjoyed swimming in a pool, one of their favorite activities, a hearty and delicious lunch and various games arranged by their teachers. It was an unforgettable day for all of them.