Olancho Aid Foundation

Olancho Aid Foundation | Educational Development in Olancho

Our Projects

What Our Volunteers Say

Participating in one of our Solidarity Projects is definitely a rewarding experience. You won't just contribute to the lives of children here in Olancho, but your own life as well. Here's what some of our volunteers have to say about their time with us.

Smiles And Hugs That Carry MeMary Roy

I have been traveling to Honduras for the past 14 years and have come to know and love the people there. Every trip I am blown away at the graciousness and faithfulness of a people who have very little. I can honestly say that I have fallen in love with the people, the communities and the culture that I have experienced during these trips. So much so that I have worked the past 14 years helping others to go to see and feel what I have. Over the years we have done many different things and been to communities around Juticalpa, but my favorite place is Escuelita Nazareth. There we feel loved immediately and the special needs students accept us freely and shower us with smiles and hugs that carry me for many, many months when I get back home.

Hondurans Are A Loving PeopleSam Diamant

Paul's first letter to the Corinthians immediately comes to mind when I think of the Honduran people: "But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (13:13). Truly, the people I encountered lived this message. Firstly, their faith was shown through the celebration of the mass. I emphasize the word celebration, as this is a joyous event, very unlike regimented and solemn services I sat through growing up. Secondly, Hondurans have hope. Father Donahue and his staff, through projects such as Escuelita Nazareth, have given hope to the people of Olancho. Finally, Hondurans are a loving people. They truly appreciated the small service I provided while working in Juticalpa. The Hondurans I encountered were incredibly gracious, hospitable and outgoing.

I would strongly encourage you to personally volunteer for Father Donahue's causes. If you can't make the trip, I'm sure your monetary support would be appreciated. In closing, I'd like to say that I fell in love with the Honduran people and culture. I hope you have a similar experience.

A Monumental TaskDouglas Desrosiers

I have been returning to the very beautiful and mountainous country for 10 years. I have met and made friends with numerous people who are warm and inviting. On our Febuary 2006 visit, Father Donahue showed us an empty field where he wants to build an annex to Escuelita Nazareth with a technical school to mainstream the special needs students into everyday life. A monumental task, but I believe it will come to fruition. I consider people I've met in Honduras part of my family and pray everyday for their safety and well-being.

Mi Casa Es Su CasaCarol J. Dale

I have traveled to the Olancho region of Honduras with a mission team for the past several years. My teenage son and daughter have joined me on this journey of good will. Initially my goal was to provide my children with experiences and insight into the culture of a third world country. I was unaware of the impact this would have on our lives and feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to enrich our lives by sharing time with the people of Honduras.

We have developed friendships while playing soccer, jumping rope, and coloring. The smiles come slowly to the faces of the children trying to understand who we are and why we are there, but when those smiles appear we are filled with warmth and hope. We are welcomed into homes with greetings like, "Mi casa es su casa." (My house is your house.) The gracious nature of the people we meet is overwhelming. My life and the lives of my children will forever be enriched by our experiences with the Honduran people.

Not What I Expected At AllRosie Diamant

Honduras, the people, and the culture were not what I expected at all. When we arrived I witnessed poverty like I had never seen before. The most remarkable thing about Honduras was the people. These people have nothing; they live in absolute poverty and they are the most caring, giving people I have ever met. Their faith truly guides them in life and they are so generous to share what little they have.

We worked in schools, handed out supplies and simply played with the children. It was truly an amazing experience and although the small amount of work we did was truly gratifying, so much more can still be accomplished.

I Look Forward To Every TripStephanie Roy

Sometimes in life you are put in situations that truly change you. Going to Honduras and being a part of the lives of the Honduran people was just that for me. When I went on my very first trip to Honduras, I was unsure of what to expect. I was afraid that I would be uncomfortable, unable to understand, and scared. However, I found that those worries were unfounded.

Not only did I feel safe, but I felt (and feel every time I go) well cared for and loved by everyone we meet. I have come to make some life-time friends in the people of Honduras. They are welcoming without prejudices, they love without limits, and they understand despite communication boundaries. I have learned more about myself in the seven years I have been traveling to Honduras than I ever could have by staying here in the United States. Father Donahue and his staff of wonderful, caring, and giving individuals make you feel safe and are willing to provide everything you might need so that your experience is a beneficial one. I look forward to every trip as if it was my first.