Honduras, Rio Blanco Community Development and Long-term Plans

August, 2014

Present RealitiesHonduran society is rife with economic inequality resulting in endemic poverty. Malnutrition, poor housing and infant diseases are widespread.

San Pedro Sula is located in the northwest of Honduras, just 60 kilometres from the Caribbean Coast. It is the second largest city in the country and just over half of the population live below the poverty line of $1.25 per day and unemployment hovers around 30%.

One of the poorest areas of San Pedro Sula is the Bordo in Rio Blanco which has a population suffering from discrimination and scarce economic resources; 90% of its population live in extreme poverty in small wooden and cardboard shacks along the Rio Blanco River, surviving on $1/day. There are approximately 700 to 800 families, each averaging three to five children. Social problems consist of unemployment, teenage pregnancies, low standard of education, malnutrition, domestic abuse and illiteracy.

Country FactsCountry: HondurasDepartment: CortesMunicipality: San Pedro SulaCommunity: Rio BlancoLanguages: Spanish

Partner MinistryCristocentro Honduras began in 1985 and is part of a worldwide network of churches connected to Grace International Ministries in Houston, Texas.

San Pedro Sula is one of five Cristocentro locations in Honduras which encompasses four church plants -Nueva Florida, Rio Blanco, La Lima and Zalano - in poor communities. The pastors intentionally assess and help to provide for some of the social and physi-cal needs of the people. For example, the church in Rio Blanca opened a Development Centre for children, which is entirely staffed by church members.

Phase 1

Children’s Development Centre

Since 2008, Cristocentro has been operating a Development Centre for children living in the Bordo; the age range is 4 to 14 years. It is called Centro de Desarrollo. The purpose is to provide a safe and caring place, spiritual influence and discipleship, tutoring and nutritious meals. The aim is also to build relationships with and give support to the parents.

There are presently 260 kids in the program. Cristocentro rents the building from the government, which is in poor condition and less than ideal for its purpose. The open space is not conducive to teaching and learning with the reverberating noises of the children and it gets extremely hot due to the bad ventilation.

Cristocentro plans to approach the government for a permit to tear down the existing building and put up a new one with

two floors. If approved, the permit is good for 10 years before it has to be renewed again.

Upon approval, construction will start on the 1st floor comprising of the kitchen, washrooms and a multipurpose room used for church and a youth hangout space.

Phase 2

Children’s Development Centre

Construction of the second floor, consisting of the library, computer lab and classrooms.

Phase 3

Children’s Development Centre

Construction of playground and furnishings for the Centre.

OpportunitiesThere are numerous opportunities for change to occur. The following are the initial and long-term stages of what it will take to bring about community transformation while working alongside the people. Many need to follow each other in successive order while other may occur simultaneously:

•Construction•Children’s Development

Centre and MInistry

•Vocational Training•Community Health

Education

•Sports Camps, especially soccer

Plan of Action

Projected CostsYear Activity Funds Required People Affected

PHASE 1 Construction of 1st floor $59,000 260

PHASE 2 Construction of 2nd floor $67,575 260

PHASE 3 Construction of playground $6,820 260

Furnishings and computers $14,220 260

Total $147,615 260

Project BenefitsThe impact of Cristocentro’s presence in the Bordo has been profound in such a short time. The residents know there are people to turn to for help. The children and youth have a safe place to go to learn and grow and receive consistent love and care. And many have come to Christ as a result.

With the establishment of a new Children’s Development Centre, it will enable Cristocentro to have an even greater influence that can reach beyond the children. The hope is for it to also house a vocational training school for youth and adults trying desperately to eke out a sustain-able living to provide for their families.

Material Aid- Arts and crafts supplies- Spanish books for elementary school level- Instructional books for learning English- Sports supplies, especially for soccer- School supplies

Annual Activities- Emergency fund ($1,000)- Internet ($575)

Capacity Building- Photocopier ($750)- Computers and surge protector ($1,465)- Refrigerator ($1,100)- Freezer ($750)- Air Conditioner ($2,150)- Camera ($415)- Projector ($650)- Office chairs ($1.015)- Coolers ($270)

Sponsorship- Child sponsorship ($32/month)

Facilitated by Hungry For Life International