In the last days of October in 1998, a tropical disturbance in the Southwestern Caribbean flared up to become the fourth most powerful hurricane ever measured in the Atlantic Ocean, and the most deadly Atlantic storm in the last 200 years. Hurricane Mitch unleashed much of its fury on the Central American nation of Honduras, causing over 7,000 deaths, destroying 80% of the nation's agriculture, sweeping away 94 bridges, and leaving nearly 20% of the Honduran people without homes. Though Mitch has come and gone from Honduras, the effects of the storm are still being felt. Thousands of families have been left homeless, clean water is scarce, and health officials fear the outbreak of disease. Some reports estimate that as much as 80% of the "infrastructure" (roads, bridges, basic services, etc. ) of Honduras has been destroyed or severely damaged. Even today nearly a year after the storm, the people of this tiny nation are struggling.

Gray Team students undertook an attempt to raise some funds, to be used for emergency relief, as part of our "Make a Difference" campaign. On June 9, 1999, the Gray Team traveled to Popham Beach and raised money via contributions as in a walk-a-thon, as well as collected many "lump sum" donations for this worthy cause. What may seem like a "drop in the bucket" to us, may make all the difference in the world to the people of Honduras who no longer have even basic services that we all take for granted. The Red Cross is one of several aid organizations collecting and delivering supplies to the suffering people in this country. The effort to help the Hondurans may be one of the largest ever for a natural disaster. More than two dozen governments have made pledges. The Gray Team was, and is, committed to being a part of this effort. I'm proud to share with you that thanks to our efforts, the Gray Team raised nearly one thousand dollars. Every penny has gone to those in need.

During the summer of 1999, Mr. Rodrigue was in contact with several organizations helping in the relief effort. Much care has been taken to ensure that the results of our efforts went to those most in need.

Through the Partners of the Americas program, schools in the United States are linked with schools in Honduras. We were able to establish links with the Dionisio de Herrera School in El Junquillo, Honduras. This is a tiny school, K-6, serving about 35 local students. The school was in desperate need for vital repairs to the school building roof, the kitchen area, and repairs in general. The funds that our students raised were utilized directly by local parents and supporters of the school to make much needed repairs. As a direct result of our efforts, lives were changed, and an entire generation of children will have access to the one thing that can help them overcome the harsh conditions facing them in an uncertain future. That one thing is something we take for granted, access to an education, and the opportunity to improve one's position in life. All parents wish a better life for their children, in this way, we're all not that different from one another, no matter what our culture, or background of life's experiences. Through the good works by the 1998-1999 Gray Team, those hopes and dreams are more of a reality for the people of El Junquillo.

The Children and Teacher of the El Junquillo School

 

Inside view of a classroom, and a few students before repairs. (Classroom repaired, NOT the students!)

Ms. Umanzor (the teacher) and Mr. Matilde Bonilla (parent representative), at the bank signing for our check's deposit into the bank, prior to repairs. Mrs. Lidia Rodriguez(standing) is the program's administrator.

 

Ms. Umanzor, teacher for all six grades at El Junquillo school, explaining to students and parents who these people in the front of the class are. The gentleman in the white shirt is Adelita Chavarria, ANEDH's Director, who will shortly explain to the group the donation that they are about to receive and its source.

Photo of the children of El Junquillo school, hearing for the first time that our donation is on the way!

 

inside classroom view

Side view of the school building. Looks like recess!

 The images can only give you a taste of the full beauty of the area, as well as the extent to which our donations will be able to be used to really make a difference in the lives of these people.