Villa Soleada + Bilingual School

The Past

The statistics in El Progreso’s largest riverbed shanty slum—known as Siete de Abril—were grim. Every single family battled with generational poverty. Running water, adequate housing, electricity, land titles, and sewage system were nonexistent. Gang violence, alcoholism, drug abuse, chronic unemployment, undocumented emigration, and malnutrition were rampant. Local authorities described the place as “the hardest slum in the city.”

A household survey revealed that 0% of the residents had graduated from high school. Not one person had graduated.

The Project

In 2005, we began meeting with community members on a daily basis. Together, we attempted to tackle a simple question: could an entire community in Honduras lift itself out of generational poverty if not just one but all its challenges were addressed comprehensively?

In 2007, the village council decided to relocate their community. Our organization bought a large plot of land in northern El Progreso. Funds were raised in the US for construction supplies. Following the lead of community members, we organized, created a plan, and began building together. Over two years, 13 acres of wilderness turned into a village.

In 2009, 44 families moved into the newly built village. For the first time, they had access to a water well, electricity, land titles, adequate housing, and sewage system. Yet many challenges still remained: generational poverty, illiteracy, chronic unemployment, drug abuse, violent crime, and malnutrition.

The School

In 2012, the families asked our organization to build the one thing missing in their community: a school.

A dream emerged. It was so profound yet so simple: one day, every child from the community would be a high school and college graduate.

Inspired by their vision, our team has been striving to achieve a 100% graduation rate in the community. We believe that our students can become self-sufficient, productive adults who can make a positive impact in Honduras. Together, we can help Villa Soleada become a sustainable, model community.

If you would like to learn more about Villa Soleada + the Bilingual School please visit our national organization's website below: