February 2025 newsletter

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10,000 Dreams Began with a Backpack

At FUNDESUR, we know that education is not just a right—it’s one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty, opening doors to opportunity, and strengthening the social fabric of vulnerable communities. That’s why, in 2025, we’ve set one of our most ambitious goals yet: to provide school kits to 10,000 children across the departments of Choluteca and Valle, reaching more than 200 rural schools.

This initiative is especially urgent when you consider the statistics: in Honduras, 40% of children of school age do not attend school, and in rural areas, this number rises to an alarming 70%. The issue is not a lack of motivation, but a lack of resources. Many families simply cannot afford the most basic school supplies—a notebook, a pencil, a backpack. For these children, going to school becomes a dream out of reach.

With an investment of over L 2,600,000, these kits include essential learning tools such as notebooks, pencils, rulers, crayons, and sturdy backpacks. But more than that, each kit is a symbol of hope, a chance to dream big, and a path toward a brighter future.

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Donation Boxes of Hope

In the midst of our daily routines, it’s easy to forget that small gestures can make a big impact. Our Donation Boxes of Hope are a community-driven initiative that transforms each coin into tangible support. Strategically placed throughout Choluteca, these boxes allow anyone to contribute to our health, nutrition, and social support programs.

These boxes collect more than just funds—they collect solidarity, empathy, and hope. The donations help us provide medicine, conduct medical brigades, assist families in emergencies, and implement essential community projects in the most vulnerable regions of southern Honduras.

You can find our boxes at the following locations:

- Muflisur

- Supermercados Carbajal

- Bonillantas

- Marcafé Unimall (2 sucursales)

- Churrería Porfirio

- Copymax

- Barbería Chachos

We invite you to be part of this ongoing mission. Because when we come together, every Lempira counts—and every donation helps change lives.

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Life-Saving Technology Before Birth

In rural communities like Pueblo Nuevo, Marcovia, access to specialized maternal care is extremely limited or entirely unavailable. For many pregnant women, an ultrasound is an unattainable luxury—due to lack of funds, distance, or even awareness.

In January, FUNDESUR held a free obstetric ultrasound day, providing services to 17 expectant mothers, 13 of whom had never had an ultrasound before. This important medical outreach allowed doctors to monitor fetal health, detect multiple pregnancies, and identify possible complications that could endanger both mother and baby.

One particularly critical case involved the detection of a twin pregnancy, which allowed us to begin early and specialized prenatal follow-up to reduce risks. The women also received guidance on nutrition, prenatal checkups, and how to care for high-risk pregnancies.

These ultrasounds not only provide images—they provide peace of mind, empowerment, and the chance for a safer, healthier delivery. Investing in maternal health means saving two lives at once.

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69,000 Tires Removed

Improper waste management is a major challenge in Honduras, especially when it comes to discarded tires. These tires quickly become ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit dangerous diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

That’s why FUNDESUR leads the Responsible Tire Disposal Program, which in 2024 successfully collected over 69,000 used tires across the Choluteca and Valle regions. This was achieved thanks to strong partnerships with Fundación Ferretería Herco, Cementos Argos Honduras, local tire shops, health authorities, and municipal environmental units.

To celebrate and expand this success, we hosted an informative breakfast with more than 45 participating tire shops and recycling centers, where we reviewed progress and discussed strategies to increase impact. These included expanding education campaigns, improving logistics, and strengthening monitoring systems.

This work goes far beyond cleaning up waste. It’s a direct investment in public health, environmental protection, and community safety—proving that responsible waste management can save lives.

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Medical Supplies Delivered to 10 Centers

In rural areas, the lack of access to essential medications is one of the greatest barriers to receiving adequate healthcare. That’s why, at the start of 2025, FUNDESUR completed its first quarterly delivery of medical supplies, restocking our 10 community health centers that serve over 44,000 people across southern Honduras.

With an investment of L 250,000, this delivery included life-saving medications such as antihypertensives, oral hypoglycemics, cough suppressants, anticonvulsants, antispasmodics, and antihistamines. These are critical for managing chronic illnesses, alleviating acute symptoms, and improving the overall well-being of our patients.

But beyond numbers and logistics, this effort represents a deeper promise: that no person should be left behind when it comes to health. We remain committed to building a more accessible, dignified, and equitable healthcare system—one community at a time.

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Teaching Dental Hygiene in Schools

We believe that health education should begin at an early age—especially when it comes to dental hygiene, a vital yet often neglected area in underserved communities. In January, FUNDESUR conducted a fun and educational oral health session at the Terencio Sierra Elementary School in La Criba, San Lorenzo, with two first-grade classrooms.

During the session, the children learned how to use a toothbrush properly, practiced brushing techniques, and discussed the importance of keeping their teeth healthy through good habits and smart food choices. To reinforce the lesson, each child received a personal dental care kit, including a toothbrush and toothpaste.

These small but meaningful interventions help prevent future dental problems and build lifelong habits of self-care, confidence, and health. A healthy smile is not only about teeth—it’s about dignity, well-being, and a joyful childhood.