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Honduras
Honduras ranks among the most economically challenged countries in the Central America/Caribbean region. Two-thirds of the population lives under the national poverty line, and close to 50% live in conditions of extreme poverty. When Hurricane Mitch hit Honduras in 1998, it resulted in an estimated $2 billion in damage and left thousands of people homeless. Honduras is the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Central America, accounting for more than half of the reported cases in the region, even though the country has only 17% of the population.
Episcopal Relief & Development’s work in Honduras is carried out with a group of partners with specialized expertise in various aspects of development. Our primary relationship is with the Diocese of Honduras and its Anglican Agency of Development, known as AANGLIDESH, which we helped to establish.
Rebuilding Communities
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Work continues to rebuild housing and community infrastructure destroyed during Hurricane Mitch, along with housing repair and renewal after flooding and other disasters. Current efforts are focused on rebuilding homes for 700 people in the Amarateca Valley area.
Creating Economic Opportunities and Strengthening Communities
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Training programs enhance individuals’ ability to start and manage small businesses by providing capital credit and training in marketing and entrepreneurship.
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A bread-baking cooperative, block-making factory and small tourism company provide opportunities to enhance skills and access local markets. Marginalized groups like fishermen, Garifuna women and people living with HIV are targeted.
Alleviating Hunger and Improving Food Supply
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Community gardens and fruit tree plantations improve the income potential and health of local residents in the mountainous rural areas.
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A new generation of agricultural workers is being empowered at the agro-technical school to carry their newfound knowledge back to their home communities, and work alongside residents in transforming their community gardens for longer term food access and diversification of the diet.
Promoting Health and Fighting Disease
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Environmentally sound cooking stoves and composting latrines promote safe, healthier living conditions in the rural communities of El Paraiso and Copan.
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Trained health promoters instruct community members in basis disease prevention and hygiene and sanitation practices that reduce respiratory, water-borne and mosquito-borne illnesses.
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HIV AIDS prevention is also targeted across the country in health education programs with church groups, clergy, youth, and commercial sex workers participating.
