On this Christmas
Day,
we would like to share some of the joys and accomplishments
of our mission
in Honduras during this month of December:
CMP
Graduation
On December 2nd,
the 6th CMP graduating class presented and defended their Social Project on Alphabetization.
They had taught 11 adults in one of the three levels of Primary
education. They not only obtained a 100% grade, but were congratulated by
the examining board as the best among 3,000 pupils they had examined.
The case of
Suyapa, mother of five children, is worth to mention: One of her
daughters, who graduated from the CMP two years ago, taught her the first
level. Another daughter, who graduated a year ago, guided her through the
second level. This year, it was her niece who taught her the third level,
which allowed her to complete the 6 years of primary education! This niece is
part of the same house hold (about 10 adults live in a two room house in the
mountains, without running water or electricity).
The following Friday,
December 6th, we had a thanksgiving Eucharist, celebrated by Fr. Jonathan, with
the participation of staff and families. Our volunteers from the USA were
also present in spirit.
 |
| The graduates with Sisters Olga, Teresa María, Marta Inés and María |
 |
| Rejoicing! |
Potable
Water for Sixty Families
Bill Kearny, from
Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Seekonk, MA, one of the first comers to the mission
in Guaimaca with the Diocesan groups, started five years ago to move a project
to bring potable water to a very deprived area. Being an engineer himself, he
enlisted the commitment of the Boston Chapter of Engineers Without Borders, who
throughout these years has had about twenty people working on the project in
different capacities. Many have come to Guaimaca, work on obtaining
funding and together realized studies and provide technical assistance.
The project serves
the families of three villages: Aguacatillo, Maraquito and part of La
Calona in Guaimaca. Most of them only had the polluted river water for
all their needs. Needless to say that illnesses were rampart in the area.
The EWB (Engineers
Without Borders) teamed up during these five years with the Water Board of the
three villages, the City of Guaimaca, who assisted with some equipment and
materials and the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, who acted as a liaison
between groups.
 |
| Sr. María shairng the history of the project |
After these years
of many trips to Guaimaca, intense work, training of the people in the area,
the people started having running water on December 18th, when the project was
inaugurated.
 |
| Sr. Marta giving a financial report |
 |
| Some of the families |
 | ||
| Standing room only |
Claire Barker who
coordinated the project during the last two years, and David Ramos, a Honduran
native and member of the EWB Boston Chapter were present, as well as Dr. Nelson
Chávez, mayor of Guaimaca, the Dominican Sisters, the Water Board and many
people from the three villages.
 |
| Claire Barker speaks on the name of the EWB |
 |
| Potable water at last! |
 |
| Dr. Chávez cutting the ribbon |
It was
certainly a joyful day
that
marked a new beginning
for
many people!
First
University Graduate
Thanks to the
openness of the University of Agriculture in Catacamas and the generosity of
several benefactors, several CMP graduates went on to pursue university studies
in 2010. Now after four years of perseverance and intense study Patricia
López graduated on December 21st. She has now her Bachelors in Natural
Resources and Environment and is ready to move on as a professional to
contribute to the betterment of her country.
Sisters María
Ceballos, Teresa María Abelló and Marta Inés Toro, accompanied her. It was
a happy moment for her parents and family members. We were glad to have
been able to express our gratitude to the different university officials.
We
thank all those who in different ways
have
supported our university students!
