Faces of the Future

The older girls at Copprome Orphanage want to become doctors, business leaders, and teachers. Yet, in many cases, this is not what the future holds. When they graduate from high school, they must leave Copprome. Without any emotional, financial, or educational support, they often end up living in sub-standard housing or on the streets. Many become pregnant. Many turn to prostitution. This cycle is devastating, only leading to greater poverty and even more orphaned children.

These girls are part of a larger socioeconomic endemic in Honduras. Each year, just 14 percent of high school students have the opportunity to go to college. Less than half will graduate. Educational opportunities exist in Honduras, but these are reserved for select individuals who can afford many additional costs such as books, housing, transportation, and the inability to work full-time. Next year, five girls will graduate from Copprome.

SHH must take action. As a priceless asset that can never be taken away from a person, education can be the most powerful way to break the cycle of poverty. SHH plans to create a scholarship fund that allows every girl currently at Copprome to partake in post-high school education if they choose. However, a scholarship alone is often insufficient. Thus, SHH plans to build a women’s academy to support the transition from Copprome to the real world. The academy will support 20-25 girls, providing safe living conditions and an emotional support structure. It will also include space for long-term student volunteers, who will give additional support, such as academic tutoring, money management training, sex education, and emotional support.

Our vision is based on the success of a similar but less extensive project at Our Little Roses, an orphanage located about one hour from Copprome. It is also based on our experiences with two extraordinary Copprome graduates. As very successful college students on scholarship to two of Honduras’ top universities, Yapa and Patti have continually given back to Copprome, SHH, and Honduras as volunteers. They serve as shining examples of what is possible for younger girls at Copprome and beyond. Most importantly, their example allows the younger girls to not only dream big, but for the first time to believe that those dreams can become reality.

Through this year’s Walkathon, SHH wants to fulfill a promise that it first made two years ago when it fought to keep Copprome’s doors open. To make this possible, SHH will need to fundraise at least $250,000! SHH cannot do this alone. Once again, we must come together to defy the odds and change the world!