December 6, 2024 Newsletter
During a trip to Honduras in May, five Midwest Mission staff members visited the Agriculture School of Valle de Sula Choloma. We were absolutely astonished by how the school operated. The students, ranging from junior high to high school age, received a holistic education. They would learn typical school subjects such as math and reading, but also learn trades. Every single student learned how to sew, cook, and bake, cared for animals like cows and chickens, planted and harvested plantains, and more.
It was beautiful to see the “teach a man to fish” metaphor in action.
The economy in Honduras is hard on many people, and financial stability is not common. The opportunity to receive an education and learn skills that will foster future business opportunities is priceless.
We were quite fond of the Agriculture School, to say the least. The instructors were very personable and professional, sharing all of their knowledge with us as we learned about the school. The school had received a lot of gifts from Midwest Mission — Student Kits, bikes, sewing machines, Personal Dignity Kits, and more. But it was while listening to the instructors share with passion that we knew this was a place we wanted to continue deeply investing in.
While there, we met Octavio, an instructor who had worked with the school for over 25 years. He was proudly walking us around the grounds of the school, showing us the plantain fields, cattle, and trade classrooms. Although we had a translator, the passion and dedication needed no translation – it was apparent how much he cared about the school and the students.
Like most of the places we visited in Honduras, Chantel was sure to ask them “What do you need? If you could have an item that would make a great impact, what would it be?”
Octavio’s eyes lit up.
HIs dream has been to have a tractor for the school. They have planted all of their plantains using hand tools. They haven’t had the machinery needed to expand their crops and increase the yield.
“I want to show the students that they can cultivate crops in a way that isn’t as strenuous,” Octavio shared with Ramon Ortiz, Midwest Mission’s Operations Manager. “ And, they will not only learn how to use heavy machinery, but also learn how to fix it when it breaks down, a skill that is very important.”
Upon returning to the United States, the decision was made to get them a tractor. We looked into purchasing a tractor in Honduras, but the price was too expensive.
Thankfully, Bill Ridgley, full-time volunteer in Iowa, knew someone who had a John Deere 4105 tractor with a loader and brush hog for sale who would give it to us for a great price - only $25,000.
Ramon called Octavio to tell him the great news – we will be sending them a tractor. Octavio had Ramon on speaker phone, with a classroom full of students.
“They were over the moon,” Ramon said. “I could hear them whooping and hollering, and they ended the call with a unison ‘Gracias Ramon!’ It means the world that we are able to meet that need for them. We asked what they needed, and we will deliver. The impact it will make will go far beyond the classroom. They are going to have skills that will bring them job opportunities. It will change lives.”
You have the opportunity to join us in this initiative. We are almost half way to our $25,000 goal to purchase the tractor.
One tractor will make an endless impact in the lives of the students, their families, and their whole community.
Learn more about the opportunity.
Make a donation towards the tractor.
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