Choluteca 4-H Tutoring Program: “I support, I serve”

By Pati Rodriguez 

Your support of the 4-H program in Choluteca, Honduras, makes it possible for the regional ministry team to continue impacting people's lives. The 4-H clubs offer activities focused on strengthening skills and abilities in children, adolescents, and young people. The team is helping fulfill World Gospel Mission’s vision: "Transformed people transforming communities to transform the world." The life-changing 4-H program began three years ago.  

Over the past couple of years, it has been challenging to continue with some of our programs. The coronavirus pandemic affected the entire world, and the 2020-2021 years were full of challenges to the Honduras educational system. Students and families could not adequately adapt to the new technology that is now a standard part of the virtual learning world. In most families, there was a lack of access to the technological tools needed for the new class model. Parents were unable to purchase mobile devices or to subscribe to internet packages. Parents and other family members were required to become tutors at home and ensure that students finished their assignments on time. Many parents were not able to fulfill the role of becoming tutors. Especially in rural areas, many parents do not have the academic preparation necessary to help their children with their schoolwork. Others were working long hours outside the home and did not have enough time to dedicate to helping educate their children.

 

Teachers sent assignments to their students by mail or used social networks to communicate. There was inadequate feedback and a lack of assessment to ensure that students met the necessary competencies for promotion to the next grade level. As a result, many students advanced in school without learning the required materials. To meet the community's needs, 4-H leaders developed the vision of starting the tutoring project. The Regional 4-H leaders have added the program, "I am at your service." They focus on helping strengthen young boys and girls with their reading and writing skills. As a result, a new initiative assists young people to stay in school and provides hope for them to accomplish their academic goals.

The 4-H counselors became personally aware of the education problem when they asked students to

write letters to their sponsors. Every year the sponsored children send a note of thanks to those who have helped support them. By writing the letters, students express their gratitude and learn better writing and communication skills. As the students began to write their letters, it was apparent that they had not gained the expected competency for completing the task. They had not acquired the ability to read analytically or write at the desired expression level according to their grade level. They could not understand what they were reading, and their writing was mechanical, simply repeating what others wrote. 

The 4-H mentors knew that students could learn through timely remedial lessons once they obtained the didactic tools required to facilitate their learning. The program started in November, and there are 22 boys and girls from the first to the sixth grades. They have observed progress. 

There are usually unexpected consequences to any of our programs. Fortunately, the youth literacy program has seen some very positive outcomes. Those in the community are highly motivated. We are excited to see the level of community participation. Three community volunteer tutors are assisting the 4-H club mentors. The 4-H club meets at the local church building, where many of the students arrive early before the scheduled class starts twice each week. Parents are happy with their children's involvement in the program and for love shown through so many people's participation.

 

We are grateful for each person's help. Choluteca 4-H is making a difference in people's lives.