Educate First-Generation Students in Honduras

Hello Friends,

'Tis the season of graduations and giving. In Honduras, December marks the end of a school year, while in the US, it marks a time of heightened generosity. For many—including all of us here at OYE—, it is a time to reflect on all that we have accomplished and learned throughout the year and to dream big for the year ahead.

This year, we have celebrated the graduations of nearly 30 young people from our community across all levels, from ninth grade through university. This years graduates include first-generation high school students, former scholarship students who found work and finished their university studies on their own terms, and members of our staff.

Jesly is among them. Like more than 70% of our growing team, Jesly started her journey in OYE as a scholarship student and participant in our youth-led sports program. Last year, she completed her professional internship in our accounting and finance department and transitioned right into a staff position from there. As a member of our entrepreneurship team, she provides training and support to our growing network of young entrepreneurs and contributes to our emerging creative social enterprise.

For her, earning her bachelor's degree in public accounting and finance was a whirlwind of emotions. In this moment, she realized she was achieving something truly significant. In her words: "[My graduation] is not only a personal triumph, but a family one as well. I am the only person in my family who has completed their university education. It is a joy to be a part of the aspirations of my younger siblings and nieces who want to be like [me]. They now aspire to be university graduates —lawyers, teachers, or whatever they set their minds to".

Jesly's story is just one example of the transformative impact of supporting promising first-generation students in Honduras. Thank you for joining us in this important work.

Warmest wishes to you and yours this holiday season.

In appreciation,
Amanda

P.S. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing more reflections and snapshots from these special moments on social media. Follow along with us on Facebook and Instagram.