The John B. McGrath Library in Honduras

Dear friends,

I am writing to share some updates on our work so far in 2025 – both on the John McGrath Library and beyond!

Progress on the John McGrath Library

Together with our partners in El Progreso, we are continuing to develop plans for the space, which we hope to get started with later this year!

In February, a group of 6 young people at educate. received three days of leadership training to equip them with skills as literacy facilitators. We continue strengthening the skills of the young people involved in our library network, which is fundamental to the success of this work.

We have also been exploring with local communities how these library spaces can be leveraged for other activities – like promoting sexual health education, gender equity, environmental education, and more!

We are excited to continue keeping you up to date as the project continues.

Our scholarships and youth programmes

At educate., we believe that education is key to transforming lives and building a better future. Thanks to the support of our community, this year we are providing scholarships to 40 students from rural communities: 36 in high school and 4 in university! These are young people with talent, determination, and big dreams who would otherwise be unable to access a formal education. Our scholarship recipients receive not just economic support, but also mentorship, tutoring, engagement in weekly programmes and workshops, and access to mental health services.

At our Youth Centre, we have also launched our 2025 youth programmes. These are spaces designed to enhance young peoples’ skills, help them discover their talents and passions, and empower young people through transformative experiences. We have four core youth programmes:

• EducArte, art programme: A space where young people can express themselves through painting and other artistic disciplines, fostering creativity and personal and cultural identity.
• UniDeportes, sports programme : We see sports are a tool for learning about teamwork, problem solving, and positive values that promote well-being and healthy habits.
• Joven Comunica, communications programme: This program helps young people strengthen their oral and written skills, learn about digital media such as photography and video, and tell their own stories to impact their communities.
• Tecnología con Propósito, STEM programme: Here young people acquire digital skills and explore the use of technology to solve problems, build skills, and create new opportunities. They not only learn how to use programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but also things like robotics.

These programs are open to any young person who wants to participate, free of charge. Currently, we have 75 young people actively participating in these programs every Saturday, developing key skills for their futures and creating stronger and more resilient communities.

Thank you for joining us on this journey!

Best wishes,

Antonia