By Andrew Pawuk | February 18, 2022
Imagine starting school without a uniform, a backpack, or even shoes to wear. For our scholars in Honduras, this often was the reality they faced before being accepted into our scholarship program.
Already facing the stigma of being from the garbage dump community, they also had to show up to school wearing old, worn-out hand-me-downs from their neighbors or older siblings. If they were the lucky ones who were not barefoot, they were wearing discarded shoes from the garbage dump.
Imagine starting school without a uniform, a backpack, or even shoes to wear.
Every January and February, our scholars in Central America begin their new school year. This is an exceptionally special year for our Honduran students, who are returning to in-person learning for the first time in two years.
Our International Samaritan coordinators and directors work closely with each scholar to make sure that they have the resources necessary to excel in their studies. Our scholars walk into their classrooms with new uniforms and shoes, books, and all the school supplies that they need to succeed.
Here are a few new photos from this enormous effort in Honduras.
Please know that our scholars, their families, and the scholarship support teams are filled with gratitude that there are people like you walking hand-in-hand. Gracias.
Andrew Pawuk
Vice President of Operations
Andrew has been with International Samaritan since 2007 and oversees its programs in five countries. He graduated from St. John’s Jesuit High School and holds a Master’s degree in International Studies. He attends St. Mary Student Parish in Ann Arbor, is an avid bird watcher, and sings with Measure for Measure men’s chorus.
