Well-Being For All

Dania - a Honduran Success Story

Life in Honduras is never easy, and young Dania is no stranger to life’s challenges. The story of Dania and her connection to Programa Reconstruccion Rurale (PRR) began over 10 years ago, while a Canadian Construction Expedition team was building a school near La Buena Fe, Honduras. Al Wigood remembers thinking he and the construction volunteers from Canada were working quite hard carrying blocks one at a time to the site. He smiles as he recalls noticing a 6 year old girl carrying two blocks at a time! Even more impressive, this little girl only had one arm. But he quickly saw that a missing right arm did not slow her down. This determined girl carried one block in her full limb and strategically balanced the other in her shorter right arm. This image resonates with Al to this day; he knows it represents Dania’s tenacity continuously demonstrated over the past 10 years.

The bright, young Dania graduated from primary school with the highest marks in her class. With a little support of financial resources through PRR’s Education Fund, Dania was able to develop her talents and capabilities further. PRR’s Education program supports students who wish to continue secondary school, since secondary school is funded by governments in some communities, but not in all. The PRR program offers students who achieve an 80% average in primary school an opportunity to go to secondary school. This is the Education Scholarship Program.

Dania pursued higher education, sponsored by a Canadian family through World Accord. Recently, Al had the pleasure of attending Dania’s secondary school graduation where she achieved an 87% average.

What next for Dania? Dania initially wanted to pursue a career as a lawyer, but quickly learned that many of her peers had a similar goal. Seeing opportunity and demand, this pioneering spirit instead researched careers in environmental conservation and forestry. She told Al “I will never run out of work!”, as environmental issues such as reforestation, sewage treatment and conservation plague Honduras. Dania will commence studies in January 2007.

Up until now, education to Dania has been a gift. Now, for university, the PRR Education program becomes an interest free student loan. Paying back the program contributes to the sustainability to afford future student loans. Dania will be the program’s first university student! The program started 6 years ago and has grown to its current size of 66 secondary students. Dania is truly a pioneer and an inspiration!

World Accord believes in fostering development and the resulting social transformation takes time. Dania exemplifies the benefit of long term relationships between overseas partners. Dania has been able to access opportunities through PRR that have affected her life choices. In return, World Accord is reminded that focusing on human abilities and not our disabilities allows individuals to see their true potential. Dania has met life’s challenges head on and reminds us of the power of personal spirit and believing in yourself. Best of Luck to Dania!

posted by World Accord Staff @ 2:14 PM