ASSISTANCE IN EDUCATION
A HELPING HAND IN KIND
Helping children get back to school
The public school children of Roatan eagerly awaited their return to school in February 2022, yet some specific challenges have prevented an immediate return to normal school days. Schools were in disrepair, so many families and communities had to spend some time repairing, translating directly into extra cost.
Another major challenge for extremely underfunded families has been families’ inability to provide school supplies to children, especially as they are confronted with matriculation, books, and uniform fees. Friends of R.O.A. coordinated with Nidia P. Webster of Because We Care, to organize the distribution of 70 school starter kits for children in Jonesville. The effort was greeted with a great deal of enthusiasm by the children and families of Luis Brogan school of Jonesville.
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Friends of ROA has also provided in-kind donations to the orphanage in Sandy Bay, as well as given in-kind donations to kids who needed just one tool, such as a laptop, to be able to offset the cost of economically disadvantaged students making the transition to private school.
VOCATIONAL
ENGLISH COURSES
Improving Language Skills and Futures
Friends of ROA is dedicated to improving lives by creating practical education that results in greater opportunity. We know that the ability to communicate in English doubles an individual's earning potential, and even more so within an economy based in tourism and hospitality. While many programs support school-aged children (and we do too), this program serves those who were had to discontinue their school studies in order to help earn money for their families. Our goal is to teach English Customer Service in order to bridge the education gap though development of basic English skills for youth and adults working in hospitality.
Friends of ROA partnered with the Language Loft of Roatan to give the first course to the water taxi operators and assistants, working youth whose future opportunities will greatly increase if they obtain basic English communication skills. In May and June, 2022, 32 adult students successfully completed the beginner Customer Service English curriculum. Demand for practical course continues in order to accommodate various work shifts. Courses are ongoing. Interested in volunteering to help this cause? Please get in touch!
