Jenyxon lives with his mother, grandmother and two brothers in one of the poorest neighbourhoods, outside the capital city of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. He does not have a father figure in his home, as his father abandoned the family several years ago. Jenyxon’s mother struggles to keep a job so their only steady income is from his grandmother, who sells tortillas in the neighbourhood where they live.
Last year, Jenyxon was in Grade 6 and struggled with his classes. He began to attend our PROTEDE tutoring program provided through the ministry of Schools of Hope. In the beginning, the staff did not know what to do with Jenyxon because he was so disruptive and showed no interest in learning. However, with a lot of grace and patience the staff showed love and care for him and he began to improve in his behaviour and with his studies. Even the principal of his school and his teacher took notice. They said that they were concerned for Jenyxon because he was probably not going to graduate Grade 6 that year, because his grades were not good. 
Thanks be to God, at the end of last year, Jenyxon graduated. We were all so proud of him – his principal, teacher and our SOH team! His behaviour even changed. He was a lot happier, with a smile on his face, instead of a frown all the time.
This year, Jenyxon’s family was discouraging him from pursuing high school because they did not believe that could afford to send him. This is quite normal for many families in this area, as most parents do not have more than a grade 6 education. Many do not value education, therefore it is hard to encourage children to pursue a higher level of education when they need/want help to provide for their family. Many students do not go to high school but instead find work to financially provide for their family. Victor (our ChildCARE Plus program manager) went to talk to the family and tell them that through sponsorship, Jenyxon receives help to go to high school. He will receive the funds needed for transportation, registration, uniforms and school supplies. Victor also spoke to Jenyxon and encouraged him to continue his schooling. His family was so appreciative and grateful for the support from his sponsor. Without sponsorship, Jenyxon would not have been given this opportunity. In November 2019, he finished his first year of high school and plans to continue this school year (which starts in February).
It’s easy to want to give up on a ‘difficult child’, the one who causes problems in class or school. It’s easy to see the behaviour and miss ‘seeing’ the child. Victor, God bless him, has been an amazing father figure to Jenyxon. Our tutors have been positive role models to many children in similar situations. I love and appreciate our team so much. They truly serve with hearts like Jesus. They are world changers and I love that they are changing the lives of others – one child at a time.
You can be a world changer too by donating towards our tutoring program through the ‘Classroom sponsorship‘ with ChildCARE Plus. School starts again in February and we are excited to get this program started again.
Follow our Schools of Hope Honduras Facebook page to see updates and find out what we’re up to.
Children are often overlooked and not considered important in our adult world. The poor, orphaned, street people, the broken are often overlooked and viewed as money grabbers or nuisances. Yet in reading scripture, the Word has never changed. 2000+ years ago and still today, Jesus said we need to become like little children. We need to welcome them as if they were God himself. We are to help the poor and oppressed, the widow, the orphan.
As I look back over this year, I smile because we really did have a great year. So many wonderful things took place in our ministry and in my life. For the first time, in a very very long time, I had a roommate. It was a joy to have Margaret work with us. We have been friends for many years, so it was a fun to share my life and experiences with her. It wasn’t easy for me in the beginning, if I’m honest. I have not had a roommate since, well forever, but we adjusted and learned to live together (as she had not had a roomie before either). When I go back to Honduras in January, I am very sure it will be an adjustment not having her around. We started to get somewhat of a routine and now we’ll both have to start it over again. Not to mention, she loved to cook and bake, so now I’ll have to get back to that again myself. It was fun doing life together…
