We are so excited to be featuring Paula Diaz, who has been a huge part of the Humanity and Hope community for many years! Paula fearlessly leads our education team and works closely with Aminta to ensure that the students in our communities have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Paula lives in Florida with her husband, Rodrigo, and daughter, Valeria.
How did you first get involved with Humanity and Hope?
I heard of Humanity and Hope through our group leader, Denny Fuller, back in July 2012 during our first visit to Honduras!
What is your favorite memory from Honduras?
There are many good and fun memories collected through the years and the many trips our family has been able to take down to Honduras, but seeing the students' faces back in January as they were given their school supplies to go school this year was priceless. I saw excitement, hope, dreams, and a lot of grateful hearts! We have wonderful kids and amazing donors that make those moments so real and so powerful.
“Every time a child decides to say “yes” to education, we feel that we are winning another little battle against poverty and illiteracy. ”
What makes you so passionate about education?
Education is so relatable to many of us. All kids deserve to have the opportunity to get an education, regardless of where they were born. I love seeing the change happening right in front of our eyes, and the thought of a brighter future and opportunities for our villages due to a higher level of education makes me so excited! Every time a child decides to say “yes” to education, we feel that we are winning another little battle against poverty and illiteracy. We want to make education the normal choice, rather than just an option for some. We want to get to the point where children know that this is what they should do to have better opportunities.
How is COVID-19 affecting education in the communities?
Schools in Honduras are closed right now, so the only way to continue to provide an education is through virtual classes and handouts, much like how things are in the United States. Remolino and La Coroza have electricity, but unfortunately, La Cuchilla does not have access to a reliable power source. The education team cannot express how important it is to have electricity in La Cuchilla so that the students can continue learning. Right now, we are waiting to have a few more solar panels set up so that we have enough power to connect three computers and help our students get up to date on their school work.
What are you most excited about for the future of H&H and the education team?
I personally cannot wait for the first class of graduates, which will be in 2021. We will have a total of nine graduates. This is the first time these villages will have graduates, and I think that is beyond exciting! We, as the education team, are working to improve the quality of education in the communities. The goal is to start growing our local elementary schools, improve communication between students and sponsors, and possibly add a sponsorship program for the college students. We work to help the kids grow in every aspect of their life -- not only academically, but also spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I never thought I would go on a mission trip, let alone survive one or work with children. I now try to go twice a year, and those are usually the best weeks of our year. I also work for the children in the villages!!
Be sure to check out our website for more information on the education team and open volunteer opportunities!