Honduras was my "experience of a lifetime" and I would like to share this incredible opportunity with you! Six years ago I was given an experience that changed my life completely. I was 17 years old trying to find my niche in the world when an opportunity to travel to Honduras and work in an eye clinic fell into my lap. I didn't quite know what to expect but I figured that I had nothing to lose. I was unaware that my life was about to change forever.

My Name is Lauren: Come with me on truly the "Experience of a Lifetime" - teach the Children of Honduras.

Come join me in a 3-week adventure to teach the beautiful underprivileged children from this spectacular nation. We will be experiencing the town of La Ceiba, overlooking the crystal clear Caribbean and the sparkling sandy beaches. Come give your knowledge of the English language to a child that has little hope for the future!

My name is Lauren Lemke  and I am excited to offer each of you an experience of a lifetime. Seven years ago I was given an opportunity to travel to Honduras and give a helping hand in an eye clinic. I had the most magnificent experience, which really did change my life. Honduras is a very special country with a lovely and exceptional culture. I met individuals both children and adults who changed my life completely. Honduras is the third poorest country in Latin America and poverty is widespread. I feel that I was privileged to have met these individuals and know you will feel the same way.

I graduated from university with a degree in Elementary Education from a small private university in North Carolina. Since then I have been teaching the children of North Carolina. I decided to stay in that area for many reasons but one major one was that I saw so much poverty within the region that affected me and brought back memories of Honduras. Throughout this time I have taught classes that were one-quarter non-English speakers. That is a lot of pressure when you have 24 five year olds running around and 6 do not even know how to say hello in English. Especially difficult since there were academic standards to meet! I have also taught fourth graders who have discriminated against my Hispanic children and tormented them with threats. I have many experiences dealing with children from different walks of life and am excited to introduce you to the smiles that will melt your heart. Honduras - where my heart is!

Honduras is the second largest country in Central America with the population of 6,249,598. Its landscape has drastic changes from the rugged inland terrain of the mountains (60%-80% of the total land) to the long never-ending beautiful beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Coral Reefs surround the Bay Islands making this area one of the best in the world for scuba diving and snorkeling.

It is estimated that approximately 50% of the population live in poverty. Agriculture employs 60% of the total population in Honduras and the main crop being coffee followed closely by banana production. Other exports are corn, dry beans, sugarcane, cotton, and tobacco. Primary education is compulsory in Honduras but due to the lack of schools and teachers many children especially in the mountainous region are unable to attend. The health system in Honduras is made for the rich therefore majority of the people are unable to afford or access adequate health care facilities. This makes common diseases and infections rampant throughout the country. Many children are faced with debilitating diseases that could be easily treated if facilities were accessible for the population. Volunteer medical teams from North America and Europe are present throughout the year although these teams are not reaching as much of the population of they would like. This causes a high mortality rate within children.

The climate in Honduras drastically changes from the coastal areas to the mountainous regions. The coastal regions are warm and humid all year round while the mountainous areas are cool. Honduras recently has become environmentally concerned with the ecology of their country and has constructed 4o protective areas including 20 national parks. These areas are full of exotic animals including monkeys and jaguars!

La Ceiba - our home for 3 weeks

La Ceiba is a beautiful city overlooking the Caribbean Ocean and the Bay Islands (also owned by Honduras). La Ceiba has a population of 113,360 and is the largest port town in Honduras. The largest export at this port is bananas. The Standard Fruit Company owns many large plantations in this area and export 65% of their bananas to Europe. The Parque Central is a wonderful area to chill out and read a book while overlooking the magnificent cathedral. On either sides of the town there are sandy white beaches where you will feel isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city. The restaurants range from Chinese, grilled meat dishes, European Sidewalk Cafes where you can order a yummy cappuccino, Thai food, and of course local dishes. Or you can just wonder the beach and choose from many waterfront seafood restaurants. La Ceiba has many happening "discotecas" if you are into the nightlife scene. Don't miss the live Garifuna music! (Garifuna are descends of the West African slaves and were brought to this area in the 18th century from St. Vincent). There are a few Internet Cafes in town where you can catch up with family and friends from back home. Another must see is the Butterfly Museum where you will be given a guided tour in English or Spanish of the collection of 5,000 butterflies and moths found in the area. The largest one found is 1 foot long. Argh! Come enjoy this fabulous city with me!

There are many spectacular sites in the area that you will have to see!

1. Come swim in freshwater pools surrounded by the tropical forest and set your eyes on a waterfall while viewing the Bay Islands in the distance.
2. Take a trip into the jungle. We will view many exotic animals such as white-faced monkeys, jaguars, boa constrictors, and manatees. Much more while floating through the swamp in a large boat!
3. Join in dancing while listening to the musical groups in a Garifuna Village. There are always wonderful beaches and fresh tasty seafood.
4. Or just stay in town and enjoy the local specialties.
5. Shop for those special gifts in many quaint stores that have local wooden artifacts, pottery, paintings, and jewelry.
6. Just a block away from the central park visit the open-aired train museum where many old trains are displayed.

Whom will we be teaching?

We will be teaching the "Children of Honduras" in beautiful seaside La Ceiba.

We will teach at 2 schools, one of poor income levels and the other of medium income levels. The children will be between 6 and 16 years old., have had little formal English education but certainly have watched TV and seen movies in English with Spanish subtitles. You will find your students to be some of the most appreciative and happy children in the world.

We will be teaching 3 - 4 hours per day and will require a minimum of 1 hour for preparation each day. A total of 30 hours of practice teaching.

We will most likely be teaching only Mon. to Fri.

Goals and Expectations:

This is a very exciting opportunity for all individuals holding an International TESOL Certificate to become familiar with the resources and schools in Honduras. We will be working in a local school teaching children English ranging from kindergarten to grade 12. You will be given the chance to teach elementary aged children to young adults in high school. This is very important since it will give you experience working with both age groups. Lesson plans are expected to be put together daily upon reflecting upon your day and previous days teaching. I will be assisting you to prepare and present great lessons to these wonderful people. Throughout and near the end I will be observing your lessons and making informal and formal comments on your success and hints to become even a better teacher.

Where will we be staying?

Great North American style accommodations in double occupancy await you close to the beach. All meals (3 per day) will be provided either in the house or at alternative locations.

What we will be doing?

We will be teaching some of the world's happiest, yet poorest children. Your reward will come from the appreciation shown by these children. We will also be visiting some of Latin Americans most beautiful scenes, tropical jungles, seaside playgrounds, and cultural sites.

What will it cost?

The cost of the "Experience of a Lifetime" is $3250 Cdn. plus international airfare and personal expenses in transit and while in Honduras.

All local accommodations, food, cultural activities and local tours for 20 nights and 21 days is included in this price.

Cultural activities include: Spanish language lessons 3 times per week, exposure to Honduras culture, music and food as well as several tours into the rainforest and to the Caribbean islands offshore.

What can I do to help these children?

Come and share your knowledge of the English language so these children may participate in the opportunities that will follow. If you have a few extra English reading books in good repair, please bring them and donate to the school library.

Most important, just bring yourself. You have what it takes to secure the future of these children.

When do we start?

We will start the Experience of a Lifetime in La Ceiba Honduras in July 4 to 25 2004 .

All participants are responsible to arrive at the international airport in La Ceiba on or before the start date of your experience. You will be met at the airport and taken to your "home" for the next 3 weeks.

Call to register!

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