Military rule, corruption, a huge wealth gap, crime and natural disasters have rendered Honduras one of the least developed and least secure countries in Central America. Honduran society is rife with economic inequality. Malnutrition, poor housing and infant diseases are widespread.
Honduras was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998. At least 5,000 people were killed and 70% of the country's crops were destroyed. The damage was estimated at $3bn, setting development back by decades.
The country has a youthful population; 50% of Hondurans are under the age of 19. However thousands of Hondurans leave the country each year, most of them for the United States. The money sent home by the overseas workers is an important source of income for many families.
Previous Progressio ICS volunteers have worked on range of projects, such as:
- agricultural activities such as soil preparation, planting and harvesting products such as aloe vera and various seasonal vegetables
- construction of eco stoves
- working on all stages of coffee production within the coffee plantations (fertilisation, harvesting, drying, and packing)
- reforestation
- irrigation activities
- supporting partner organisations to develop an online presence and develop further funding opportunities
- supporting gender equality programmes through a women's football programme in rural communities
- working to create eco-tourism projects
- supporting local groups of young entrepeneurs with income generating activities
- creating an aquaponics project to provide a community with additional food sources.
Read more on Progressio's work in Honduras - or browse through our stories from Honduras
Find out more about what it's like to volunteer with Progressio ICS by reading our volunteers' blog
Don't forget every placement is different, to start your journey please complete the application form on the ICS website
