Honduras Wilderness Team March 2016

On March 11, 2017 Alpharetta Rotarian, Paul Ray, will embark on his 4^th annual Wilderness Team trip to the Agalta Valley, Honduras. Fortunately, HOI and the mission groups that have gone to the impoverished valley (pop. 40,000) for 25 years have made a huge impact on residents there. Education brings prosperity. Years ago the children were destined to become sustenance farmers, now they want to become teachers, doctors, and engineers.

The Wilderness Team was started 22 years ago by Atlanta Rotarian, Bob Hope. The focus of the Wilderness Team is to support education. Past work has included the installation of 30 computers with internet, installation of a FIFA regulation soccer field, and footings for a pedestrian bridge across the highway to improve safe access to school. In homes volunteers have installed concrete floors and water filter systems. Last year Paul and crew built over 100 filter stands in 3 different communities and an additional 28 stands for another village. Each household averages 5-6 family members, so it does not take long to make a huge difference in the overall health of the valley. This project is being monitored by the CDC.

Having redesigned and retooled the task, investing $1,500 in local material (wood) and enlistment of villagers to assist, Paul and his team hope to build 200-300 filter stands in 3-days.

While there we hope Paul is able to visit two students, Angel and Alex, who have been sponsored by our Rotary Club for the last 4 years.