The Amigos de Jesus Bilingual School is blessed to have three groups of long-term volunteers make up its teaching staff: (1) the Amigos de Jesus volunteers, (2) the BECA volunteers, and this week's "Amigos of the Week," (3) the Honduran volunteers. The volunteers are supported by several paid Honduran staff who will be featured in coming weeks.
The Amigos de Jesus Honduran volunteer program is very unique. In fact, to our knowledge, it is the only volunteer teaching program for Hondurans in the country (though many programs exist for volunteer teachers from the U.S.). The program was started in 2013 with the goal of providing valuable hands-on experience for Hondurans who have recently earned their teaching certifications. The teachers at Amigos also learn methods for working with children with behaviorally and academically challenging students. Such techniques are not often taught in Honduran teaching schools.
Currently, the Amigos de Jesus Honduran volunteer program is made up of 12 teachers, led by a paid volunteer coordinator. All of the teachers have their primary teaching certifications (earned at age 18 in Honduras) and many are working toward university degrees in secondary education. The majority of the volunteers live together in a nearby house owned by Amigos. Modeled after our two U.S. volunteer programs, the Honduran program allows for the volunteers to grow in community and friendship by living together. Once a month, the Honduran volunteers get together with the Amigos de Jesus volunteers and the BECA volunteers for "teacher dinners."
Learn more about each of the Honduran volunteer teachers for the 2015-16 school year below:
Jeidy Vega
Known as: Profe Jeidy
Age: 22
Hometown: La Arada, Santa Barbara, Honduras
Joined Amigos de Jesus in: January 2013
Hi! My name is Jeidy Vega. I have two sisters and one brother and I have been at Amigos de Jesus for two years. I was part of the first group of Honduran volunteers at the school. Currently, I work as the Assistant Principal of the school and the coordinator of the Honduran Volunteer Program. Before coming to Amigos, I was studying to earn my teaching certification. I came to Amigios de Jesus because I like to be happy, and the kids here make me very happy. Coming to Amigos was the best decision I have ever made.
Role at Amigos: Assistant Principal and Coordinator of the Honduran Volunteer Program
Hi! My name is Jeidy Vega. I have two sisters and one brother and I have been at Amigos de Jesus for two years. I was part of the first group of Honduran volunteers at the school. Currently, I work as the Assistant Principal of the school and the coordinator of the Honduran Volunteer Program. Before coming to Amigos, I was studying to earn my teaching certification. I came to Amigios de Jesus because I like to be happy, and the kids here make me very happy. Coming to Amigos was the best decision I have ever made.
Role at Amigos: Assistant Principal and Coordinator of the Honduran Volunteer Program
Carlos Alejandro Flores Tabora
Known as: Profe Carlos
Age: 21
Hometown: Azacualpa, Santa Barbara, Honduras
Joined Amigos de Jesus in: January 2015
I am so happy to have the chance to greet all of the supporters of this amazing organization Amigos de Jesus. My name is Carlos Alejandro Flores Tabora and I am from a town called Azacualpa. I am 21 years old and I have my teaching certificate in primary education. Right now, I am living with my family in Azacualpa. Some of my favorite pastimes include attempting to learn English, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. My role at the Amigos school is Head of Discipline, where I am working with the kids to show them the way that negative behaviors can negatively affect their lives, and that we can work together everyday to become better people. I have learned so much from the kids and I continue to learn everyday. The children here are angels from God and I want to say thank you to everyone who is supporting this organization so that we can continue to support the kids. Un saludo!
Role at Amigos: Head of Discipline
I am so happy to have the chance to greet all of the supporters of this amazing organization Amigos de Jesus. My name is Carlos Alejandro Flores Tabora and I am from a town called Azacualpa. I am 21 years old and I have my teaching certificate in primary education. Right now, I am living with my family in Azacualpa. Some of my favorite pastimes include attempting to learn English, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. My role at the Amigos school is Head of Discipline, where I am working with the kids to show them the way that negative behaviors can negatively affect their lives, and that we can work together everyday to become better people. I have learned so much from the kids and I continue to learn everyday. The children here are angels from God and I want to say thank you to everyone who is supporting this organization so that we can continue to support the kids. Un saludo!
Role at Amigos: Head of Discipline
Vilma Aguilar Rodriguez
Known as: Profe Vilma
Age: 21
Hometown: Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, Honduras
Joined Amigos de Jesus in: January 2014
Hello, my name is Vilma Aguilar Rodriguez and I am from Santa Barbara. Before coming to Amigos de Jesus, I was studying to earn my primary teaching certificate, as well as spending lots of time with my family. I came to Amigos for teaching experience and an employment opportunity. I fell in love with the kids and Amigos so much that I decided to extend my volunteer term to a second year.
After two years at Amigos de Jesus, Profe Vilma will be leaving on Friday for maternity leave. We would like to congratulate her and her soon-to-be baby daughter and extend our biggest thank you for all of the wonderful work she has done for our children. We will miss her!
Role at Amigos: Spanish and Math teacher for Special Education ("Los Guapos") and Adapted Education ("Los Vencedores")
Known as: Profe Fernanda
Hello, my name is Vilma Aguilar Rodriguez and I am from Santa Barbara. Before coming to Amigos de Jesus, I was studying to earn my primary teaching certificate, as well as spending lots of time with my family. I came to Amigos for teaching experience and an employment opportunity. I fell in love with the kids and Amigos so much that I decided to extend my volunteer term to a second year.
After two years at Amigos de Jesus, Profe Vilma will be leaving on Friday for maternity leave. We would like to congratulate her and her soon-to-be baby daughter and extend our biggest thank you for all of the wonderful work she has done for our children. We will miss her!
Role at Amigos: Spanish and Math teacher for Special Education ("Los Guapos") and Adapted Education ("Los Vencedores")
María Fernanda Perez
Age: 19
Hometown: San Marcos, Santa Barbara, Honduras
Joined Amigos de Jesus in: June 2015
Hi! My name is María Fernanda. Before coming to Amigos de Jesus, I was studying and spending time with my family. I came to Amigos for the wonderful employment opportunity and to gain new experiences. I enjoy working with the children in Special Education very much.
Role at Amigos: Special Education teacher
Hi! My name is María Fernanda. Before coming to Amigos de Jesus, I was studying and spending time with my family. I came to Amigos for the wonderful employment opportunity and to gain new experiences. I enjoy working with the children in Special Education very much.
Role at Amigos: Special Education teacher
Miguel Rodrigo García
Age: 20
Hometown: Casa Quemada, Macuelizo, Santa Barbara, Honduras
Joined Amigos de Jesus in: January 2015
Hi! My name is Miguel Rodrigo Garcia and I have been at Amigos de Jesus for just over a year. Before coming to Amigos, I was studying to earn my teaching certificate and spending time with family. Upon graduating, a friend told me about Amigos de Jesus and that it was a good opportunity to gain teaching experience. I am very happy to live in the house with the other volunteer teachers. We are like a family. I am currently attending university on the weekends to earn my degree in secondary education.
Hi! My name is Miguel Rodrigo Garcia and I have been at Amigos de Jesus for just over a year. Before coming to Amigos, I was studying to earn my teaching certificate and spending time with family. Upon graduating, a friend told me about Amigos de Jesus and that it was a good opportunity to gain teaching experience. I am very happy to live in the house with the other volunteer teachers. We are like a family. I am currently attending university on the weekends to earn my degree in secondary education.
Role at Amigos: Spanish teacher for Levels 1, 2, and 3 of EducaTodos
Vany Michelle Garmendía Ruiz
Known as: Profe Vany
Age: 19
Hometown: Macuelizo, Santa Barbara, Honduras
Joined Amigos de Jesus in: June 2015
My name is Vany Michelle Garmentdía Ruiz. I was born in San Pedro Sula, but I am originally from Macuelizo, Santa Barbara. I love art, poetry, and all things creative. That is why I am the art teacher at Amigos. I love everything about my job. The Lord is the key to all of my achievements.
Role at Amigos: Art teacher and resource teacher for Spanish for Levels 1, 2, and 3 of EducaTodos
Known as: Profe Evelyn
My name is Vany Michelle Garmentdía Ruiz. I was born in San Pedro Sula, but I am originally from Macuelizo, Santa Barbara. I love art, poetry, and all things creative. That is why I am the art teacher at Amigos. I love everything about my job. The Lord is the key to all of my achievements.
Role at Amigos: Art teacher and resource teacher for Spanish for Levels 1, 2, and 3 of EducaTodos
Evelyn Casco Lopez
Age: 20
Hometown: Macuelizo, Santa Barbara, Honduras
Joined Amigos de Jesus in: February 2015
My name is Evelyn and I was born in Macuelizo, Santa Barbara. Before coming to Amigos, I was helping my mom at home. I decided to come to Amigos de Jesus because I love teaching kids and I know that this is a place where I can gain valuable experience and learn very much from each one of the children. They are all beautiful people and I feel so happy to be part of this gran familia. I have been here for 11 months.
Role at Amigos: Science and Social Studies teacher for Levels 1, 2, and 3 of EducaTodos
My name is Evelyn and I was born in Macuelizo, Santa Barbara. Before coming to Amigos, I was helping my mom at home. I decided to come to Amigos de Jesus because I love teaching kids and I know that this is a place where I can gain valuable experience and learn very much from each one of the children. They are all beautiful people and I feel so happy to be part of this gran familia. I have been here for 11 months.
Role at Amigos: Science and Social Studies teacher for Levels 1, 2, and 3 of EducaTodos
Ingrid Aguirre
Known as: Profe Ingrid
Age: 19
Hometown: Posas Verdes, Macuelizo, Santa Barbara, Honduras
Joined Amigos de Jesus in: March 2015
My name is Ingrid and I graduated last year from 'bachillerato' (high school) with a certificate in Sciences and Letters. I am currently in university studying to earn a degree in Basic Education. I came to Amigos de Jesus because I have always loved kids and thanks to the kids here, I have learned so much. I have had so many beautiful experiences with each one of them.
Profe Ingrid's mother, Linda, is a cook in the Amigos de Jesus kitchen. Living in the nearby town of Posas Verdes, their family has been a wonderful support system for Amigos de Jesus and for our kids.
Role at Amigos: Spanish teacher for Kinder (preschool) and Preparatoria (kindergarten)
My name is Ingrid and I graduated last year from 'bachillerato' (high school) with a certificate in Sciences and Letters. I am currently in university studying to earn a degree in Basic Education. I came to Amigos de Jesus because I have always loved kids and thanks to the kids here, I have learned so much. I have had so many beautiful experiences with each one of them.
Profe Ingrid's mother, Linda, is a cook in the Amigos de Jesus kitchen. Living in the nearby town of Posas Verdes, their family has been a wonderful support system for Amigos de Jesus and for our kids.
Role at Amigos: Spanish teacher for Kinder (preschool) and Preparatoria (kindergarten)
Fany Griselda Franco
Known as: Profe Fany
Age: 25
Hometown: Los Tangos, La Entrada, Copán, Honduras
Joined Amigos de Jesus in: March 2015
Hi, I'm Fany Griselda Franco. Before coming to Amigos de Jesus, I was studying and spending time with my family. I came to Amigos de Jesus for new professional experience. I am very happy to have this opportunity.
Role at Amigos: Spanish and Social Studies teacher for 1st and 2nd grade
Selena Castellanos
Known as: Profe Selena
Age: 20
Hometown: Macuelizo, Santa Barbara, Honduras
Joined Amigos de Jesus in: January 2015
Hello, my name is Selena Castellanos. Before coming to Amigos de Jesus, I was dedicating myself to my studies to earn my teaching certification, as well as spending time with my family. Thanks be to God, I eventually found myself at this beautiful place, and became part of a wonderful new family.
Role at Amigos: Spanish teacher for 3rd and 4th grade
Hello, my name is Selena Castellanos. Before coming to Amigos de Jesus, I was dedicating myself to my studies to earn my teaching certification, as well as spending time with my family. Thanks be to God, I eventually found myself at this beautiful place, and became part of a wonderful new family.
Role at Amigos: Spanish teacher for 3rd and 4th grade
Jose Eduardo
Known as: Profe Eduardo
Age: 19
Hometown: Amigos de Jesus
Became a teacher at Amigos de Jesus in: December 2015
Jose Eduardo did not want to write his own biography, but he gave us permission to write one for him, and we will gladly oblige. Our very own Jose Eduardo (known on the 'hogar' side of Amigos as "Chiqui") recently became the first child from Amigos de Jesus to become a teacher at the school! After growing up attending the Amigos de Jesus school himself, he recently earned his primary teaching certification in December and will be working in the Honduran volunteer program for a year before starting university. He was inspired to become a teacher by a teacher he had growing up who he says made a deep impact on him. He says he wants to have the chance to help kids the same way he was helped.
Role at Amigos: Resource teacher
And the newest additions to the Honduran teaching team. ...
Katherine Paola Cruz Leveron
Known as: Profe Katherine
Age: 18
Hometown: Macuelizo, Santa Barbara, Honduras
Joined Amigos de Jesus in: January 2016
My name is Katherine Paola Cruz Leveron. I was born in Santa Fe, Ocotepeque, Honduras, but I have lived in Macuelizo since I was four. Most recently, I returned to Ocotepeque to go to school to earn my teaching certificate. Before coming to Amigos, I worked in a bank in Ocotepeque and later in a school supply shop. I wanted to work at Amigos de Jesus because of the opportunity to gain more experience and help the children here, teaching them with love and patience. Those qualities are missing from teachers in other schools in Honduras. Right now, I have only been at Amigos for 8 days, but I am loving it already!
Role at Amigos: Resource teacher
Wendy Marilu Quintanilla
Age: 21
Hometown: San Pedro Sula
Joined Amigos de Jesus in: January 2016
I'm Wendy Marilu Quintanilla and I am from San Pedro Sula. Before coming to Amigos, I was working in a private school in San Pedro Sula. I came to Amigos de Jesus for the opportunity to teach Special Education. I will be teaching Profe Vilma's classes when she leaves. In fact, I just began at Amigos on Monday! I have been shadowing Profe Vilma this week and I will begin teaching next week.
Role at Amigos de Jesus: Special Education teacher
I'm Wendy Marilu Quintanilla and I am from San Pedro Sula. Before coming to Amigos, I was working in a private school in San Pedro Sula. I came to Amigos de Jesus for the opportunity to teach Special Education. I will be teaching Profe Vilma's classes when she leaves. In fact, I just began at Amigos on Monday! I have been shadowing Profe Vilma this week and I will begin teaching next week.
Role at Amigos de Jesus: Special Education teacher
So nice to "meet" all of you.
ReplyDelete