A kaleidoscope of impressions in Honduras

After more than a decade of sponsoring children through Plan, Hilary Sanders took the opportunity to meet one in person when she visited Fanny-Becsayda during a trip to Honduras in November 2006. 

Hilary explains, "I've enjoyed corresponding with Fanny and wanted to meet her before the sponsorship ends next year, when she turns 18.  This came together with my wanting to go to a language school to improve my Spanish."

On the day of her visit, local Plan staff first took Hilary to visit a health centre and some houses built with Plan's assistance. "A lady living in one of the houses showed me round, she was very proud of it which was lovely to see. Then we went to Fanny's house and she and her family greeted me - I hadn't realised how big her family is, she is the youngest of eight with lots of nephews!

'We went to the school and the children performed traditional dances in local costumes, which I was told were done especially in my honour!  I met the headteacher and was very impressed with the way the school was run. Plan has provided a new roof, and, more importantly, teacher training and development. 

"I've taught in schools in developing countries myself before, and it was obvious from the work on the walls and the interactions between teachers and children that they were teaching in a very enlightened way, even with not many resources. The children seemed very happy to be there, and very interested to see me - I was a novelty!

"The whole day was a kaleidoscope of impressions of people and places. I was very impressed with Plan's approach, seeing that communities are enabled to discuss and decide things for themselves, and feel real ownership over projects. The community here is obviously making real progress."