Rural families in Honduras, generationally and ethnically diverse, face conditions of economic, social, cultural and educational vulnerability. Families value traditional, ancestral learning, are apt learners of agroecological technologies and are strong defenders of the rights of their children to formal education. However, financial limitations impede their educational opportunities. This project will strengthen access to learning.
The availability of financial resources often limit access to both nonformal and formal learning. Distances between rural communities and heavy workloads at home can hinder the participation of families in multi-generational learning opportunities. Manuals and videos that could serve as reinforcers of learning are often not available. Adults who are willing to replicate learning in their families and communities sometimes cannot attend due to the lack of childcare.
COMAL provides workshops on key subjects for that benefit rural via agroecological "Escuelas de Campo", financial education workshops, multi-generational workshops in the community and training at COMAL's training center ECOSOL. By providing training and, when appropriate, learning materials, participants can pass along the learning to their families and communities. At the same time, the availability of resources permits childcare or child-friendly art supplies at workshops.
Families who learn together create an environment of motivation and generate self-esteem. Agroecological learning is relevant to the economic well-being of the family and results the production of healthy crops and family gardens. Parents who are actively engaged in learning serve as strong role models for their children as they attend local rural schools.
