SERVICES

It is our goal to cover all the needs for our children so that we are providing a positive, stimulating environment for their personal development.

A home full of love

EL REFUGIO is meant to be a home where each individual child feels loved and protected. That is why boys and girls grow up together, but living in separate houses. The home has two kitchens and two large dining rooms. For many of our children this is the first time they have a bed to themselves, sanitary installations and personal belongings such as clothes, school supplies and toys.

But it is the EL REFUGIO staff that makes the difference. For every 11 boys or girls there is a specific caregiver. He or she is in charge of being with the children all day long and being close by at night – just like a parent. In addition to the caregivers, there is a part-time psychologist, a social worker and a professional educator supporting the children in all aspects. Foreign volunteers help our staff in defined areas such as education, field trips or just plain playing with the children.

According to age, every child at EL REFUGIO has different chores: cleaning up the bedroom, dining room, bathrooms, washing clothes, picking up trash and cutting grass.

Nutrition

Upon arriving at the home, many of our children are malnourished and in poor health. A balanced diet which considers Honduran eating habits is therefore very important. Our cooks provide meals approved by a nutritionist. Typical breakfasts are cornflakes, jelly sandwiches and pancakes. Lunch is the main meal and consists of rice, beans or pasta, vegetables and some meat or chicken. Dinner is light: Flour tortilla, beans, cheese and eggs. The children usually drink water or fruit juice with every meal.

Education and Life Skills

The „Nora Schmid de Medina“ Elementary School is located on the premises of EL REFUGIO Children’s Home. Currently, there are 40 students from first to sixth grades. The younger students go to school in the morning while fourth through sixth graders go in the afternoon. Many of our children had missed several school years because their families could not afford the mandatory uniforms and school supplies. The High School students (seventh through twelfth grades) attend school in Choloma, some five miles from EL REFUGIO. All students receive computer classes and library time on our campus. Many of the older students also receive formal vocational training in one of our three workshops: Bakery, Welding and Sewing, giving our children an additional edge for their future.

Upon graduating from High School, EL REFUGIO provides sponsorships for College students.

Health

All children are evaluated by a pediatrician and treated accordingly. Common diseases are skin affections, infections and respiratory problems.

The on-site nurse is in charge of our pharmacy, administering medicines, cleaning wounds and keeping a health file for each child.

In cases of emergency, we take the children to a clinic in Choloma or San Pedro Sula. Twice a year a medical and dental brigade from the U.S. check all our children. In general, we try to strengthen the children´ bodies through a balanced diet, a clean environment, plenty of rest and good health habits.

Recreation

The whole setting of our almost four acres of land invites playing outside. There is a roofed sports court where our children enjoy playing soccer and basketball, a playhouse with many table games and several swings, slides and a sand box.

On weekends we organize soccer tournaments or field trips to the nearby beach, a museum or to the movies. The children make pizza or barbecue for special celebrations. At night, children watch some TV.