By working on these projects, students gain an appreciation of the challenges facing community members, and are able to observe some of the ways in which communities respond to these challenges. Group discussions give students an opportunity to consider possible explanations for the conditions they have been exposed to and to re-evaluate their understanding of such issues as poverty, development, equity, human rights and democracy in light of their own direct experience with communities in which these issues are so alive. |
"Upon our arrival, I was overwhelmed by the reality of so many of the social, economic and political issues that are in some ways different, but also in many ways similar to those of the “north”. I have taken many things out of this trip. Primarily, that the issues of development and poverty are much more complex than I had ever imagined them to be." Past Student Participant |
English Lessons in La Pintada
"I gained a greater appreciation for the sorts of complexity and difficulties involved when working in the third sector and was able to get a better understanding of the community dynamics in Copan, especially between indigenous and non-indigenous citizens. Most importantly I learned that there is still so much more that I don’t know. " Past Student Participant 
Serving Lunch to Visiting Schoolchildren from El Triunfo
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"Overall as a learning experience, this trip is invaluable. To be able to apply concepts and learn from the people and communities around you is the most enduring way to learn." Past Student Participant
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Visit to the Copán Archaeological Park |
Our partner in Honduras is Arte Accion Copan Ruinas, a non-profit children's development organization that encourages children to develop self-confidence through artistic expression and seeks to enhance their participation in community life. (More on Arte Accion Copán Ruinas at http://www.arteaccionhonduras.org/). As our host organization, Arte Accion welcomes the participation of the Huron in Honduras students in its own on-going projects, including weekly art workshops on its premises in the town centre and in special projects in rural schools in the surrounding villages. |
Art Workshop at Copán Pinta |
"I think a large element of this trip's success is that we were exposed to so many different projects, organizations, and people." Past Student Participant |
The Huron in Honduras Programme
Students at Huron University College are eligible to apply for the Huron in Honduras programme at the beginning of each Fall term. Applications are available at the information sessions (details of which are advertised around the College), and the selection of participants takes place in October. Participants begin preparatory readings and seminars, language classes and fundraising in October, and they meet with the faculty leaders twice a month for background seminars and discussions. Students leave for Honduras each year in early May for a three-week stay. For more information on the 2006 programme contact Dr. David Blair at dblair@huron.uwo.ca or Dr. Wendy Russell, wrussell@huron.uwo.ca.
| "I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to take part in a trip of this kind, especially because of the nature of the organizations we worked with and because of the opportunity for discussions that we had while working on our various projects! After returning from Honduras I am very much looking forward to pursuing more research about development, the coffee industry, international trade...I am less skeptical about the future!" Past Student Participant | 
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