FEI Funds JustWorld Project Expansion “Education On Wheels” in Honduras With Support of National Federation and International Equestrian Community

After more than 20 years of proven success, JustWorld International’s (JWI) partner project Asociación Compartir, whose “Education On Wheels” mobile literacy program brings educational and cultural development programming directly to children living in remote regions of Honduras, has officially launched a Fédération Equestre International (FEI) funded expansion into the region of San Antonio de Oriente. Alongside the vital support of the Honduran Equestrian Federation, it’s a substantial effort which will serve 2,635 more children annually in 20 new communities. The San Antonio de Oriente expansion will bring Asociación Compartir and JustWorld’s “Education On Wheels” total impact to 5,635 children in 2023.

As the FEI Official Charity Partner, the successful growth of JWI’s Honduran project is a cause which is both personal and strategic in breaking the barriers of poverty through education.  

“The education project in Honduras is yet another testament to JustWorld International’s dedication to creating a lasting impact on the lives of children around the world. Education is not just a fundamental human right, it is also a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of poverty for families and entire communities,” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos.

The genesis of JWI began in 2003 as a seed in Tegucigalpa, Honduras with the goal of providing education to children who were otherwise economically or geographically unable to attend school. In a nation where 60% of the population has never read a book, the vision of the colorful JWI vehicle driving over the horizon and setting up classrooms in meeting spots and local community centers quickly became a lifeline to Honduran children living in abject poverty. 

Throughout its history, JWI’s “Education On Wheels” program has never wavered, traveling more than 100 miles each week for 40 weeks of the year and routinely visiting 17 community centers in Tegucigalpa. Even when confronted with the harrowing challenges of Covid-19 and forced migration, Asociación Compartir adapted, utilizing technology and online platforms while distributing hundreds of at-home learning resources to ensure children still received their education.  

In particular, communities in rural regions such as San Antonio de Oriente were devastated during the period of the pandemic, resulting in high absenteeism rates and low literacy skills in reading and writing. This encouraged Asociación Compartir to enter the region with the successful “Education On Wheels” literacy program, and in addition, provide teacher workshops on how to manage student migration. It’s a bold effort that can’t be accomplished alone, and the equestrian community has once again risen to the occasion. 

The Honduran Equestrian Federation has become a driving force of the San Antonio de Oriente expansion. This partnership will foster local support through familiar and effective “Ride for the Cause” campaigns with horse show participation, engagement opportunities and fundraising activities. Throughout the development of the FEI Honduras expansion, JWI is thrilled to have 17 Honduran Ambassadors who have committed to building the positive impact of Asociación Compartir in their home nation by providing visibility, participating in fundraising initiatives and sharing the mission.

“It has been encouraging to see the equestrian community come together with the National Federation of Honduras in support of this worthy project. The FEI is proud to partner with JWI to create opportunities that are inclusive and equitable, and that transform the lives of young people. Along with JWI, we hope that this project will help young people take clear actionable steps towards reaching their full potential, so that they can be empowered to create a better future for themselves,” said FEI President Ingmar De Vos. 

This expansion serves as a huge stride towards those goals, expecting to see over 2,500 children participating in the “Education On Wheels” literacy program and while offering additional reading clubs in the educational centers of the municipalities. Ensuring the success of the project expansion also comes down to the strong partnerships which have been established with the local government, the Ministry of Education, and a number of community based organizations and local National Parent and Teacher Association groups. 

To ensure Asociación Compartir has everything they need to succeed, JustWorld Ambassadors and the Honduran Equestrian Federation collaborated to find a 4x4 truck fit to venture out daily into the rural communities and deliver “Education On Wheels” to thousands of eager learners. The new vehicle, offered at less than MSRP, was the final element needed to launch the expansion program. The global equestrian community came together to support the cause, reaching the fundraising goal within 24 hours, and successfully supplying the vehicle. 

The future of JWI’s children is bright, and the celebrations begin today in Tegucigalpa with a gathering hosted by JWI, Asociación Compartir and the Municipal Director of Education for the Inauguration of the “Education On Wheels'' project in San Antonio de Oriente, welcoming 400 children for a day of festivities. Government officials in education, Asociación Compartir staff, and distinguished JWI Board Member Daniel O’Connor will also be in attendance. The Inauguration will feature exciting artistic and cultural presentations, with heartwarming testimonies from speakers and delicious food for guests. It will be a celebration fit for the occasion because with every mile driven, and every stride ridden, equestrians are changing the outcome for children in Honduras

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JustWorld International

Established in 2003, JustWorld International was created to connect equestrians with a direct way to help fracture the cycle of poverty through education, healthcare, nutrition, and leadership programs benefiting children around the world. Thousands of Ambassadors from more than forty countries have since committed to “Ride for the Cause” and transform the lives of children through equestrian sport. JustWorld has united the international equestrian community and become the Official Charity Partner of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body of equestrian sport. Envisioning a more just world, the non-profit organization cultivates strategic, project partnerships in a collaborative approach to impact the lives of nearly 10,000 children around the globe annually.

To donate, become an Ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visit www.justworldinternational.org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.

JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.