Sol International Foundation Inc

MISSION: INITIATE AND SUPPORT COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE EDUCATION AND INCREASE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN DEVELOPING AREAS. CURRENTLY FOCUSED IN ROATNA HONDURAS

PROGRAM SERVICE- EDUCATION FOR 43 AT RISK YOUTH IN ROATAN HONDURAS. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE DISBURSED TO ATTEND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. THESE STUDENTS ARE FROM LOW INCOME HOMES AND HAVE BEEN SELECTED BASED ON MERIT AND NEED. A VOLUNTEER FROM SOL MEETS QUARTERLY WITH THE DIFFERENT TEACHERS AT THE 6 PRIVATE SCHOOLS THAT THESE STUDENTS ATTEND. THIS HELPS TO TRACK THE STUDENTS PROGRESS AND SEE IF ADDITIONAL TUTORING OR HELP IS NEEDED FOR THE STUDENT TO SUCCEED. IN ADDITION THESE AND OTHER STUDENTS RECEIVE FUNDS TOWARDS SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION AND SUPPLIES.

HISTORICALLY THIS PROGRAM WAS TO ADMINISTER FUNDS AND HELP FAMILIES OF THE YOUTH INVOLVED IN OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES WHEN THEY NEEDED ADDITIONAL SUPPORT DUE TO ILLNESS DEATH OR MAJOR EMERGENCIES. IN 2020 THIS PROGRAM EXPANDED DUE TO THE DIRE NEED TO HELP FAMILIES DUE TO SKYROCKETING UNEMPLOYMENT AND FOOD SCARCITY DUE TO THE LACK OF TOURISM TYPICALLY THE NUMBER ONE INDUSTRY ON THE ISLAND DURING THE PANDEMIC. THIS PROGRAM CONTINUED SUPPLYING FOOD ASSISTANCE ISLAND WIDE IN CONJUNCTION WITH TWO LOCAL NGOS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2021. THEN THIS PROGRAM WAS SCALED BACK DRAMATICALLY AS TOURISM RESUMED ON THE ISLAND. DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES RECEIVED FOOD BAGS OF ESSENTIALS ON A ROTATING BASIS AND IT GRADUALLY DECREASED EACH MONTH UNTIL THE END OF MAY WHEN THE PROGRAM COMPLETED THIS PHASE OF FOOD ASSISTANCE.

PROGRAM SERVICE: COMMUNITY FACILITIES- EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR 150+ AT RISK YOUTH INCLUDING EDUCATIONAL ARTISTIC AND ATHLETIC PROGRAMS IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT TO INTERACT PLAY LEARN AND EAT NUTRITIOUS MEALS. THE CENTER ALSO HOSTS OTHER NON PROFITS VOLUNTEERS AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TO ENGAGE WITH THE YOUTH IN A POSITIVE WAY. SOL WORKED IN CONJUNCTION WITH A HONDURAN NGO THAT FOCUSES ON COMPLIMENTARY GOALS FOR AT RISK YOUTH. SOL AWARDED A $12,000 GRANT TO THIS NGO TO RUN A CHEF CLASS AT THE CENTER TO TEACH KIDS HOW TO PREPARE MEALS AND PROVIDED BREAKFAST ON SCHOOL DAYS.