Honduras

Why Honduras?

Youth in Honduras face a multitude of challenges which significantly impact their day-to-day lives and long-term prospects. Some of the key issues include:

Violence and Gang Activity

Honduras has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Youth are often the target of gang recruitment which creates a culture of fear and limits opportunities for young people.
Poverty and Economic Hardship

A significant portion of the Honduran population lives in poverty. Many youth are compelled to work in low-wage jobs, sometimes in hazardous conditions, to support their families.
Lack of Quality Education

Youth in Honduras face issues gaining access to quality education, especially in rural areas. High dropout rates are common, as economic pressures and safety concerns compel many young people to leave school.
Teen Pregnancy

Honduras has a high rate of adolescent pregnancy, which can significantly affect young women's education and employment opportunities.
Migration Pressures

Due to violence, poverty, and lack of opportunities, many young Hondurans consider migration, often to the United States, as a viable option. The journey is dangerous and exposes them to risks such as human trafficking and exploitation.

Ministry Locations

El Carmen

El Carmen Juvenile Correctional Center is located in San Pedro Sula. The center is divided into two main sections; one with more open air space and freedom for the youth, and the other with higher security measures. Two teachers from Counteract lead Success Academy classes in the centers.

New Jalteva

New Jalteva is a maximum security correctional center for boys that opened in 2021. Two teachers from Counteract lead Success Academy classes in the center's eight housing units.

Old Jalteva

Old Jalteva correctional center is a minimum security facility for boys in a rural setting about 50 miles from the capital city of Tegucigalpa. The center opened in 1954 as a place to provide outdoor space for youth to participate in agriculture, trades, and sports. Two teachers from Counteract lead Success Academy classes in the centers.

Sacred Heart

Sagrado Corazon (Sacred Heart) is the only correctional center for girls in the country. It has operated at its current location in the center of Tegucigalpa since 2014. Two teachers from Counteract provide Success Academy classes and entrepreneurship courses inside the center.