Ambassador Travels to La Ceiba

January 23, 2012

The group Nueva Esperanza performs a play about the health risks of violence. (State Dept. Photo)

Young people of La Ceiba play Decisiones, a game to educate about life skills. (State Dept. Photo)

TEGUCIGALPA - La Ceiba Mayor Carlos Aguilar Ponce joined Ambassador Lisa Kubiske in praising efforts by the community of San José to support a new youth outreach center in their neighborhood January 24.  The center —one of 25 funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Honduras— provides space for young people to meet, learn English, train, dance, play music, and build their skills for better prospects for employment.  Run by the local Community Board (Patronato) and the Evangelical Church Joshua 1:9, the center demonstrates that joint efforts between municipalities, local communities, international donors and faith-based organizations can draw young people to opportunities that keep them away from involvement in crime.

Ambassador Lisa Kubiske addressed the importance of such efforts to prevent crime in a meeting with the mayor and council January 23.  The group discussed assistance projects supported by the United States in La Ceiba including the construction of a youth outreach center and a road.  In a press conference, the Ambassador underscored the role of youth engagement in preventing violence and in generating economic opportunities in Honduras, and touched on similar themes in an afternoon meeting with the La Ceiba Chamber of Commerce.

At Garifuna NGO Ecosalud, U.S. officials spoke with a women’s group, who shared tips on preventing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.  Acclaimed Garifuna youth theater group Iseri Emenigue ("New Hope") then performed a short play portraying the health risks of violence.

During the Ambassador's trip, U.S. citizens living in La Ceiba also shared their experiences and concerns, and received information about U.S. Embassy services.

For more information on USAID programs in Honduras go to http://www.usaid.gov/hn  To keep abreast of the U.S. Embassy Consular Section’s American Citizen Services (ACS) activities, follow them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/acstegucigalpa