Congratulations to Yeni Ordonez who graduated last year from El Instituto de Belleza Estetica y Cosmetologia. Yeni is now certified in all areas of cosmetology, and working at a salon in Flores.This has not been an easy path and has required great dedication and perseverance.

In rural Honduras 13% of students have no access to education. Although primary school is compulsory, only half of the population completes sixth grade. In the majority of the departments of Honduras, 90% of the students need to repeat a grade. Less than one third of the students attend secondary school.

Yeni’s family is no different. Her mother completed 2nd grade and her father finished 6th grade. None of her siblings have attended secondary school. They value education and would have loved to continue studying but it simply came down to economics. It was too costly to buy uniforms and books, and they were needed to earn money and do the chores at home.

Yeni is a single mom and working hard to provide all that she can for her son. She’s thankful for the support she received from Esperanza and feels fortunate to be employed in her field. The unemployment rate in Honduras is staggering, and 70% earn less than $1,200/year.

Yeni has the education, developed her skills and is gaining more experience. Wishing her all the best as she continues pursuing her passion. Esperanza has many other individuals hoping for a similar opportunity to attend school, pursue job training or start a small business.