Cerro de Plata Area Program

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2010 - 2025

Location

Honduras

Areas of Focus

Health | WASH 

Program Timeline

Status: Active

Progress

1,501local partners, including community and faith-based organizations, were engaged in our programs to support stronger communities

Progress

746faith leaders and representatives of faith-based organizations were engaged in addressing the root causes of child vulnerability

Progress

1groups have a disaster preparedness strategy in place to support institutions and full communities to be more prepared in case of emergencies

A white jeep driving through a muddy path, featuring a rainbow and trees in the background.

Program Details

Context

The Cerro de Plata (sero de plah-tah) community is located on the fringe of Honduras capital, Tegucigalpa. People here live in what is known as a "shanty town;" an unplanned community that sprang up as families came in search of work.

Sadly, the dream families have of a better life has rarely been realized. Conditions are cramped and the poorest families live in makeshift homes that do not protect them from the elements. Roads are little more than dirt alleys. Some of the 19,000 people who live in the area still lack access to proper sanitation. Cerro de Plata is also susceptible to flooding and landslides. Most men earn their living as day labourers, while women work as maids or tortilla makers. The inadequate education system does not give children what they need to escape poverty.

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Challenges
Health Care
More than 40% of the residents in Cerro de Plata suffer from respiratory illnesses, and many children are malnourished. The risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is very high as a result of family disintegration, unemployment, and drug abuse. Further complicating the situation is the fact that there is no public health centre nearby, increasing families' vulnerability to health issues.

Community Leadership
Insufficient local organization, a lack of hope, and a breakdown of values is hurting children and their families. Many people who migrated to Cerro de Plata in search of work and a better life do not have the knowledge and skills to cope in an urban setting. Families find themselves marginalized, trapped in low-paying informal work, and unable to visualize a different life.

Many families disintegrate as they become frustrated in their search for better opportunities, leaving children and youth more vulnerable to the growing influence of gangs, or "maras". There are few public schools, no community centres or recreation programs, and a general lack of awareness about children's rights. Unfortunately, local leaders can only do so much without the training and skills they need to lobby local government and other bodies for support.

Water and Sanitation
In Cerro de Plata, there is no proper sewage or garbage collection due to poorly planned, overcrowded neighbourhoods, and some families have no latrines at all. About 15% of people have no access to safe water, and are therefore forced to buy it.

Economic Development
Family income security is low in Cerro de Plata. 33% of households are headed by single mothers. Unemployment and under-employment are widespread. Half of families earn just minimum wage or lower, and more than half do not have access to credit. Few adults have been schooled beyond Grade 6, and as a result cannot find good jobs. Household debt is high, and economic development is further hindered by the prevalence of criminal gangs who extract "war taxes to ensure people's safety. Many people leave the area to find work and this weakens the local economy.
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An image of children sitting on the ground in a classroom, writing in workbooks.

Results

Unless otherwise stated, data presented on this page reflects the most up-to-date results of World Vision Canada programs reported between October 2022 and September 2023, and any previous fiscal years available. Previously reported data may not match the current presentation as we continuously receive and refine data from our programs. If you have any questions, kindly reach out to us.