Local leadership is the essential component to successful, long-term, positive change.

Volunteer Committees in El Rosario

Honduran Committees staffed by committed volunteers are ACTS’ key partners in community development. Our visits to Honduras are filled with committee meetings to talk about current needs, projects, and problem solving. We focus on development and maintenance of local leadership and empowerment. Over more than a decade ACTS organized a teen leadership program with the involvement of local committees and Dartmouth students.

HEALTH & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE is responsible for the well-being of families and communities in El Rosario and the surrounding communities. With them we have organized construction of 2,000 latrines, supplemental feeding for the poorest children, distribution of clothing, improved quality of life for handicapped individuals, and operationalized several large-scale cancer screening programs serving hundreds of adults.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE is responsible for the Education Center and its Doctor Dean Biblioteca, the Colegio (high school), teen leadership, ESL and computer classes, libraries, and equipment. 

CLINIC COMMITTEE is responsible for the Joyce Baker Clinic, the staff, and its medical, dental, and pharmacy programs. 

WATER BOARD is responsible for the source and distribution of water to homes and municipal sites in El Rosario

AGRICULTURE & MICROBANK is responsible for the Agriculture Center, peer education about safe farming practices including safe storage and handling of pesticides, use of PPE, and special programs in response to drought or hurricanes.

La Fuerza para el Futuro

La Fuerza para el Futuro (meaning “The Force for the Future”) is a leadership development program for youth in the Locomapa region. Since 2009, ACTS has partnered with alumni and students from Dartmouth College to run the annual weeklong program. Fuerza is a popular event that attracts students from regional villages with the goal of helping them develop the tools they need to become the future leaders of their communities.

Each year, the program curriculum focuses on a pertinent health topic. Students thoroughly research the issue with the assistance of the Dartmouth students and prepare educational presentations, which they then present to local families. In doing so, they practice important leadership skills, presenting to large audiences and channeling their creativity to help others. The program further stimulates a spirit of volunteerism, with students working together to complete neighborhood improvement projects. In past years, they have renovated schools and community centers, cleaned litter off the streets, and built storage safety containers for agricultural chemicals.

Most Fuerza students continue their involvement year after year. Recently, older student-leaders have established the Fuerza Arriba, which coordinates year-round community service programming for all Fuerza students. Over the years, the students have demonstrated deep care for and commitment to the program and making a difference in their communities. The Fuerza program is directed by Juliana “Jules” Ortego in close coordination with the ACTS Steering Committee.