HCA helps children gain access to opportunities by developing essential skills. United by the desire to improve quality of life in El Porvenir, Honduras for both children and adults, HCA coordinates community-based programs to support educational enrichment and healthy living. From many countries and backgrounds, we work together to reinforce basic academics while also enhancing creativity, the development of critical thinking, and decision-making capabilities.

Our programs include teaching English and computers so that our students can pursue education and employment opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. By fostering positive self-expression, leadership talents, and team building, we nourish confidence and self-esteem. With support from donors and like-minded organizations, our programs are provided at no cost to the students.

We value our partnerships with Honduran community members and with volunteers from all over the world. These give us a unique perspective and it is our intention for HCA projects to always cultivate this vital collaboration.

For our main program for children in grades 1-6, volunteers work as a team to teach Spanish and English literacy, computers, art, sports, social skills and more!

In addition, volunteers help provide community events to support: sexuality education / menstrual health, care for cats and dogs, including vaccinations and spaying/neutering, story-times for toddlers, dental health, nutrition workshops, and more. 

Volunteers typically work at the educational enrichment program 4.5 days each week. Some of that time is for planning and preparation with other members of the team and the rest is spent in the classrooms with the children. Volunteers also help prepare and serve a healthy snack to the children who attend. Ask about Convo-Amigos Spanish instruction to improve your conversational Spanish with a bilingual native speaker from El Porvenir!

HCA has two volunteer houses in the ‘El Centro’ part of town. They are super close to local markets and the beach and an easy walk to each of our three classroom locations. Both houses have complete kitchens, bathrooms with showers, electricity, and wifi. They are clean, comfortable and secure.

The volunteer houses have fully equipped kitchens with refrigerators, stoves, and purified water so volunteers can easily prepare their own food. Most volunteers report that they are able to eat comfortably for 900 HNL (about $35 USD) each week. The local markets are called ‘pulperias’ and are well stocked with inexpensive, locally grown fruits and veggies. We have a mini-super two doors away from one of our volunteer houses that carries eggs, cheese, bread, rice and items like that. The close by city of La Ceiba has 6 supermarkets. These are somewhat more expensive than shopping in El Porvenir but have a greater selection of products. There are several beachfront restaurants in El Porvenir that offer delicious ‘plato economicos’ , a large plate of rice & beans, plantains, coleslaw and your choice of fish, chicken or meat for about 100 HNL – – – yes, that is $4.00 USD for a full meal! (Vegan and vegetarian plates are also available at the local restaurants.)

El Porvenir is a friendly beach-front town in the department of Atlantida, just 20 minutes west of the lively city of La Ceiba. The sea is just to our north and the pineapple fields and mountains are directly to the south. Honduras Child Alliance has operated in El Porvenir since 2009. Our community is welcoming and safe.The volunteers walk to and from the projects, local markets, the fùtbol field and the beach every day with no problems. Our houses are quite secure and we have good relationships with our neighbors. With that said, the safety and security of our volunteers is always a top priority and so your initial orientation will cover this in detail and you will be given a full tour of our community.
Many children in our programs are living in extreme poverty and their schools are seriously underresourced. HCA's enrichment programs improve access to education, healthcare, and quality of life in general. For that reason, our programs are operated in 3 locations around town and are staffed by a combination of international volunteers and Honduran interns.

We appreciate that volunteers are coming to work, but Honduras is a beautiful country and you’re encouraged to take some time to enjoy at least some of what it has to offer. El Porvenir is located next to the Caribbean Sea, with the mountains of the Pico Bonito National Park just to the south. There are many options for recreational group outings during your visit. A few possibilities include:
Rio Zacate Waterfall: This large and pristine waterfall is about 15 minutes from the volunteer houses. We travel thru the pineapple fields and into the mountains just south of El Porvenir.
Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge: About 15 minutes west of El Porvenir in the neighboring town of La Union, the Cuero and Salado rivers form a lagoon as they meet the sea. Guests first board a small train that rides through the pineapple fields for about 20 minutes. They then arrive at a nature preserve and board small boats with electric motors. The Honduran guides will point out monkeys, parrots, crocodiles, an occasional manatee and much more.
Villas Pico Bonito / Rio Cangrejal: Offers an infinity pool and lunch with beautiful views. This is a great place to relax and have a vacation day!

Honduras Child Alliance is located in El Porvenir, Atlantida, Honduras. When coming from Europe or North America, the best airport to enter the country is Ramon Villeda Morales (SAP). You can then take a local flight to Goloson Airport (LCE) in La Ceiba, which is 10 minutes from our community. It is also possible to fly via Juan Manuel Galvez Airport on Roatan (RTB) or Palmerola International Airport (PIA) via Comayagua, however, it is much simpler via Ramon Villeda Morales (SAP). Full travel instructions will be provided when you are accepted to the program.

Housing - Housing is $49 USD per week for the first 6 weeks and then drops to $42 per week after that. Ask about discounts or free housing for manager and coordinator roles if you're able to stay for at least 6 months.
Your housing fee is used to provide purified water, propane for the stoves, water for bathing, electricity, maintenance, weekly housekeeping and more! It is a minimal amount, but it is essential to keep our volunteer houses operating.
For individual volunteers, once accepted to the program, there is a one-time “confirmation donation” of $190 USD. This donation is used toward materials, supplies, and administration of the volunteer program. This program fee also directly supports the Honduran community by paying our housekeeper, the man who mows the lawn, the woman who cooks some of our Healthy Snacks, and more. This donation and your housing fees are the only items paid to HCA.
Convo-Amigos: Once accepted as a Honduras Child Alliance volunteer, you will receive a free 5-pack of conversational Spanish sessions to help you feel comfortable using Spanish. Your tutor can work with you online before you arrive or in person once you are in El Porvenir.