April 15, 2021

While the pandemic is far from over, we are very grateful to once again open the doors of Cattleya school, the only “special needs” school on the island of Roatan, Honduras. As with many organizations, we are operating on an extremely limited budget with funds quickly diminishing. Unlike the United States, we do not receive any government funds to help with recovery from Covid-19. We are in great need of monthly and one-time financial donations in order to meet the needs of our students.  http://cattleya.themakeitcountfoundation.org

As the school year in Honduras runs from February through October, we are only a few months in, but have truly hit the ground running. The smiles and laughter from students and parents alike keeps Cattleya going and is truly the motor that will continue to keep our doors open. An average of 25 students are served by 3 teachers and assistants.  Diagnoses include Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability and more. Government schools in Honduras are overcrowded with few resources and cannot meet the needs of children with disabilities. Cattleya is the bright spot for the few lucky ones who attend. Please help us grow to reach more!

Cattleya Association as many know, is a Parent Advocate group whose desire is to serve community while wanting the best for their children.  These parents work together to make that happen and do whatever it takes to knock on doors in search of opportunities. In fact, at Cattleya everyone is a student, as we all continue to learn more about serving others, sharing experiences and teaching what we know!

We embrace professional volunteers who may be living on our island or even just visiting, but take time to offer teacher training and instructions in various therapies. We welcome community and friends far or near who offer support in ways to help build our services. We enjoy parent workshops for sharing experiences that help encourage each other and mentor new families.

Cattleya is a friendly and happy place where children with disabilities, their parents and families know they can grow and discover and nurture talents and abilities!

We know our future is bright with our new board of directors and President, Mr Jorge Kaffol.  We welcome them for the next two years. Please reach out and let them know if you can offer help and support in any way!

E-mail- cattleyaroatan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook or our website: http://cattleyaroatan.org

Donate here: http://cattleya.themakeitcountfoundation.org

Connie Silvestri
Asociación Cattleya