EPIC is a network of people with extraordinary hearts. That was the clearest takeaway from my recent visits to programs in Honduras and El Salvador.
The contexts in which our partners work are extreme. Dangerous roads, limited access to water, and sparse basic services create daunting realities and significant operational challenges. Yet, their determination and kind hearts ensure projects don’t just endure, but succeed and grow!
Tony Brun (EPIC Program Coordinator), Scott Brink (EPIC Board Chair), and I started our visit with La Semilla del Progreso in Honduras. We travelled to Cabañas County to meet with representatives of the Tempisque Rice project.
Participating farmers shared their experiences growing Tempisque rice. Laureano Jacobo delivered an inspiring speech on their efforts to strengthen local food security. From vegetable gardens and fruit trees to coffee production and root crops like cassava, La Semilla del Progreso is working every day to diversify crops and keep Honduran families fed.
Here, no one needs convincing that climate change is real. They see the shifts in weather patterns firsthand and worry about the uncertain future. That awareness fuels their determination to keep advancing the Tempisque rice project.
After the meeting, farmers used the shared hulling and threshing machines. Farmers recently discovered that they can safely use the new threshers not only for rice, but also for beans and sorghum. This simple innovation is saving them time and effort throughout the year.
The signs of malnutrition and complex social realities are visible in the children’s faces. Many are too thin or too small for their age. Some carry the quiet marks of violence at home. And, when they see the doctors approaching, most kiddos can’t contain their smiles and excitement, even when they will soon be pricked with a needle to test for anemia or parasites.
This program teaches underserved Honduran children many types of lessons. They learn about the importance of hygiene, clean water, nutrition, and the need to care for and monitor their health. Perhaps most importantly, the doctors are teaching these kids that they matter, despite a social reality that might make them feel invisible.
Most of the communities this program supports face profound barriers. There are no nearby stores to buy nutritious food, no public transportation, and the only work available is the seasonal sugarcane harvest and coffee picking. There is no water infrastructure, forcing families to rely on polluted rivers to meet their most basic needs.
However, every two weeks, the doctors will come and treat them with humanity, telling them through actions that their health and futures matter.
Tempisque rice farmers in La Segovia describe Mauricio as an inspiring leader. They shared that, despite the many personal challenges he has faced, his ability to persevere with kindness and clarity has become a powerful example for them. This association is especially unique because a large percentage of its members are young farmers, something incredibly rare in agriculture today.
During this visit, we met a new community of rice farmers in Ahuachapán, El Salvador. After an inspiring exchange of ideas, La Segovia farmers worked side by side with them to assemble their first rice hulling machine and answer their questions about its proper maintenance. In exchange, the farmers of Ahuachapán have started facilitating free workshops on producing effective and low-cost organic fertilizers. The farmers at La Segovia, as well as those from Ahuachapán, are noticeably excited for this new alliance.
The work of our partners and program participants is inextricably linked with the commitment of donors, supporters, and staff. Together, we create a movement fueled by humanity and action.
We invite you to share the impact of this work with your loved ones and take comfort in being part of this remarkable, heart-filled network. We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress across all of EPIC’s projects.
With gratitude,
Megan
EPIC Communications
