Scouts raising funds to achieve SDG 4 by providing quality education in El Salvador and Honduras

What do Scouts from Honduras and El Salvador have in common? And most importantly, how can we help? Meet Maria from Honduras and Antonio from El Salvador in this month's BackStage Stories. Both decided to take action and tackle a common problem in their countries, lack of quality education. After finishing reading Antonio's story, make sure to read Maria's story here too!

I realised that students were dropping out of school due to poverty. Instead of studying, most of them have to work to help their parents to provide financial support for their family. It made me sad and I wondered if I could do something about this.

I fondly remember my childhood and school days, during which I received quality education and learned about respect and dignity. These children deserve to have the same opportunities, and I knew I couldn’t be indifferent to the problems faced by my community.

My name is Antonio Zelaya, but my friends call me “Toño.” I’m from El Salvador and I’m 20 years old, and am currently studying industrial design. This is my BackStage Story.

It all started when I visited a school in a small town during a family trip. After talking to the locals, I learned more about their economic and educational situations.

With the support of my friends and Scout group, I created this project to make a positive difference in the lives of more than 80 students. We want to reduce both the dropout rate in the school and violence in the community through education. A small group of volunteers from the community and two other NGOs are supporting us to facilitate their learning by contributing school supplies during the year. But it's not enough.

The school children really inspire me to continue to work towards realising SDG 4. Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I believe it’s true. Everyone deserves a chance to make their dreams come true, especially young people, and the lack of money or school supplies, shouldn’t be an obstacle. They deserve quality education and it is our duty as Scouts to take action.

The biggest challenge that my project is facing right now is raising funds to build a playground for the school as well as providing a safe space where they can take part in activities and learn about active citizenship.

I heard about the Scout Donation Platform from my Scouter and decided to pitch to potential donors there. Those who donated to my campaign are playing an important part in changing the lives of 80 underprivileged children for the better, by improving the quality of their education. I’m sure that they appreciate it very much and will never forget the donors’ kindness.

Indirectly,  we are also supporting a community of around 250 people who have poor living conditions, by creating a safe environment for young people – a school with better educational resources that focuses on their well-being.

Contribute to SDG 4 and improve the quality of education in El Salvador