15 Nov A Transformative Journey: Green Earth Supports Humanitarian Efforts in Honduras
In the business world, investments in workforce development, technology, expansion, sustainability, risk mitigation, and financial stability are essential for corporate construction companies to thrive in a competitive market. But for Green Earth Commercial Contracting, there is an even more significant investment, the one we make in our legacy. The decisions we make today affect the future we leave behind, and Green Earth’s legacy of kindness and compassion toward our communities is of top priority. Green Earth’s President Rick Wilson and his wife Jessica recently contributed to this legacy by supporting their Rotary Club of Safety Harbor in a special mission to Honduras to support the Agua Pura Para el Mundo initiative.
Agua Pura Para el Mundo’s mission is to collaborate with the Honduran population by implementing sustainable development, safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs. They prioritize the strengthening of local capacities, the improvement of health indicators, and the creation of favorable conditions for economic and social progress throughout the community. The Rotary Club of Safety Harbor , including our own Rick and Jessica, embarked on a transformative 6-day humanitarian mission to Honduras, focusing on providing clean water and sanitation to remote communities.
Water Filtration Systems
After a day of travel, the mission team spent two days in remote Honduran villages outside Danlí, installing over 70 water filtration systems. These systems, capable of filtering 97% of harmful contaminants, will significantly improve the health and well-being of local residents. Despite the arduous 5-hour round trip journey to these villages, the team’s dedication to their mission was unwavering.
School Infrastructure On Day 4, they embarked on a challenging journey to the remote village of El Higuerito, Honduras. After a grueling two-hour off-road trek, they arrived at the local school, ready to tackle building latrines and pouring a concrete roof over the restrooms. Despite the demanding physical labor and limited resources, the team persevered, facing challenges such as forming and pouring concrete caps for the latrines under less-than-ideal conditions. The village children expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the team’s efforts. They honored the volunteers with a beautiful performance and shared heartfelt poems. The children’s smiles, laughter, and genuine appreciation for the improvements made to their school made an impact on the volunteers. Community Engagement Day 5 was a day of stark contrasts. The team started by visiting a school outside Danlí, bringing joy to the children through play and sharing hygiene items. However, the stark reality of the children’s living conditions, including the lack of clean water and sanitation, was heartbreaking. The team also provided deworming medication to address the widespread health issues among the children. Following this, the team visited a coffee facility, gaining insights into the coffee-making process. However, the most impactful experience of the day came from visiting a migrant transient center. Witnessing the hardships faced by migrant families, including the lack of basic necessities and the dangers they encounter, was profoundly moving. The team was confronted with the harsh realities of the migrant crisis and the urgent need for humanitarian aid. A Bittersweet Farewell The final day of the trip took the team from Danlí to Comayagua. As they prepared to return home, they reflected on the bonds formed and the memories created during their time in Honduras. The journey included a little break from the hard work by visiting a world-renowned cigar factory, where the team gained insights into the art of cigar making. They also explored the picturesque Valle de Ángeles, taking in the stunning scenery and acknowledging the community’s environmental challenges. As the sun set on their final day in Honduras, the hardworking volunteers gathered for a reflective dinner, sharing stories of their transformative experiences and discussing plans to continue supporting the Honduran people. As they prepared to depart, they purchased souvenirs to share with their loved ones, but the experiences and lessons learned from their journey would genuinely be their lifelong souvenirs. “This trip has opened my eyes to the incredible work that Agua Pura para el Mundo is doing and the life-changing impact that Rotary’s support brings. To be part of a mission that brings clean water and hope to families in need is beyond humbling. I am incredibly proud to be a Rotarian, and together, we are changing the world—one drop of clean water at a time,” shares volunteer Jessica Wilson. The Rotary Club of Safety Harbor initiatives align with Green Earth Commercial Contracting’s’ commitment to impact local and international lives and communities. This humanitarian mission exemplifies the power of collaboration and the positive impact that all our Green Earth members and partners can achieve through collective action. By providing clean water, improving sanitation, and supporting local communities, our team has left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire and empower future generations.
