Official Part
Unbelievable, but true: on May 7, 2024, we inaugurated our 100-home project Unión y Esperanza. On this special occasion, we welcomed Gerard and Teresa van Kesteren, board members of the “yo quiero ser...” children's home foundation, as well as Robert and Anja Erni from the partner organization van Kesteren Foundation in Switzerland.
Also present were Rubén Darío Pacheco, Mayor of Quimistán, Gloria España, Director of Education of the said municipality, Santos Laínez, Mayor of La Lima, Cortés, and other representatives of the two municipalities.
In her speech, Patricia emphasized that the aim of the foundation is to help the families and especially their children to have a secure future with better prospects - prospects that they never had in their previous homes and that were completely destroyed during hurricanes Eta and Iota. The children are the direct beneficiaries of the houses given to the families to ensure that they and future generations do not have to live in poverty and in flood-prone areas”.
On this occasion, Gerard received a plaque of recognition for his support of all the Foundation's projects and programs in Honduras. The mayor of Quimistán also received an award for his support in the realization of this project, which will change the lives of many families. The mayor of La Lima, Santos Laínez, presented the “yo quiero ser…” Foundation with an award for the construction of shelters for affected families in his community, which is regularly hit by hurricanes and tropical storms.
Gerard announced that the foundation is in the planning stage of the extension project, which includes the construction of a school with eleven classrooms (pre-school, primary and secondary school) and a computer room and will also find space on the premises.
Monument
After the public part, Gérard and Teresa were invited to unwrap two “big presents”, namely the monument walls. One wall is covered with brown panels as a symbol of the new land. The inscription Unión y Esperanza (Unity and Hope) in green symbolizes the unity between people and the environment and the hope for a better future. The yellow color stands for the glow of life, far away from danger.
The second wall in the background symbolizes the foundation “yo quiero ser...”. The white panels stand for transparency and the red lettering symbolizes the principle of charity, which underlies all the programs and projects of “yo quiero ser...”. The built-in plaque shows that the foundation “yo quiero ser...” Honduras financed the construction of this Unión y Esperanza settlement with donations from the Swiss “yo quiero ser...” children's home foundation..
Celebration
After the joint photos, everyone present was invited to a taqueada with donuts for dessert. As is customary in Honduras, the piñatas were a must and all the children were happily involved. All the children also had a lot of fun in the playground and there was a cheerful and lively atmosphere, so much so that they even danced. The families were overwhelmed to be part of such a beautiful and special day that they will always remember.