Tuesday, September 20, 2011

OYE Scholar of the Month: Rosa Sevilla Yorleni

Rosa Sevilla Yorleni

Name: Rosa Sevilla Yorleni                 

Age: 18

Major: Business Administration

Family: 2 Parents and 7 brothers and sisters

Favorite Sport: Volleyball

Greetings from Rosa:

Thanks to my family, I was able to reach one of my biggest goals in life - graduating from high school - but the road wasn't always easy!

In my final months of high school were very difficult times for my family. Aside from out economic problems, the death of my brother was a huge blow to us all. Those things actually stopped me from studying, and my parents told me that it was better that I find a job instead of studying since it didn’t seem worth it to have a daughter in school. At the time I felt so bad because I wanted to continue studying, but I couldn't.

Thankfully we were able to escape those problems, which meant I could continue my studies and choose a career focus. I chose information technology, and in my classes I met Sandra Fiallos, who told me about an organization that provides youth with capacity building on topics like the Honduran reality, academic scholarships, and fun activities in the arts and sports. The things that initially drew my attention were the radio program and the English classes. Later I decided to visit the organization, where OYE's staff explained to me what I needed to do to win a scholarship. After handing in my application, OYE called me to tell me that I was a becada. I was so happy.

After becoming a becada, I took part in the capacity building classes on the National Reality, Self-Esteem, Leadership. Thanks to our director, who taught us how to create and run projects, I started working in the La Calle art program where work with my friends to paint murals, make lots of bracelets out of recycled soda tabs, and improve my artistic abilities.

Through all of the capacity classes that empower us as OYE scholars, we are motivated to set goals for ourselves to become leaders, to feel more confidence in ourselves, and to set examples for others. Ever since I joined OYE, I have changed the way I think, and it's now much easier for me to express my ideas since I’m not as shy as I used to be.

At OYE, I participate in so many projects, including ones that benefit the environment. I am trying to have has much of a positive impact as possible since OYE has impacted me in so many ways.

-Rosa

Friday, September 16, 2011

Coming Soon! OYE Recycled Bracelets!

COMING SOON!

These recycled pop-top bracelets are made by hand by the Organization for Youth Empowerment (OYE) in Honduras, where our Preserving Paradise initiative is working to protect the natural beauty of our country and educate young people about conservation and social responsibility. 

At OYE we believe Mi Voz Es Poder (My Voice is Power). By purchasing and wearing this bracelet you are adding your voice to a powerful youth movement. Gracias!

100% of the proceeds of this purchase go directly to support OYE's scholarship and empowerment programs.

Education - Empowerment - Environment

Learn more about OYE at www.oyehonduras.org 

Saturday, September 10, 2011

OYE Celebrates El Día Nacional del Niño!

Thanks for visiting OYE's blog. Check out what OYE youth were up to this weekend during the National Day of the Child in El Progreso! Youth from all of OYE's community engagement programs spent the day in neighborhoods throughout the city entertaining their younger community members. Scholars from OYE's radio program, OYE el Ritmo, spent the day in El Paraiso in the former banana fields of El Progreso, Yoro to entertain local youth with skits, shows, piñatas, and other games. Overall, it was a beautiful day full of heat, fun, laughter, and celebration!

Ivelis leads dance lessons for local youth.

OYE el Ritmo gets ready to head to the next community. 

OYE el Ritmo preforms plays to educate and inform local youth.



Thursday, September 8, 2011

Copa OYE 2011



Check out the new COPA OYE 2011 video created by two OYE Scholars: Jarly & Gerald. It was a great season and we are so proud of our student organizers. They started the year with a great opening weekend, OYE's girls team made it through to the finals, and they are already looking ahead to COPA OYE 2012.

 Watch the video and be part of the action!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

OYE El Cambio: OYE's August Newsletter

Teams from El Progreso play for the gold in COPA OYE 2011!

Check out OYE's most recent quarterly newsletter OYE EL CAMBIO (Hear the Change) for recent updates of what OYE scholars have been up to!