As the coronavirus persists, innovators across Honudras lead the way in finding solutions for the country’s challenges. Honduras Conecta is a social action platform that emerged from this crisis, initially gathering data on organizations that are providing response to the Covid-19 outbreak. While ALF is not affiliated with the Honduras Conecta team, we were inspired to amplify their work. We interviewed Delond Jimenez, a college student from French Harbor, Roatán, who represents the Bay Islands in these efforts.
What is Honduras Conecta? What is its purpose?
Honduras Conecta is a social enterprise that seeks to improve the management of social aid in Honduras by providing technological solutions.
Our mission is to create and provide digital tools that connect people and the social causes they are passionate about.
Our vision is to become the # 1 digital platform in Honduras, integrating the largest number of participants, activities, and information from the social aid ecosystem.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am from Roatán, French Harbor. Currently I’m 22 years old and in my fourth year studying Mechatronics Engineering. I aspire to join the workforce upon finishing my university studies with high hopes of working in the automation industry. When it comes to inspiration, I often am fueled by negative energy or situations- but my main and most valuable source of inspiration is my mother.
How did you get involved with Honduras Conecta, and what is your role?
I got involved after being contacted by one of the leaders, Cesia Perdomo. She shared the objective with me and the role I would play. I understood how important it would be to participate and ensure the Bay Islands were included.
My role is mapping and identifying social aid initiatives in my Department. I also identify local leaders who can help in the process.
We love seeing the different departments of Honduras represented through this project. Why are you proud to represent the Bay Islands?
I am a proud representative of the Bay Islands for many reasons. We have a rich culture, beautiful destinations, and the happiness of our people to be proud of. It is important to involve our islands in the activities occurring on the mainland. By doing so, there’s a chance of new growth for the island and its people.
We noticed that the project is run by Gen Z Honduran leaders. Why is it important that young leadership like the Honduras Conecta team steps up during times of crisis?
As young people, we are responsible for change. We have to learn the lessons from this crisis and propose solutions to help make the situation better. By observing what doesn’t work, we can ensure that working models are developed for the future, ensuring that the Honduran people are prepared to face challenges and will not be left behind.
Now is our opportunity to mark the new rhythm of the world. Today, we choose whether to take the wheel or wait for someone else to do so. We are fortunate because we have been given an opportunity, and it depends on us to change the way we live and not allow someone else to be in control.
What has been one thing you and the Honduras Conecta team has learned through your data collection?
The people in charge of social aid work in a disjointed way, which leads to the following consequences: duplication of efforts, insignificant impact, less access to resources, projects that do not achieve objectives, and little transparency of what results were achieved. There is not a central tool that supports data analysis, which prevents us from analyzing the impact of these contributions at the macro-level.
Honduras Conecta aims to become a social enterprise with the mission of providing digital tools that integrate and centralize the participants, activities, and information of the social aid ecosystem in Honduras. In particular we want to provide a data analysis tool that will allow improved decision-making and allocation of resources.
What are your hopes for the future of your country and your community?
Our biggest hope is to help different sectors reduce poverty in a significant and sustainable way. By sharing information, stakeholders will make better decisions in the execution of their projects and improve the lives of those in need. Through strategic alliances, sustainable and fair economic development will be possible. We also hope that new funding and volunteers can be obtained and serve as a support to organizations through Honduras Conecta.
Delond left us with one thought: in order to succeed and make the world a better place, you must have a high level of adaptation as circumstances occur- and you must continue following your dreams. We were were honored to discuss the Honduras Conecta initiative with Delond. Learn more about Honduras Conecta by following their Instagram account (@honduras.conecta) or Facebook page.