Thru-Hiking Appalachian Trail for BECA

In 2012, I had the pleasure of visiting Honduras. While there, I met so many amazing people and saw how much a good education in a safe community could improve the lives of many of these kids living in poverty. Everywhere I went, the children of the various communities were eager to learn. It was an experience that will forever stay in my mind and my heart. 

One of the many amazing organizations working with local partners in Honduras is Bilingual Education for Central America (BECA). In their words, BECA's vision includes "...that the most efficient and self-sustaining means of allowing Central America to flourish lies in the provision of quality education for all. The positive outcomes of a healthy educational system are many: the development of critical thinkers and innovators, the creation of a class of skilled laborers, and the growth of a socially-conscious citizenry. BECA envisions a region where everyone will have access to quality education regardless of economic means." Learn more about BECA and their vision here at their website. 

BECA works with local communities in Honduras to ensure that the community is involved in every aspect; this ensures an invested education for the children while at the same time empowering and strengthening the community. The schools are a safe place of gathering and learning. 

I have seen, first hand, the difference a safe school with a committed staff can make on a community. A bilingual education also opens doors up to many children who may not have had many opportunities in life otherwise. This is my chance to help those communities to thrive, too, while maintaining the integrity and autonomy of those communities. 

In March 2015, my brother and I will be stepping off from Mt. Springer in Georgia and will spend the next 6 months hiking the Appalachian Trail until we end up at the peak of Mt. Katahdin in Maine. This is an extremely difficult, but fulfilling endeavor. The hike is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness for the work BECA is doing (think of it as a super-sized Walk-a-thon!) and to help contribute to the Honduran communities. In short, nothing would motivate us more to complete all 2200 miles than knowing we've raised money going to help kids and their communities. 88% of the money donated to BECA goes directly to the schools and related expenses; 6% goes to further fundraising efforts, and 5% goes to Administrative and Managerial costs. By donating to this campaign, you can feel good knowing that you've directly had a major impact on children's lives. $10,000 is a hefty goal, I know, but I honestly believe that if other people get as excited as I am about this then it will catch on like wildfire. Let's make a visible impact for good. Also, just as reminder, these donations are tax deductable! 

One of my friends is a teacher with BECA at the Santa Monica school in Vida Nueva Cortés, Honduras. Leah is a dedicated volunteer who loves her classes dearly. During the hike, I will be corresponding with her and her classroom with letters from the trail, and will also post them at our hiking blog or at Appalachian Trials  whenever I have internet access. In addition, donors can enjoy postcards from the trail, prints of my photography (unless you'd donate more to not be sent a picture...I kid, I kid). 

So please, donate what you can. Spread the word. In a year's time, we've got plenty to prepare for, and I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and support. No donation is too small! 

If you'd like to make a small contribution to help offset some of the trail costs, my own gofundme is here. Trail expenses include gear, resupplying, an occasional night in a town, and helping with bills.