Great Manchester 10K Run- Project Talitha Cumi

Jodie Rhodes is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hi, I'm Jodie! In 2022, I volunteered to teach English and Maths in Yamaranguila, Honduras. I was there for 6 months understanding the culture, learning Spanish, and engaging with new communities. While there, I met an incredible woman called Cassie who lived on the farm just round the corner from where I lived. She invited me to come visit and she gave me the grand tour where I saw beautiful animals, mountain views, and plenty of coffee beans!! The property was dotted with colourful houses, each with their own personality and Cassie explained that the farm was a children's home (Project Talitha Cumi or PTC), whereby each house held a different family. These homes were built to serve the children of Honduras that come from at-risk and abusive households or those who have been abandoned, by offering individualised, family-based, homes to heal, empower, and offer a brighter future. With 60% of Hondurans living below the poverty line in dangerous communities with violent gangs, many are in danger, however, children in unstable environments are at an increased risk.

Christianity is a huge influence in Honduran culture (and Latin American culture in general). As a Non-Christian, I made it my mission to understand and educate myself on the religion. I went to a bible study group every week, with some inspirational women, including Cassie, who I am now proud to call my friends. Although I have left the country and no longer attend the group, the space we built remains my most treasured community where I felt the most accepted and loved. I was able to ask and be asked difficult questions without the differences in our beliefs causing tension, only grounds to grow and connect. Witnessing the extreme poverty, violence, and corruption so prevalent in Honduran lives changed my perspective on many things, however the role of religion was the most influenced. Religion can provide hope and community to those powerless against corrupt governments and unjust violence which is why PTC are a Christian-Led community.

PTC desire to raise young Hondurans in their own country and culture, teaching them Christian values and crucial life skills in a safe atmosphere whereby the kids will always have siblings, a family, and a place to call home. When I ran into a very difficult time and had to leave my home, Cassie welcomed me to stay with her and her kids for as long as I needed. We baked, walked, watched films, and talked for hours. I found this time with Cassie incredibly healing, so having experienced the incredible work PTC do, I feel drawn to give back! So, I asked Cassie what area PTC need the most financial help and she said education sponsorships. Education in Honduras is a massive privilege and is unfortunately not accessible to many young people in rural areas as many students are taken out of school before age 14 support their families by selling fruit in the markets.

So, when Cassie showed me the 4 children still requiring educational sponsorships, I immediately said I would help. This is why I am running the Great Manchester 10k Run on the 18th May 2025!! Each child requires a different amount every month depending on the stage of their education - ranging from $164 to $300 (See images below). All donations will go towards funding a child’s education. Funds will cover monthly tuition expenses and/or college expenses.

Raising enough money to help one child for a month would be great, but wouldn't it be incredible if we raised enough for each child to have 1 month of education taken care of! I have set the target at £750 to meet this goal! If you would like your donation to go to a specific child, let me know through the donation message or message me directly.

Esme: High School Student $184/month