In a small school in La Dalia, Honduras, students, parents, and teachers from School the World’s Alternative Education Program gathered for a powerful exercise: imagine your future—with and without education.
As part of the forum, students shared honest and vulnerable reflections. Without schooling, many saw futures limited by poverty—working as day laborers, becoming young parents, or continuing generational patterns of hardship. But with education? Their outlook changed dramatically. They spoke of graduating, earning degrees, and returning as teachers, nurses, lawyers—leaders who could give back to their communities.
One teacher, Professor Martín Méndez, was especially impacted. For years, he had avoided discussing education beyond sixth grade, given how few opportunities exist in rural areas. But hearing his students dream out loud prompted a personal shift. He shared his own story—leaving home as a teenager to pursue education and returning years later to teach. Since that day, he’s begun asking his 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students what they want to be when they grow up. Their answers have inspired him to keep planting those seeds of possibility.
The Critical Moment Between Primary and Secondary
Research consistently shows that the transition between primary and secondary school is one of the most vulnerable periods in a student’s educational journey. Social and economic barriers intensify, and information gaps often leave students and families unsure of what’s next.
Organizations like The Malala Fund and The Dominican Dream have shown that even simple, well-timed interventions—such as sharing information about educational options and long-term benefits—can significantly increase enrollment and completion rates, especially for girls.
At School the World, this research informs action. This month, staff across Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama are working with 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students to introduce them to what’s possible beyond primary school and to encourage them to imagine new futures for themselves.
Expanding Access Beyond Primary School
For students ready to take the next step—but who must travel outside their communities to do so—School the World’s Scholarship Program offers financial support. Scholarships help cover school fees, books, uniforms, and transportation, with a particular focus on supporting girls, who are most at risk of dropping out during this transition.
In parallel, the Alternative Education Program, launched in 2022 in Guatemala and expanded to Honduras in 2023, provides flexible learning options for young people and parents who can’t follow traditional schooling schedules. The program makes education accessible again—for those who need it most.
Looking Ahead: Moonshot 2030
As School the World celebrates 15 years of impact, it’s launching Moonshot 2030, an ambitious campaign to double its reach over the next five years—expanding to serve 84,000 students and deepen its impact across rural communities.
With a focus on early childhood and critical educational transitions, School the World is working to ensure that students not only start strong—but continue learning, growing, and leading well into the future.
Join Us in Building Brighter Futures
You can be part of the movement to ensure that no child’s education ends at sixth grade. Whether through donating, partnering, or simply sharing our mission, your support helps open doors for thousands of students across Central America.
👉 Donate Now
👉 Learn More About Moonshot 2030
Together, we can help every child imagine a future—and take the steps to make it real.