After visiting Brazil over the weekend, Elyx traveled north to spend some time in Honduras. Upon arrival in the capital of Tegucigalpa, Elyx was greeted by people from the many UN offices in the country, who were all very excited to meet the digital ambassador. There are currently 12 UN offices in Honduras: FAO, UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO, UN Women, IOM, UNAIDS, WHO, UNFPA, UNV, ITU and the WFP.
From them Elyx learned about the various programmes that the UN has implemented in Honduras over the years and Elyx became especially interested in the WFP’s School Meals Programme. Elyx has always had a great love for food and particularly since visiting Peru, the digital ambassador’s interest in food programmes has spiked. The School Meals Programme aims to increase access to education and to reduce gender disparity in access to education. Daily meals provide an added incentive for parents to send their children to school and to ensure that hunger does not diminish children’s learning capacity. Elyx was very happy to learn that a visit to one of the WFP’s projects was on the schedule for today.
Elyx talks to children who benefit from the School Meals Programme. (Photo: WFP/Marelis Amaya) 
The ambassador first went to La Masica, in the department of Atlantida. There Elyx helped to distribute food in local schools. In La Masica, up to 69 schools participate in the programme.
Elyx also met some of the local children and stopped for a little chat. The children told Elyx all about the programme and the many ways they benefit from it.
Elyx watches Catrachilandia celebrations.(Photo: WFP/Marelis Amaya)
The School Meals Programme is the most successful social programme in Honduras. So far, more than 1.4 million students and about 21,000 schools have profited from the programme. The programme is so popular that it is celebrated annually. Catrachilandia or School Feeding Day is a national holiday and is celebrated throughout Honduras. In Arizona, also in the department of Atlantida, Elyx was able to witness these celebrations and was more than happy to join in.
After a very busy day, full of celebrations, Elyx decided to turn in early to be well-rested for the long trip to Togo. Goodbye, Honduras!
More Photos of Elyx in Honduras (Full Flickr Gallery)
Learn more about Honduras at the United Nations
The United Nations in Honduras
WFP in Honduras
UNDP in Honduras
FAO in Honduras
IOM in Honduras
UNAIDS in Honduras
UNFPA in Honduras
UNICEF in Honduras
UNESCO in Honduras
UN Women in Honduras
Permanent Mission to the UN
More Photos from Elyx’s 70 Day Journey (Full Flickr Gallery)