A learning materials center located in Honduras.

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Activiteca is a center of materials and training for K-12 education. It's mission is two fold:
1) to enable Honduran teachers to use high-quality learning materials that are otherwise unavailable; and
2) to offer direct educational experiences to the public.

How does it work?

Activiteca functions as a lending library and training resource for schools and teachers, and an interactive museum for the public. It houses, makes aiialable, and demostrates the use of a wide variety of materials, equipment, and books in eight subject areas.

Where is it?

In a municipal building in Catacamas, a small city in Olancho, Honduras.

Who is it for?

In line with its two-fold mission, Activiteca serves two main groups:

  • Any teacher from a public or private school may apply to become an Activiteca member. The first step of approval is an observation of his or her class to determine if the level of control is sufficient to prevent damage to the borrowed materials.
  • Anyone from the public, of any age or educational background, can come to “Club Activiteca†and sit at one of the tables to participate in a learning experience, go in and read in the Reading Room, or attend an Activiteca event such as a fair.

Is it all free?

Activiteca is not a free service, both because some expenses need to be covered, and because the users will value the services more if they pay something, even if minimal. Teachers pay fees according to the borrowing plans they select, and each borrowing teacher pays a deposit. There are small entrance fees to the Reading Room, Club Activiteca, and other events.

Are there any other conditions?

There are rules on use of materials and behavior while in Activiteca, to prevent loss and damage. Because some of the materials are delicate or complex, teachers are required to take training before borrowing them, and to control the use and storage of the materials in their classrooms.

Who is paying for this?

The fees charged at Activiteca are kept purposely low, and will barely pay for supplies. The materials and furniture were purchased using an educational fund started by Activiteca's founders, one of whom is the director. The founders are volunteers with the Austin-Juticalpa Alianza, a program connecting the Catholic diocese of Olancho with the diocese of Austin, Texas.

Individuals and schools in the Austin diocese have contributed about 20% of the materials in Activiteca, and more than half of the books. Austinites also donated the costs of shipping all the materials to Honduras.

What will happen in the future?

Ultimately, it is hoped that Activiteca will serve as a prototype for other educational materials centers in Honduras and Latin America. However, the founders and director of Activiteca need to leave Honduras by the end of 2006. They wish to pass on the materials and operations of the center to an appropriate organization, and also train a new director. Two options for this exist:

  • A non-governmental organization (NGO) Such an organization would own and manage Activiteca locally, and sustain its operations through annual pledges from community donors as well as donations and grants from Honduran and foreign sources. In 2006, a group of Hondurans began to form an NGO to support Activiteca. However, things are moving slowly on this front.
  • Sale to any interested school or educational organization The founders would like to pass on the center to a party that is most likely to continue the bulk of its current functions. The estimated value of Activiteca is $50,000 USD, but the founders are willing to negotiate a price based on the needs and plans of propsective buyers.
  • If you are interested in purchasing or supporting Activiteca in any way, please contact us.



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