Mi Prójimo

When I think of my community of Río Esteban, I think of those hearts that are in search of meaning and purpose in life. I reflect on the difference a mentor can make in the life of a young person. The first steps of my own journey began when a mentor of mine, Joseph Rahm, went above and beyond, driving seven hours out of his way to meet with me and my family and give me the opportunity to enroll in a leadership program. Since then, my journey has brought me to the place where I get to pour into others—like Florida, a young woman from my community, whom I have had the chance to walk alongside throughout the years. Florida is waiting with anticipation for me to arrive back in Río Esteban, because she is hungry for an ear to listen and a voice that will guide her steps through life. 

I want youth like Florida to find their place in the community, as I did, through mentorship and service-learning. Perhaps we cannot change the whole world, but we can change the life of someone close to us: our neighbor. Change starts inwardly as we recognize our identity and giftings. From there, we can find creative ways to serve others. Fundacion Mi Projimo envisions the next generation participating in the transformation and development of Rio Esteban one young person at a time.

Our mission is to accompany and guide the next generation in their search for identity and purpose in life. We seek to create a healthy atmosphere where youth will be able to learn about themselves, others, and their community through intentional youth gatherings, retreats, mentoring, workshops, wellness times, and service-learning. Our hope is to create spaces of safety, love, and acceptance while learning and growing through service. 

Growing up, I faced many physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual challenges. I managed to get an opportunity to study at the Leader Mission International Leadership Center for two years. This prompted me to serve in my community for a year in the area of ​​Primary Education and then to work at Water: Mission Honduras, where I spent almost 7 years learning and serving in community development. All that acquired experience gave me the opportunity to start a family micro-business in my community in 2021, where my people, my family, my friends, and my home are located. It is in that very same community where I know the next generation faces the same challenges I did growing up, perhaps even more. Through the mentors who have invested in me over the years, and the various experiences of service-learning, I came to find my identity: I am a friend to many, a life-long learner, and—most importantly—valued by God, my family, and those around me. Now I set out to help others find their identity and purpose.

My local church in Rio Esteban has been in the community for more than 20 years and has seen many young people grow into adulthood. This year, there are approximately 25 adolescents involved through Bible studies, camps, retreats, games, and more. Fundacion Mi Projimo will collaborate with the local church and other leaders who are already investing in youth from the community. These young people are looking for safe and healthy spaces of belonging as they develop their identity and find their purpose. Using my background, past experiences, and training, together with the partnership of the local church and volunteer mentors, we are ready to invest in the lives of the  next generation of Río Esteban. 

If you are interested in knowing more, please contact Alina at: alina@urbanpromiselatinamerica.org
We look forward to hearing from you!

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