La voz que está con vos – ‘The voice that is with you’

CJI International Programs Coordinator Juan Emilio Hernandez takes a video of  Lolany Mariela Perez Parada, journalist at ERIC-Radio Progreso, during the CJI visit to Honduras July 29 to August 2.  Photo: Tess Sison/CJI

By Juan Emilio Hernandez

Our trip to Honduras  was undoubtedly a valuable learning experience, and an opportunity to meet our colleagues and partners at ERIC (Reflection, Research, and Communications Team) and Radio Progreso.

The work and commitment of each employee is admirable. I particularly admired the leadership, presence, and resilience of the women in ERIC-Radio Progreso, whether they are staff, volunteers, or community leaders.

While the political and social context in Honduras remains uncertain and critical, it is also a country with enormous potential. It has beautiful landscapes and abundant natural resources. Its people are brave and hardworking, and despite many hardships, they remain very warm, caring, and hospitable.

We had the opportunity to learn about the work being done through Radio Progreso and the training programs offered by ERIC. These programs include defending our common home, highlighting emblematic cases of murdered leaders who defended their territory, and conducting research and surveys to understand the reality of Honduras.

However, I will always remember the conversations I had with Fr. Ismael Moreno, Sj or “Padre Melo,”  Fr. German Rosa, SJ, and my other colleagues. They face enormous challenges every day with unwavering and hope for a better tomorrow.

As we said goodbye, they repeatedly told us, “Don’t forget us.”

I know we never will, because we want your voices to be heard in Canada. Your voices are with us. We will make our own the ERIC-Radio Progreso slogan, La voz que esta con vos. From Canada we will be “the voice that is with you” – that accompanies you, defends you, and ensures that your voice is heard.

Read more stories from the CJI visit to Honduras, Voices from Honduras. 
Click to support the work of ERIC-Radio Progreso.