Supporting Orphaned Teens: Julio in Honduras
Julio is a 21 year-old who recently graduated from Flint’s Thriving Skills program in Honduras with Jóvenes en Camino (JEC). Despite growing up as an orphan, Julio found love and support at Jóvenes en Camino from the time he was just 5 years old.
As a teenager, he stood out for his respectful and kind demeanor and developed keen interest in technology and soccer. But as Julio moved closer to his transition from the home, he remained uncertain about his future. Julio entered the Thriving Skills program at age 20, where he improved his confidence, learned practical life skills, and forged a positive mindset aimed at achieving his dreams and goals.
Julio’s first steps into independent living did not go according to plan. He enrolled in the Military Academy with several peers but abandoned the process after a short stay. Despite this setback, Julio did not give up. With the support of the team at JEC and mentoring from the Thriving Skills coordinator, Sarai, he was able to bounce back and create a new plan for his future.
Julio discovered new motivation, found a job in the city with Popeye’s Chicken, and started to plan his transition with confidence and determination. Now Julio is working, renting an apartment with three friends, and putting his skills into practice with a positive attitude on the next chapter of his life.
Because of your partnership, people like Julio are now fully equipped with the access, knowledge, and skills they need to thrive! Thank you for giving the gift of flourishing to so many around the world.
We hope you enjoy the following note from Julio.
“In my whole life Thriving Skills was one of the best experiences.
I never viewed this program as a class but rather an opportunity to learn and grow, and I also knew that this was going to help us in life. I have lived independently for two months and believe me, this has been a super help.
As I said in my graduation speech, I had no idea how to do this. I was afraid of being an independent boy, but we are fighting every day and taking advantage of every opportunity. I believe in God and if I put all my goals, my dreams, my thoughts in him, he will do everything according to his will.
I am currently working at Popeye’s, and I have been adapting to the change in work schedules for two months.
I am proceeding to my second goal in mid-May, where I will be studying the last 20 classes that I need to graduate. While I work and study I plan to save money to go buy my transport.
Two days ago I also joined a church. The truth was I needed to get closer to God and that is why I am going every Saturday and Sunday to attend the youth meetings. My dream now is to become the manager of a restaurant and even to have my own.
I have to thank the program. There is no doubt that I learned, from how to stay healthy to how to act in real life. Thank you very much to all of you. I hope this program multiplies to many young people who really need it.
My thanks to the Flint Global Thriving Skills program.”
- Julio