The Schmitts aid Honduran students in need
Brian and Jessie Schmitt of Melrose are teaming up to help disadvantaged students in Honduras.
On Thursday, Jessie is hosting a table at Melrose’s weekly Farmers' Market (645 Main St.) to support the work of Brian and others, who volunteer their time to teach underprivileged children in Honduras. For the past two years, Brian has donated his time and energy to Bilingual Education for Central America (BECA), a nonprofit organization that promotes cultural exchange and affordable bilingual education for disadvantaged students.
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In addition to teaching math at the San Jeronimo Bilingual School in Cofradia, Honduras, Brian organized the school’s first Field Day. He was also involved with the creation of the escuela de padres, a program for parents that addresses topics such as finances, health, nutrition and overall parenting issues. Brian is a 2008 graduate of UMass-Amherst, with a BA in Economics and a minor in Latin American Studies.
Melrose shops and businesses – including coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, spa/nail/hair services, fitness/yoga programs, gift/floral shops etc. – have generously donated gift certificates to support this cause. Jessie will be selling raffle tickets for baskets filled with these gift certificates at the Farmers' Market on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 2-7 p.m.
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“It’s amazing that Brian has been able to help so many children by volunteering his time in this way,” said Jessie. “I’m very proud of him and I’m doing what I can to support his work. In May 2010, my parents and I spent a week volunteering at his school where we saw first hand the poverty and need of the community of Cofradia. I want to thank all the Melrose businesses who have helped with this fundraiser and I hope people will come to the Farmers' Market to help us raise money for this worthy cause."
For further information about BECA, visit www.becaschools.org.
If you would like additional details about this week’s fundraiser, contact Jessie Schmitt at jschmitt788@gmail.com or 617-640-3792.
