Public education in Honduras is characterized by high dropout and repetition rates, low achievement scores, insufficient alternative education opportunities, and a highly politicized teachers’ union. USAID’s education program assists the Ministry of Education’s efforts to reform policies, especially in the development and implementation of academic standards, formative assessments, and standardized testing in public schools from first grade through high school. These efforts enable Honduran decision-makers as well as parents to know how their children and schools are performing. However, many primary school graduates are unable to continue their education because of a shortage of secondary school facilities. In addition to a strong focus on reading in primary school, USAID emphasizes learning opportunities for out-of-school youth and quality improvements in the formal education system.

Education program activities improve citizen involvement in education through increased parental participation and advocacy, greater community ownership, and conflict resolution training, as well as contribute to the mitigation of citizen insecurity by increasing at-risk-youth access to basic educational opportunities and vocational readiness programs.

Three main focuses of USAID/Honduras’ education program include:

• Reforms to the education sector
• Alternative education
• Teacher training