Once again, the payoff from ASJ’s (formerly known as AJS) work in fighting corruption in the education system has been reinforced with study results — this time from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

A study released on Dec. 4, 2014, not only found that Honduras is no longer in last place in the study of 15 Latin American countries, but that it had actually jumped up several places — up to 10th place for third-grade scores. This is a major accomplishment and represents the first time that Honduras has seen a positive result compared to previous measures in an assessment of this type.

Honduras struggles in a number of ways, most recognizably as the country with the highest homicide rate in the world. In the midst of the violence, poverty, and corruption that exist in Honduras, dramatic increases in the quality of education are particularly encouraging.

Seeing greater improvements for third graders compared to older students shows further evidence that the reforms over the last few years have had a great impact since younger students are most affected by these reforms.

This recent UNESCO report reinforces other assessments that have found exciting improvements over the last few years, as seen in the graph to the right.

Reports like these keep us giving thanks to God for helping to improve access to education for Honduran children, and they give us further motivation and energy in our work. We also have to give thanks to our supporters around the world and volunteers here in Honduras.