ALIANZA JOVEN HONDURAS - USAID

The idea is to implement a micro-enterprise system of
Neighborhood Gyms (“Gimnasios de Barrio”.) AJH is
developing a methodology to operate these community
gymnasiums through the OCs in Honduras. The
neighborhood gyms are expected to achieve two
objectives: (1) generate income to contribute to the longterm
financial sustainability of the OCs and (2) serve as a
draw to attract older boys who have not traditionally
participated in OC activities. It is also designed to
promote healthy lifestyles in the community by promoting
healthy diets and physical exercise.
Olivos Verdes Gym
There are two key components for the success of the OC gymnasium methodology:
1. At each OC where a neighborhood gym is established, two volunteers will be
selected to receive a two-day course; subsequently one of the two will be
selected to be certified as a Fitness Trainer, capable of designing personalized
exercise routines and nutrition plans for the gym members. The other person
who participates in the original training will also be trained in the correct use of
the machines at the gym. The selected volunteers will have to commit
themselves to approximately one year of service to the gym and will receive a
modest salary.
2. Whenever possible, the machinery and equipment for the gyms will be
purchased in local workshops and will be made from high–resistance industrial
materials to ensure that the equipment may be used for a long time.
To achieve these goals, the equipment procurement process has already begun, an
alliance has been formed with Triple A (a leader in fitness training), an OC Gym
manual is being prepared, and posters are being designed with messages from
famous athletes. The first posters have been distributed to the OCs which already
have operating gymnasiums.
New Partners
AJH has begun a series of discussions with World Vision, which is highly interested in
the OC model. The AJH COP made a number of presentations to World Vision
officers, including its national director. The talks resulted in an alliance to jointly
establish an OC in the Estados Unidos barrio of Tegucigalpa’s San Miguel
neighborhood with support from the area’s Multi-Sector Board. AJH has already
received a proposal from World Vision, which at the time of this report, has already
been processed and approved by USAID. World Vision has expressed interest in
implementing additional OCs in other barrios of the San Miguel sector, in El Progreso
and in other areas where the organization works, after evaluating this first experience
with the OC model.
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