CHALMETTE, La (press release) – Jonathan Zelaya is partnering with St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) in Chalmette through the U.S. Department of State’s Community Solutions Program (CSP). Zelaya, an emerging global leader in Central America, is working with American counterparts at SBEDF, collaborating on projects that will help strengthen communities and improve lives in St. Bernard and Honduras.
During his CSP fellowship, Zelaya hopes to engage in community and alliance building initiatives. Upon returning to his home community, Zelaya seeks to create a cooperative network of first responders across Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
“The opportunity to host Jonathan here in St. Bernard will provide invaluable global perspective for our community,” states SBEDF CEO Meaghan McCormack. “We hope to deliver an enriching experience during his tenure as well as the opportunity to inspire collaboration for a brighter and more interconnected future.”
As the president of Honduras Compassion Partners, Zelaya has experience liaising between communities, local and national government, and international NGOs to provide humanitarian aid and support.
Since 2010, the Community Solutions Program (CSP) has provided over 830 community leaders, between the ages of 25 and 38, from over 100 countries with an intensive professional development experience in the United States. Focusing on complex economic, environmental, social, and political issues, CSP fellows complete an intensive U.S.-based practicum, undertake rigorous leadership coursework, build new networks, and implement community project in their home country, using their newly acquired leadership and technical skills. CSP fellows have contributed over 350,000 hours supporting 129 U.S. communities across 41 states and Washington, D.C. CSP community projects have impacted over 600,000 beneficiaries around the world.
The Community Solutions Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.
