Alumni Spotlight: Roy Leonardi

Rosarius Roy Leonardi, Ed. D. He is a part-time director of special education in Preston, CT. He is seventy years old. He earned a B.A. from S.U.N.Y. New Paltz; he earned an M. Ed. And Ed. D. from The University of Vermont; he earned an M.A. in special education from San Jose (CA) State University. In 2008 he completed a program in autism studies at Antioch University, New Hampshire. He enjoys working with children with disabilities and assisting the families of the children. He enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling. He is attempting to learn how to converse in Spanish.

kids in Honduras

Why did you decide to volunteer with Volunteering Solutions in Honduras?

Roy: During my initial research, there were several organizations that offered world-wide volunteer experiences. For me, Volunteering Solutions had a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. I especially wanted to work at a school with children with disabilities. The cost of the program is reasonable. The people who are responsible for working volunteers have exceptional capabilities. Especially when I fell ill, people rallied to assist me.

What made this volunteer experience unique and special?

Roy: I had the opportunity to stay in an urban area and I also spent my first and last weekend at a bread and breakfast on the beach. The second weekend was extended because of hurricane Isaac, which shut down airports in the United States. The extra time in Honduras enhanced a wonderful experience.

How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?

Roy: A volunteer experience, especially in a personal area of interest, expands my view of the profession and how other professionals approach the same area. I have worked with great teachers and in Honduras I worked with, and observed, educational excellence. Significantly, adults managed children with emotional and behavior problems without grabbing children and without speaking in angry or raised voices. De-escalation was ingrained in the staff. Honduras is not a wealthy country, yet there are serious efforts to provide an excellent education to all children. I have been motivated to give particular attention to my studies with the Spanish language. Finally, you don’t have to be wealthy, or have a lot of material items, to be a nice person. The people in Honduras with whom I came in contact were genuine and nice people. My advice to travelers, don’t eat fruit off the ground.

honduras volunteer disabled children

Highlights: During one of the school days some of the staff purchased fruit from a street vendor. They offered me some fruit and I did get sick. My contact with Volunteering Solutions and my host family took me to a hospital. I was treated at the hospital and had to take several medications for the next two days. My host family cared for me as if I was a member of their family. A medication schedule was written out and no matter the time, they insured I stayed on that schedule.

My total experience in Honduras was one of kindness and care for me. Wherever I was, whether on the street, at the mall, in a restaurant, with my host family, or with Manuel’s family, my contact with Volunteering Solutions, I felt extremely welcomed. The most significant impression of the school was the orderliness in the classrooms and on the school campus. In two weeks, I did not hear an angry word from any staff member.

Morning: I spent two weeks working at a special education facility, for children with severe disabilities. I stayed with a host family. I had to wake-up at 6:00 AM. I ate breakfast and then walked to school. School began at 7:00 AM and class was in session until about noon.

Each morning the students formed lines, by class, in a field behind the school. The principal spoke with the children and then they said the pledge, sang the Honduran national anthem, said a prayer and then moved to their respective classrooms. A hot lunch was served during mid-morning. Parents and siblings frequently visited the class. The teacher is highly skilled and the school environment was structured, quiet, yet very relaxed.

Afternoon: Following the class session, I would go back to home and my host family served a light lunch. I would rest and the go to a restaurant with Wi-Fi access. I usually worked for several hours. Several times I would walk to the nearby mall.

Evening: In the evening I usually read and then retired by 9:00 PM. La Ceiba is an older city on the coast. It is usually hot and humid and by early evening I was tired.