We discovered that fruit trees produce every year, even in drought or flood conditions. As in the UK, some seasons are better than others. When required, Cesar goes to a nursery to choose and purchase fruit tree saplings. He then organises their distribution. In previous years we have supplied to rural primary schools as well as the indigenous Lenca and Tolupan people. Each year Cesar focuses on different groups.

Tolupan

 

These trees were given to a college located two hours drive from the Valle. When grown, they will provide some lovely shade as well as fruit.

 

The notice says ‘From Juan De Flores College. Thank you, CH Trust and friends in England for the donation of fruit trees. Greetings from Honduras.’

 

Cesar in the school garden. A younger fruit tree can be seen behind him.

 

When suitable holes has been made in the hard soil, the children plant trees in them. They are given a small bag of fertiliser to put at the bottom of the hole to encourage good growth. They then water the tree and tend its care, as part of the school day. In the background is a fruit tree we gave previously. This school, like many others we have supported, with gifts of trees, will have a productive fruit orchard in the future. One providing fruit for the children for many years to come.

 

Families in Pedrigal

 

Many of the fruit trees we bought this time were given to families who own the land around their houses. Trees cannot be given to those renting a room or property, because it would then belong to the landlord. Cesar gives trees out, two per family. These are usually extended families, not just the twos and fours that often make up homes in England.

 

The trees will generally fruit after two years, some in one year. The trees bought were orange, of which they have many varieties and lemons. The royal lemons are as large as a grapefruit, sweet and ideal for making drinks for the children. Ordinary lemons are used a lot in Honduras to clean, say, a grill, to tenderise meat in a restaurant etc. and, so, are very saleable. Other varieties bought were papaya, mango, peach and avocado. Which trees went to schools and which to families I do not know.
This lady is creating a hole with a pole.

 

I have never seen ripe orange fruit on these trees at Vicente College, which we provided many years ago. The students pick and eat the fruit as it starts to turn. Luis is never quick enough with his camera to get a photo!

 

Nance fruit. These will turn yellow when ripe. They can be eaten straight off the tree.

This is pastor Felix with a Star fruit tree that we gave to him and his family.

 

All the above photos illustrate your long term investment into the country of Honduras. They should produce increasing amounts of fruit with each passing year.