History & Inspiration
28 years ago a little girl died in my arms in Mapulaca, Honduras. The parents waited for me to bring her back to life. I could only offer a promise to return after gaining an education and building a way to support programs that would help change the world for children in honor of their daughter. One thing we can all agree on: no matter what country, political or religious belief, economic status or race-is that a child should not suffer; a child should have choice for self-sustenance. Heart Ventures is bringing that dream and promise to a reality all over the world; and anyone can join in this endeavor to build bridges for youth, by offering their love and friendship through joining and/or supporting our practical projects. - T. Joseph Natale

Schools
The Bay Islands, and the island of Roatan in particular have been a primary focus for Heart Ventures projects since 1984.

Currently, we are searching for teachers and supporters to expand our newly built schools for the native population.

This education program is fully endorsed by the Honduran Ministry of Education, and provides islanders with an opportunity to receive a high school diploma.

Heart Ventures has built, supplied and staffed the first schools for tens of thousands of English-speaking Hondurasn children on Roatan, an island 27 miles off mainland Honduras.

Through education and recreation, Heart Ventures is determined to expand oppurtunity for youth on the Bay Islands.

We look forward to continuing our recreation and education programs on the Bay Islands.

Carlos Almendarez Natale
Youth College
The Carlos Almendarez Natale Youth College (high school diploma program, Bay Islands) is the first and only free, community based, bilingual school, providing youth, ages 14-26, whose primary language is English, the opportunity to achieve academic excellence and a fully accredited diploma, approved and recognized by the Honduras Ministry of Education.

Historically, the native Bay Islands people have sustained their lives from the local, readily available natural resources; seafood, fruits and indigenous and farmed animals. A culture that could live comfortably off of the land must now enter a new societal structure, meeting the traditional capital work ethic, more commonly known on the mainland Honduras and typical western cultures.

This current decade of youth is now required to have education and skills that will enable them to compete for jobs enabling them to earn sufficient wages to meet minimum living standards. The age group targeted by the Heart Ventures Youth College is for those between 14 and 26, who have missed the opportunity to acquire the necessary schooling and complete their College (high school) diploma. These youth will be chosen based on a set of entrance criteria. These criteria will be generally based upon an entrance exam, socio-economic disadvantage, and age and/or language barriers.

The Youth College provides quality education for both the Hispanic and Afro-islander population.

Sports
Built new courts for young basketball players on Roatan...

Intensive Heart Ventures sponsors the HomeBoyies soccer team along with Soccer Action in Santa Barbara...

socceractionusa. com

Matt Elam of Beautiful Americans Production company recently spent a month in Honduras assisting Intensive Heart Ventures with the implementation of a fully functional exercise facility.

About four tons of top-quality weightlifting equipment was donated by Mr. Tony Calhoun of Gold's Gym Santa Barbara.

Relief Work
Roatan is one of Intensive Heart Ventures' main areas of work. This project has been evolvong through the years and has been creating opportunities for youth through education, AIDS seminars, team league sports and community development.

Intensive Heart Ventures assisted in the funding and building of 109 homes after Hurricane Mitch destroyed Honduras.

Heart Ventures is now actively engaged in AIDS education made possible by a United Nations grant awarded in August of 2004. Heart Ventures is committed to matching that grant by raising $250,000, to expand to the other nine communities in the region. To learn more about the impact of AIDS on the Bay Islands please view our video by clicking on the link below:

View Heart Ventures AIDS Program Video