OUR TEAM

Howard "Walter" Hunchak, Founder

Howard, better known as "Walter" in Nicaragua, is a recently retired businessman whose ventures were primarily entrepreneurial in nature (coin-operated video games and, more recently, Internet marketing). Along the way, he completed an undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia, and a Masters in Sociology at the London School of Economics.

Howard's idea for BECA came to life during a volunteer effort in Nicaragua. While attending a training session in an impoverished suburb of Masaya, Howard was moved by the neighborhood children, and set out to offer them an opportunity to study. He is now determined to offer all Nicaraguans an opportunity to advance their lives through education.

Favorite Saying:

"Whatever you can do or dream, you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now."

Antonio Rodríguez Martínez, Coordinator

Antonio studied Math at the “Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua (UNAN)” and has worked as a teacher since he was twenty years old.

Later, Antonio studied computer science at the “Universidad de Ciencias Comerciales (UCC) “ in Managua. He started teaching computer science at two local private schools.

Due to Nicaragua's economic situation and his responsibilities to his wife and two children - David and Matthew - Antonio quit his job as a professor and started working at the “Aladdin Casino”. He worked every day, regardless of the fact that it was Saturday or Sunday or Easter Week, even Christmas or New Year. According to Antonio, this helped build his character as it made him realize that to achieve his goals, he had to work very hard.

After this experience, Antonio went back to the education area as the supervisor of Intecomp School. At Intecomp, Antonio was program manager for BECA where he had the opportunity to see very closely the poverty in Nicaragua, and the lack of opportunities for young people. He says that the experience of going to do the “visiting” and taking pictures of the candidates for BECA brought him much satisfaction.

Antonio's work as a program manager for BECA was exemplary and for this reason he was asked to join the BECA team permanently.

Favorite Saying: "To study is the only way to get ahead in life."