In 1987, Paulette Baker Eubanks, Charlotte Ruoff, and Kirk Arnold, three teachers from Independence, Missouri, visited a small town in Honduras to deliver letters from their students in Independence to the students in the Honduran school. The Independence teachers were surprised at what they saw in the school. It was a concrete block structure with bars on the open windows and bare walls. There were 40 to 50 students in the room with only a pencil and paper and no books. The teacher lectured and the students took notes. The students needed a uniform, a pencil, and paper in order to attend school. From that visit, they determined that the teachers in Honduras needed a lot of additional training and support to be able to effectively educate the children in their classrooms. Also, the students needed supplies and books.

As a result of this visit, Friends United in Education, Inc., a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization was formed. The organization has provided dozens of seminars to Honduran teachers, focusing on teaching reading, writing, math, and most recently working with special needs children. In addition, Friends United has established resource centers in six Honduran cities throughout the country. The centers are managed by a teacher, provided by the Department of Education, who has been trained to conduct seminars with teachers in the area. The center also provides equipment, supplies and books for the teachers to use. Hundreds of books have been provided to schools.

Friends United in Education, Inc. is an all volunteer organization. The funding is provided through donations and fundraising efforts of the group. Although the in country teacher training in Honduras has improved tremendously, there is still a need for additional training and support, especially in the rural areas of the country. Friends United continues to work closely with the Departments of Education, Rotary Clubs, and teachers to provide a better education and learning environment for the students.