Strengthening Central American health care systems and promoting sustainable development.

Facebook Youtube Instagram Linkedin
DONATE NOW
News Media Releases

CAMO: A Pillar in the Trade School’s Transformation

/

CAMO has been a key player in the economic and educational development of families in western Honduras, thanks to its commitment to strategic Community Development projects.

For two decades, one of its main focuses has been supporting the Trade School, an institution that has transformed the lives of thousands of young people and adults through non-formal education.

Sustained and Transformative Support

Since 2004, CAMO has managed and executed infrastructure projects at the Trade School totaling over $.4 million, primarily funded by donations from the United States and Honduras.

This support has been crucial in maintaining and improving the school’s operations, allowing more than 700 students to graduate each year.

Joseph Ruiz, Trade School’s executive director, emphasized that “CAMO has been a strategic ally for the school for many years, not only as part of the general assembly and the board of directors but also as the main donor. CAMO has strengthened this institution and the formative aspect of the individuals.”

Key Projects at the Trade School

CAMO’s intervention in 2004 marked a turning point for the Trade School. At that time, the school faced an ineffective board of directors and had zero students enrolled.CAMO not only reorganized the board by finding outstanding leaders in Santa Rosa but also temporarily took on the presidency, increasing the number of students to 700.

Additionally, CAMO launched a campaign to acquire specific equipment for the various trades, thus improving the quality of technical training.

“Kathy Tschiegg’s support, CAMO’s founder, has been fundamental in guiding the vision of the Trade School towards a more accurate understanding of the region’s needs and occupational demand,” Ruiz added.

“After being unemployed, I found in the Trade School a training option that allowed me to start my own business and return to my hometown of Vivistorio, Copán,” said Lucas Tábora, a barber.

Expansion and Improvement

Over the years, CAMO has been crucial in managing resources for various expansion and improvement projects at the Trade School, such as the construction of the initial building, with an investment of $183,000; another significant project is the construction of the Annex Building with an investment of $202,000.

The improvement of the electrical system, with an investment of $60,000, is also considered one of the most important projects.

In a few weeks, the construction of the second floor of the CAMO Building will be completed, with at least $118,879 being invested.

These projects have not only improved the infrastructure but have also expanded the school’s capacity to offer courses and workshops to the population, in collaboration with municipalities, cooperatives, NGOs, and other institutions.

Commitment to Transparency and the Future

Transparency in resource management is a fundamental pillar for CAMO. This commitment has allowed the central government to also allocate resources to strengthen the Trade School.

“Ruiz acknowledged CAMO not only for the financial support that significantly improved the infrastructure but also for the support of its overall operations.”

The Trade School is committed to two essential training processes: entrepreneurship and local employability. The school provides young people with technical skills that open doors to new job and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The Importance of Donating

For CAMO to continue being a vital pillar in improving the quality of life for the most disadvantaged, continuous support through donations is essential.

Every contribution strengthens our ability to continue executing transformative projects and ensuring the well-being of the communities that need it most.

Testimonies

CAMO and FAKS Foundation: Prosthetics Changing Children’s Lives

/

This week, three Honduran children found hope and new opportunities thanks to CAMO’s Prosthetics and Orthotics Program, in collaboration with the FAKS Foundation.

Jairon, a Little Warrior from Trincheras

Jairon Gutiérrez, 8 years old, has been CAMO’s patient since 2021. Originally from a rural community, Jairon faces life with a smile despite his diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy.

On June 17, he received Ground Reaction AFO for both legs, improving his ability to walk.

His aunt and guardian, María Deras, emotionally shared his progress and his love for playing with toy cars and painting. However what Jairon enjoys most is eating pancakes, a moment that always brings a smile to his face.

The family hopes these new devices will provide him with more independence and opportunities to continue developing.

Bayron, Fighting to Reclaim His Life

A year ago, Bayron Mejía’s life drastically changed when a work accident cost him his left leg. Bayron suffered an electric shock while working on a construction site in a community in Cucuyagua, leaving him with severe burns and a transfemoral amputation. After months of painful recovery, Bayron came to CAMO seeking a new opportunity.

On June 17, Bayron received his first prosthesis, partially funded by FAKS and his mother’s efforts.

“This is the first time I will use a prosthesis, I feel nervous but very happy,” said Bayron, who now dreams of studying and building a better future.

Johan, Small Steps Toward a Great Future

Orlin Coto, 8 years old, is another example of the positive impact of this partnership; diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Johan has fought against physical limitations with the support of CAMO since 2019.

This year, his old AFOs no longer fit, and they needed to be replaced to continue supporting his mobility.

Thanks to FAKS, Johan received new AFOs that will help him walk better.

His mother, Glenda Mejía, a single mother who works in the coffee harvest, expressed her gratitude for this support. Johan, a boy full of energy who loves playing with his toy car, smiled with joy upon receiving his new devices.

News Media Releases

Corneal Transplant Brigade Transforms Lives in Western Honduras

/

In a collaborative initiative, CAMO, the Robles Ophthalmology Center and a team of doctors from the University of San Francisco, conducted a successful corneal transplant brigade.

Under the leadership of specialist Laura Ponce, counterpart of CAMO’s Ophthalmology Program, this brigade restored sight to seven patients with severe corneal conditions at our clinics.

Doctors Jay Stewart, Jeremy Keenan, and Julie Schallhorn from the University of San Francisco arrived in Honduras to carry out the transplant brigade. They also participated in a Medical Brigade in San Agustín, Copán, and an Evaluation Brigade at a school alongside four students from the same university.

Thanks to their efforts, corneas were obtained from an eye bank in the United States, a resource that Honduras lacks.

Dr. Ponce emphasized the importance of these donations for patients who would otherwise not have access to this type of surgery, which significantly improves their quality of life.

“We conducted evaluations to determine the eligibility of the patients. Most suffered from corneal ulcers or scars that had severely deteriorated their vision. We also treated cases of keratoconus and corneal dystrophies.”

One of the most urgent cases was that of a deaf-mute patient with a perforated corneal ulcer, whose surgery was performed as an emergency. “This patient relies heavily on his vision for communication and social development,” Ponce noted.

The expert ophthalmologist highlighted the economic challenges faced by patients, stating, “A cornea costs approximately $4,000 in the United States, which is unaffordable for most of our patients. We depend on donations to perform these surgeries.”

Drs. Schallhorn and Stewart had previously visited the ophthalmology center and expressed their interest in continuing their alliance with CAMO

Testimonies

Edward’s Smile Lit Up Our Week

/

On Thursday morning, we experienced one of the most heartwarming surprises.

What seemed like a routine wheelchair delivery turned into the most touching moment of our week.

Edward Hernández, a 14-year-old boy, arrived at our headquarters in Santa Rosa de Copán, carried in the arms of his grandmother, Lidia. They had traveled from a rural community in western Honduras.

Mrs. Lidia and her grandson, who suffers from cerebral palsy and is unable to walk, journeyed 65 kilometers on an intercity bus in search of a wheelchair.

At CAMO, we welcomed them warmly and provided Edward with a wheelchair.

The joy on Mrs. Lidia’s face was evident, but Edward’s happiness was even more profound.

Despite his limited movements, he began to explore his new wheelchair with eyes full of love.

The most emotional moment came when Edward laughed.

Although he cannot speak due to his condition, his face radiated deep gratitude.

Everyone in our reception rejoiced and thanked God for allowing CAMO to bring hope to those in need, thanks to our generous donors.

His grandmother, a housewife, expressed Edward’s joy, sharing how the wheelchair will greatly improve his well-being. Until now, he had spent his days in a small wooden chair, lacking a proper place to rest.

This moment reminded us of the importance of our mission and the difference we can make in people’s lives. Thank you for being a part of this work.

News Media Releases

Partnership with Colgate Makes 10,000 Smiles Shine in Western Honduras

/

A partnership between CAMO and Colgate-Palmolive has enabled thousands of children in western Honduras to receive oral health education and dental care kits.

Framed within the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Program, CAMO has championed this initiative, aiming to enhance the quality of life for people through oral health education in schools and communities that we serve with medical, educational, and community services.

With the involvement of medical staff, teachers, and volunteers trained and certified by Colgate-Palmolive, CAMO is ensuring that 10,000 children in remote Honduran communities understand the importance of maintaining good oral health.

To strengthen this collaboration, CAMO certified 21 professionals from its team, who received specialized training from Colgate.

This effort is evident in our recently provided services during an evaluation brigade as part of CAMO’s Literacy Program in a rural community.

During this event, children at the Margarita Rosibel Mejía School attended oral hygiene training and benefited from eye and nutritional assessments, which CAMO offers through its brigades.

Such partnerships are crucial for CAMO, as they positively impact the lives of children who otherwise would not have access to these resources.

Therefore, throughout 2024, we will continue to integrate these educational sessions and distribute dental care kits in our evaluation and dental brigades, ensuring that more children in rural communities receive this valuable support.

News Media Releases

Promoting Sports and Values at the Community Gym

/

In a joint effort to improve the quality of life for the youth and children of Honduras, CAMO teams up with Santa Rosa de Copán’s Sports Association to revitalize the Community Gym.

The Community Gym, managed by the Sports Association, is a space dedicated to promoting sports, offering disciplines such as volleyball, table tennis, chess, basketball, and soccer, in addition to a weight room used by adults during evening hours.

This sports center not only promotes physical activity but also serves as a space for violence prevention, keeping young people away from gangs and criminal groups. In light of this, CAMO recognized the need to help improve the physical space used by at least 600 children and young people every day.

CAMO’s intervention has enabled the gym to remain self-sustaining and to offer free sports disciplines to children through projects like “We Learn Values by Playing.”

“The gym is self-sustaining, but for larger projects, institutions like CAMO, the municipality, and international partners have been fundamental,” stated Alfredo Nolasco, the administrator.Yelso Bobadilla, president of the Sports Association, emphasized that “we owe a lot to CAMO. Kathy, CAMO’s founder, has given a lot to this gym, opening doors for us. Through various disciplines, our young adults and children have excelled nationally and internationally.”

Currently, around 600 children attend the gym daily, participating in various sports disciplines that not only promote physical exercise but also instill values and skills that make them good citizens.

Bobadilla highlighted, “A few years ago, we saw the experience of a young man who used to throw stones at the gym because he felt he had no opportunity. We took him into the institution, and today he is an example. We have another case of a young man who was involved in drugs and today will represent Honduras in a world chess tournament.”

The contribution of CAMO and the Sports Association in rescuing the Santa Rosa de Copán’s Community Gym is a clear example of how cooperation between institutions can transform communities.

This joint effort not only improves sports infrastructure but also fosters the integral development of youth and children, promoting a healthier and more promising future for all the residents of Santa Rosa de Copán.

Testimonies

Antony Linares: His Journey to Recovery

/

Antony Linares found the essential support he needed to recover from a complex cervical spine injury at CAMO.

Antony is a brave 12-year-old boy who, thanks to our Neurosurgery Program, is on the path to recovery after suffering a serious fall from over 2.5 meters high.

Antony endured a severe accident that resulted in a cervical spine injury.

The incident occurred during a loving gesture towards his mother. Wanting to decorate the floor with pine (a Honduran tradition) for Mother’s Day, he climbed a tree with a friend to cut some pine branches. Unfortunately, the branch he was standing on broke, and Antony fell from a height of 2.5 meters.

The fall caused significant damage to his cervical spine, prompting his family to take him to the Hospital de Occidente, where he stayed for three weeks.

Each year, our reach expands, allowing us to care for more patients in Honduras and give them renewed hope for life.

Despite his delicate condition, Antony never lost his spirit. With a smile on his face, from his bed in the Pediatric ward, he shared his dream of becoming a police officer to “capture the bad guys.”

Antony’s recovery has been possible through the efforts of the Neurosurgery Program’s counterpart, Dr. Roberto Álvarez, and the care provided by neurosurgeon Jennifer Tábora. Together with the CAMO team, they offered him the specialized care he needed.

Dr. Álvarez remarked, “We will be monitoring his recovery, which will take about two to three months due to the complexity of his cervical spine injury.”

Our Neurosurgery Program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has been operational since January 2009 at the Hospital de Occidente.

Since its creation, the program has saved many lives and significantly improved the quality of life for patients with brain, spinal, and peripheral nerve conditions, serving both pediatric and adult populations.

News Media Releases

CAMO’s Brigades Save Lives in Rural Honduran Communities

/

“CAMO brigades save lives,” is how beneficiaries describe the tireless work of CAMO, which mobilizes equipment, supplies, and medical assistance personnel from Santa Rosa de Copán to the remote corners of western Honduras.

These brigades provide rural communities, which otherwise would not have access, with care from dentists, ophthalmologists, general practitioners, pediatricians, and essential services such as mammograms.

Lenin Villeda, the mayor of a rural community where a recent brigade was held, highlighted the importance of this effort. He recounted an instance where a life was saved thanks to CAMO’s prompt action.

Villeda shared, “We saw a case during the brigade in the community of El Rosario, involving a four-year-old boy who came with his mother. He was in such a delicate state that if he hadn’t been treated immediately, his life could have been lost. This case was identified in this brigade and referred to the Hospital de Occidente. We are happy to support the most needy people.”

“We feel happy and blessed to bring a bit of hope to our population through this medical brigade,” said Lenin Villeda, mayor.

These brigades benefit not only locals but also individuals from neighboring communities who, due to economic limitations, cannot access specialized medical services provided by our institution’s brigades.

Thanks to the joint efforts of CAMO and associated municipalities, these individuals now have access to the desperately needed medical services. They also receive prescribed medications during their visit, ensuring that patients are treated comprehensively and for free.

In 2024, CAMO solidified its commitment by signing agreements with seven municipalities, three NGOs, six companies, and three aid institutions that share the mission of bringing medical services to Honduran families.

This year, CAMO will carry out approximately 151 brigades with Honduran volunteers, offering various types of brigades including medical-dental, dental, comprehensive evaluation, ophthalmological, and women’s health services.

News Media Releases

CAMO Strengthens Health Education in Western Honduras

/

In a partnership to enhance health knowledge, CAMO provided a training session to nursing students at the Catholic University of Honduras in Santa Rosa de Copán.

The CAMO Prosthetics and Orthotics program conducted a training workshop with more than a dozen nursing students. They covered topics such as body mechanics, body positions, and musculoskeletal assessment.

The training delved into nursing interventions in body mechanics, fundamental principles of body mechanics, and non-surgical positions for bedridden patients, among other relevant subjects.

This initiative not only expands the knowledge of future health professionals but also highlights the achievements and reach of CAMO, whose mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals by strengthening the health system and promoting the sustainable development of the community.

Our Prosthetics and Orthotics Program is a social effort that designs, manufactures, and adapts quality orthopedic devices, aiming to enhance the quality of life for people with physical disabilities. We provide quality services, helping those who need it the most.

CAMO serves Honduras under three fundamental pillars: Education, Medical Services, and Community Development

Testimonies

María Fulfills Her Dream of Walking with Her Daughter Hanna

/

María Rodríguez arrived at CAMO with the hope of changing her life.

At 40 years old and hailing from a community five hours away from our headquarters, she received assistance through her municipality to access CAMO’s prosthetics and orthotics program.

María was born with a congenital malformation that affects her ability to live a normal life and makes walking difficult: she was born without feet.

Thanks to the support and resources provided by her community and CAMO, she had the opportunity to fulfill one of her dreams.

In about a month, María received her prosthetics, and with them, the chance to make her dream come true returned to her life: to walk hand-in-hand with her two-year-old daughter Hanna.

“I feel very happy and content, I longed for this day to come when I could walk normally,” said María Rodríguez.

María made a promise to the Virgin Mary, after whom she is named: “I went to see the image of the Virgin in Tegucigalpa on my knees, and asked God to grant me the miracle of returning to fulfill my promise, this time on my feet, with my prosthetics.”

Previously, she had used prosthetics, but after giving birth to Hanna, her body changed, and she could no longer use them. Since then, she has managed to walk on her knees, using sandals adapted to her legs.

“My dream is to be able to go out for a walk with my daughter hand-in-hand and walk normally, without having to walk on my knees,” María expressed with nostalgia and hope. 

Now, with her new prosthetics, she walks towards a better future, full of mobility and new opportunities.

Accompanied by her husband and daughter, and with a broad smile on her face, María thanked God, CAMO, and her community for the opportunity to walk normally again.

Scroll to Top