Zoom is great and serves a purpose, but it cannot replace being physically present.
by Kathryn Tschiegg
It has been two years since I have sat in-person with the staff, counterparts, board members, supporters, friends, and government officials in Honduras. The difference has been incredible. In this visit, my concerns focused on COVID-19 and the change of government following the election in January 2022. With this presidential election, every single director and department head has been replaced. You never know what you are going to get.
Dr. Cristina Sequeira was the first doctor to complete her social service requirement with CAMO Honduras.
“I did my social service as a general practitioner, and what motivated me the most was that at CAMO, they saw the patient as a person, as a unique individual,” said Dr. Sequeira. For a doctor in training, coming here was quite gratifying because I was able to learn about the different programs CAMO has. I spent six months learning about the specialties of neurology, ophthalmology, and dermatology.”
Due to the gradual growth of the ETAOO student population and in order to expand the capacity of its facilities, in 2017 the technical-financial proposal was presented for a project to expand the facilities, which included the incorporation of two new buildings workshop classrooms and remodeling of the Main Building. The initially estimated cost for the new constructions and adjustments was L. 11,700,000.00 (approximately $ 509,781.71), and around L. 3,200.00.00 (US$ 133,345.57) for the remodeling and readjustment of the main building and neighboring modules.
Phase 1 – Building #1
The commemorative stone of the ETAOO expansion project was placed on February 21, 2017. During the first phase carried out between 2017 and 2018, around L. 4,511,000.00 (approximately US$ 191,704.56) were invested from funds from public and private donors from both Honduras and the United States, as detailed below:
Donor
Amount
Woods Family Foundation (through CAMO USA)
$127,491.39
Ministry of Education of Honduras
$21,248.57
Banco de Occidente
$16,148.91
Bueso Arias Family
$2,124.86
Trade School (Own funds)
$17,848.80
Municipalidad de Santa Rosa de Copán
$5,439.63
Inversiones y Muebles Escalante
$849.94
Cooperativa Nueva Vida Limitada
$552.46
Summary
$191,704.56
The works carried out included the complete construction and electrical installation of the first floor of the LC Wood Building (including the cistern to reserve drinking water), which houses the Carpentry and Welding classrooms-workshops. Leveling and casting of the foundations for the construction of the Annex Building were also carried out.
Phase 1I – Building #2
Between 2018 and 2019, several proposals were made to tender for funds from the Government of Honduras. At the end of 2019, a proposal was finalized through the Secretary of State in the Offices of Community Development, Water and Sanitation (SEDECOAS). The Annex Building that was built with the project “Construction and Adaptation of physical spaces of the Technical School of Arts and Trades of the West (ETAOO)”, valued at L. 5,000,000.00 (approximately US$ 208,521.60). The space was designed to house the Computer, Electricity and Barista classrooms-workshops, a library and two rooms to accommodate people from outside of Santa Rosa de Copán.
Currently, the contractor needs to complete the placement of the interior meshes of the glass lattice windows, as well as their sealing. After which the SEDECOAS supervisors will carry out the final inspection to proceed with the formal delivery of the building.
Phase 1II – Pending works
The expansion project has already been carried out at 60%, but the following construction and connectivity works remain ahead, in order of priority:
1. Central electrical panels and Bank of electrical transformers
At this point in the project to expand the ETAOO facilities, it is necessary to centralize all the connections in a central distribution panel that houses and separates the branch circuits to the load centers of the three buildings and the two smaller modules that make up the current ETAOO facilities.
2. Construction of the second floor of LC Wood Building.
The second floor of this building of approximately 226.51 m2, will be used for multipurpose and storage spaces. It also includes complementary access works to the building and connecting tiers between the first and second levels. The labors are valued at approximately L. 1,968,825.00 (US $ 82,041.90).
3. Connectivity works between Buildings
In order for everyone to have safe access to all the spaces of the facilities, including the new buildings, it is necessary to carry out several connectivity works, including sidewalks and descent ramps, construction and renovation of bleachers and storm sewer works. The value of said works can amount to L. 350,000.00 (US $ 14,584.67)
4. Installation of the Security System
With the eventual growth of the facilities and in order to ensure the ETAOO’s equipment and assets, it is necessary to reinforce the security of the space with works such as: the installation of an electric fence, a closed circuit of security cameras, an alarm system and motion detectors, as well as lamps to illuminate some dark areas. It is estimated that the investment may amount to L. 170,000.00 (US $ 7,083.98).
5. Reforms to the Jorge Bueso Building and neighboring Modules
The main building of the ETAOO was built in the early 1990s, with basic electrical installations, which were improved, modified and expanded according to the needs that arose for the operation of the institution and its workshops. In mid-2012, improvements were made to the facilities with the support of CONEANFO for the adaptation of the kitchen and the construction of the modules where the multipurpose classroom works. The building also has a second adjoining module that in 2013 was adapted for the operation of the multi-service company Mi Refugio. In 2015, the space currently occupied by the Municipal Center for Human and Technological Development (CMDHyT) was adapted.
It is planned to carry out repairs and reforms in the building and its adjoining modules so that they can house a didactic restaurant, an exhibition space for products, a hospitality classroom-workshop, supply warehouses, offices and the multi-service company Mi Refugio. The works also include reforms to the sewerage and drinking water supply, the electrical system, and the redistribution of internal spaces. The repair and modification of the roof with joist beam, rainwater system and connection with the second floor of the Annex Building is also required.
It is estimated that the total cost of required reforms and planned extensions could exceed L 3,800,000.00 (US $ 158,347.86).
LAST YEAR AT THIS TIME WE WERE FINDING DISPLACED FAMILIES WITH NOWHERE TO GO.
Their belongings were gone, their ability to provide for their families destroyed by the shutdown and hurricanes. Thousands of people were homeless, sleeping next to the river, afraid of having their children attacked by snakes. On top of that, many heads of the family lost their jobs at the farms due to the floods. Such was the case of Josuè Ezequiel Amaya who once felt hopeless but now is sleeping in a safe place with his family.
Our fiscal year started May 1, 2020 with the pandemic, two epic hurricanes back to back, uncertainty, and fear. It ended April 30, 2021 with hope and resources to respond. Both staff in the USA and Honduras responded to every challenge with a team approach, often going beyond the call of duty … Read more
Our fiscal year started May 1, 2020, with the pandemic, uncertainty, and fear. It ended April 30, 2021, with hope and resources to respond to the many needs presented to us. Both USA staff and Honduras staff responded to each challenge with a team approach and went way beyond the call of duty. Read more
At long last, after 14 months without being able to send our mobile dental program out to the schools and villages to provide dental care to the population, we reinstated our program this summer.
The majority of rural villages and population depend entirely on the public health care system; since most public dental clinics have not been providing service, the majority of patients were left without any dental care options. Beginning in July 2021, we reinitiated our dental program, sending two brigades out per week. The mobile team consists of four dentists and support staff, traveling to ten different municipalities. Sadly, this 14-month gap in service had consequences: an average of 17 of the 40 patients seen on each brigade had teeth that could no longer be saved. When children were asked if they continued to brush their teeth, they explained that their parents have not been able to purchase toothbrushes and toothpaste.
The result has been a great increase in cavities in both children and adults. CAMO serves one of the poorest regions of Honduras, where many children lack basic dental care or cannot attend school because the family must decide between buying food, buying basic supplies like toothbrushes and toothpaste, or buying uniforms, notebooks and pencils. Now that our brigades are going out to the villages again, your help would be appreciated in organizing your groups or family to make dental kits for us or support the literacy program.
Heidi Marisol is from a small village called La Encarnación Ocotepeque, Honduras. Her father carried her to our facility asking for help with her clubfeet which made it hard and painful for her to walk around and play like any other kid. Dr. Marco Tulio Rodriguez provided an orthopedic evaluation. Immediately, our orthotic and prosthetic lab started to design a pair of special comfort and containment orthotic devices for her. After several appointments, we also noted that Heidi had nutritional needs; she was placed under the care of our nutritionist Bianca Ramirez. Heidi finally received her orthotic devices. After trying them for the first time she couldn’t stop dancing and spinning around. With a twinkle in her eyes she told us she wants to be a ballerina when she grows up. Our team recently visited Heidi at her home. Her mobility has improved so much; she now feels comfortable walking around.
Thank you to everyone who chooses to support our cause: to bring hope to those in great need.
Frelin is five years old, the youngest of three siblings. Frelin was anxiously waiting for his CAMO appointment, asking repeatedly when his family would travel to CAMO. He told his mother he did not want to die. On September 2, he was seen in general consultation with Dr. Cristina Sequeira, presenting symptoms of rapid palpitation of the heart and chest fatigue; Dr. Sequeira immediately referred him to our Pediatric Cardiology program with Dr. Dilcia Paola Pagoaga. After an echocardiogram, Frelin was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, a birth defect that affects normal blood flow through the heart. He is now waiting for the necessary surgery to correct this defect— but before the surgery can safely be performed, he needs dental care and other medical treatments, which CAMO is providing. Hearing a five-year-old say he is afraid of dying, and being able to provide this little one with appropriate care, motivates us daily to serve. Frelin now has not spoken of dying and is receiving the appropriate care in preparation for his pending surgery.
CAMO Founder and International Director Kathryn Tschiegg was finally able to return to Santa Rosa de Copan, after more than a year away due to the pandemic, and our team in Honduras was so happy to share some time with her … Read more
