Central American Medical Outreach begins expansion of trade school in Santa Rosa

SANTA ROSE DE COPN, Honduras — There was excitement in the air, and the crowd was filled with supporters, volunteers and board members with Central American Medical Outreach — and, surprisingly, a large number of the press — three television stations and many photographers. CAMO is big news in Honduras.

The crowd gathered to witness the first brick being laid for the expansion of the trade school in Santa Rosa. The school currently graduates 600 students a year but has no room for adding additional programs. Collaboration between the Swiss government, the city of Santa Rosa and a generous donation of $150,000 from the Charles Wood family has made the expansion possible. The city has agreed to match the funds donated by the Wood family.

The expansion will mean more programs and ultimately more choices — mostly for the youth of Honduras. The trade school offers cooking, carpentry, sewing and electrical programs. As the building expands, more will be offered.

The expansion will include improvements to the existing building as well as added space. The current culinary class had prepared hors d’oeuvres — beautiful as well as delicious. Both the carpentry and the metal working classes had beautiful items on display. The students were gathered, smiling and taking every opportunity to thank the crowd and the supporters.

There was much excitement in the air as the mayor spoke and invited CAMO’s international director, Kathy Tschiegg, to address the crowd. He thanked her for her support of the trade school and the community of Santa Rosa. The check from the Charles Wood family was presented, and the crowd gathered around to see the laying of the first brick. Charlie and Lynette Wood and Kathy Tschiegg donned their construction hats and went to work!

CAMO continues its good work in the city of Santa Rosa. The impact that CAMO has on the community is evident by the crowd that was there, the dignitaries that spoke and the media coverage. CAMO is bringing hope to those students who will graduate and be able to break the cycle of poverty.

The model of CAMO combined with the heart of many donors and volunteers continues to make a difference in Honduras. Follow our Facebook page for team stories from the week. Find us at Central American Medical Outreach. Donations can be made at our website, camo.org, or by calling the office at 330-683-5956.

Helene Moncman is the executive director of CAMO USA, based in Orrville.