Education

CAMO’s literacy program gathers donated books (written in Spanish) and distributes them to needy rural community schools. To date, CAMO serves 16 rural schools in Honduras, each with an library of 300 books.

• $5 provides one Spanish book to a Honduran child (including shipment of book, installation in the library, and follow-up)
• $ 16 a Textbook

IMPACT: Pre- and post-test data shows that students in Honduras who attend schools stocked with books show reading levels 15% higher* than students who attend schools which do not have books. *Pre- and post-tests administered by CAMO Literacy Program.

IMPACT: There are 16 beneficiary schools with libraries and 1214 children who are reading at least three hours a week.

IMPACT: Access to reading books for children has allowed an increase in their reading level by 15% compared to children without books.

Dr. Ricardo Dominguez
Dr. Douglas Morgan

The high number of patient deaths in Honduras due to stomach cancer caught CAMO’s attention in 1995. CAMO volunteers saw at least 3 deaths per week due to gastric stomach cancers, which contradicted the nationally reported statistics of 23 deaths per year. A visit with the Ministry of Health confirmed that patients were not receiving pathology reports and therefore were not being documented. From that time forward, CAMO has provided funding for pathology biopsy reports. Based on these findings, an invitation was extended to Dr. Douglas Morgan to conduct gastric cancer research. This research, published by the World Health Organization, reported that Honduras had the highest mortality rate of stomach cancer in the world. In 2008, CAMO provided funding and constructed a modern endoscopy department which now houses the Gastric Cancer Research Program being funded by Vanderbilt University.

• $25 covers the cost of one biopsy (including processing the biopsy and diagnosis by pathologists)

IMPACT: Accurate research and data allow CAMO to find solutions to the problem. CAMO also offers preventive education, teaching people to combat the leading triggers of stomach cancer by drinking clean water and taking in enough micronutrients. Early diagnosis and treatment continue to improve the success rate of patient recovery in Honduras.

Casa Hogar, the domestic violence women’s shelter in Santa Rosa de Copán provides 24/7 service to prevent deaths caused by domestic violence. Casa Hogar creates a safe place for women to learn about and identify abuse.

Therapy includes:

• legal support services
• occupational
• group therapy
• training in domestic violence
• safety planning
• employment training
• self-esteem building therapy

Casa Hogar raises 49% of its budget within Honduras. CAMO-USA meets the remaining need. CAMO also works closely with surrounding mayors’ offices to provide training in rural communities.

• $25 provides: One personal hygiene kit and two changes of clothing.
• $50 provides: Food, lodging and therapy for 7 days
• $75 provides: Food, lodging and therapy for 7 days, one personal hygiene kit and two changes of clothing
• $100 provides: Food, lodging and therapy for 14 days, one personal hygiene kit and two changes of clothing

IMPACT: To date, more than 600 women and children have received protection and support services from this shelter.