Protect Guatemalan Forests with Clean Cookstoves

I am pleased to update you on our energy-efficient kitchen stove project at Tu'ik Ruch' Lew (TRL). In the first third of this year, we continued this initiative with a clear mission: to improve more lives in the Santiago Atitlán community while protecting the environment. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly on this program, and it brings us great joy when like-minded groups show interest in our organization.

 On April 5, we were honored to receive a visit from the Rotary Club of Los Altos, California. They participated with our TRL team in installing improved cookstoves at two sites, one of which was the facility in Tzanchaj.

 Upon arrival at the site, we were confronted with the sight of an open fire still in use in a corner of the kitchen. A brief moment spent in the kitchen was enough to understand the dangers associated with this traditional cooking method. The thick smoke emanating from the kitchen caused a burning sensation in the eyes of those who entered, and even from a distance, the pungent smell was noticeable.

 The installation process was carried out by Heman, our organization's accountant, who fearlessly gets his hands dirty when it comes to helping our beneficiaries. As the installation concluded, Candelaria, another invaluable member of our team, lit the stove next to our beneficiary. The contrast between the new stove and the open fire was palpable. 

Witnessing the first lighting of a newly installed stove is always a poignant moment for the beneficiary family. We could see hope shining in their eyes, and we could only imagine the delicious meals they would share and the cherished moments they would experience around the warmth of their new stove.

This exemplifies the heart of our organization and the TRL movement, where we prioritize the well-being of our community members, their health, and their economic prosperity while preserving the natural environment surrounding them.

Thank you for your continued support.

Dear GlobalGiving Community,

As we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the past year, Tui'k Ruch' Lew's Stove Project has been a testament to our community's resilience, commitment, and unwavering support.

Isa and Candelaria collecting the stoves from the factory

Starting the year with a bold objective of installing 200 stoves, our vision aimed at bringing warmth, sustainability, and a healthier home environment. Nature, however, had its own plans. Unfavorable weather conditions and families already burdened by decreased income and inflation made the $45.00 symbolic stove program donation a significant challenge.

The political climate exacerbated our difficulties, as road blockades disrupted goods transportation for over 20 days, particularly affecting local producers. Despite these adversities, indigenous authorities guaranteed passage for local vendors, recognizing the struggle of small farmers. Even a brief disruption meant a lot for families already living hand to mouth.

In response to these challenges, TRL's commitment to the community deepened. Our team, Isa and Candelaria, intimately connected within the community, devised innovative approaches. Families who completed the stove adoption process and maintained their stoves were rewarded with a reduced donation for another family member. Recognizing families who expressed a desire to join the TRL stove program but lacked the means, TRL donated stoves to those in particular need after securing their commitment to proper stove usage and maintenance.

For dedicated, long-time beneficiaries whose stoves were near the end of their useful life, we extended the opportunity for a discounted restoration by replacing their combustion chamber.. The results were remarkable, with grateful families approaching us eagerly, ready to join the program's education initiative.

As we celebrate the year-end, we are thrilled to report that we are on track to achieve our 2023 goal. Despite logistical considerations and the holiday season extending some installations into January, the community's response has been inspiring. However, with the reduction in community stove donations comes a decrease in our financial resources. Your support is crucial, not only for bringing warmth and joy to hundreds of families but also for preserving the environment they call home. 

In 2023, despite the challenges posed by the political and economic climate, we successfully installed 157 stoves out of our 200-goal. Additionally, 70 stoves underwent improvements, enhancing efficiency and extending lifespan through combustion chamber upgrades.

Thank you for being an essential part of the TRL family. Your support has been instrumental in achieving these milestones, and together, we look forward to eliminating more open cooking fires, fostering gratitude, and creating lasting, sustainable changes in our communities.

Warmly,

María Teresa

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