Solar Schools for Social Justice in Guatemala

Dear GlobalGiving donors and partners,

We once again reach out to you with profound gratitude, respect, and joy. In times when the global and local economies are facing severe fluctuations, we want to share how your sustained contributions have not only brought light to rural classrooms in Guatemala but have also become a direct financial shield against the rising cost of living in the most vulnerable communities, supporting:

A) The Rural Energy Crisis: In the rural communities where we work, no one considered the hidden cost of fuel for accessing energy, which traditionally depended on diesel or gasoline generators. Recently, the price of a gallon of fuel in Guatemala has risen sharply, from US$4.66 to US$6.80 per gallon; however, the real cost for a rural family or school goes far beyond the gas pump. To fuel a generator or other equipment, community leaders had to incur additional and often unseen expenses: 1) Travel time: One to two-hour round trips to the nearest gas station on unpaved roads. 2) Transportation costs: The cost of freight or community transportation to safely transport the fuel containers. 3) Risk of shortages: Constant interruptions to classes or community activities when immediate cash was unavailable to purchase fuel.

B) The Solar Shield: With an impact extending far beyond the classroom, thanks to the vision and generosity of each donor to our GlobalGiving initiative, the installation and upgrading of the Solar Centers radically transformed this reality. With the transition to photovoltaic energy and innovations in storage (such as our recent migrations to lithium batteries and more powerful off-grid inverters), this recurring expense disappeared completely. This achievement demonstrates that the reach of a Solar Center is not limited to electrifying and illuminating four school walls, but also provides economic relief to families and communities. The money that was previously spent on weekly or monthly gasoline purchases now remains in families' finances, allowing them to cover basic needs such as food, education, health, and agricultural production during a highly critical period. The autonomy and operational continuity of schools and community centers no longer depend on the fluctuations of the international oil market. The clean, free, and renewable energy produced on their rooftops guarantees uninterrupted electricity.

In conclusion, we want to share this joy with you. Your trust, translated into donations, has freed our communities from suffocating expenses during one of the greatest inflationary pressures of recent years.

Today, our students are learning in well-lit classrooms, computer labs operate without interruption, and the community economy breathes easier.

Thank you for being part of this structural change and for demonstrating that solar energy is, above all, a tool for social and economic justice and human dignity in Guatemala.

With appreciation and respect,

Links:

• Poder y Luz Maya ONG