Mayan Power and Light

Project Report | July 2026

"If you want to go far, go together." — African Proverb

Recent Progress

One of the greatest rewards of long-term development work is seeing local partnerships grow stronger with each passing year.

In late June, ATC's retired founder, John Barrie, returned to Guatemala and joined Rubén, ATC's project lead, in installing six additional solar home lighting systems and ceramic water filters. Working side-by-side with the local team, John witnessed firsthand how years of collaboration have helped build a program that continues to grow through trusted community partnerships and local leadership.

With these and other recent installations, Mayan Power and Light has now reached 76 families with solar home lighting systems and ceramic water filters, bringing us more than three-quarters of the way toward our current goal of reaching 100 additional families.

Community Partnerships

Our partnership with the ACTOCHI Midwives Association continues to be one of the foundations of this work.

ACTOCHI's traditional midwives help identify families with pregnant mothers and young children who would benefit most from solar home lighting systems and ceramic water filters. They also provide education on the proper use and maintenance of the ceramic water filters, helping ensure that every installation provides lasting health benefits.

By working alongside trusted community leaders, Mayan Power and Light continues to reach families in remote villages while strengthening local knowledge, capacity, and long-term sustainability.

Why These Systems Matter

Each installation represents more than a single intervention. It is an investment in healthier families and stronger communities.

Reliable solar lighting improves safety after dark, allows children to study in the evening, and provides dependable light for mothers to continue weaving, sewing, and other home-based income-generating activities after sunset. The additional income can help families purchase healthier food, keep children in school, invest in educational supplies, and improve their overall quality of life.

Ceramic water filters help reduce exposure to waterborne illnesses by providing families with a sustainable source of safe drinking water.

Together, these practical technologies help families improve their health, increase economic opportunity, strengthen educational opportunities for their children, and build a stronger foundation for the future.

Looking Ahead

With 76 installations completed, only 24 families remain to reach our current goal of serving 100 additional families.

Our team is already preparing for the next round of installations, with 12 additional solar home lighting systems and ceramic water filters scheduled for installation by July 26. Once completed, the project will have reached 88 families—bringing us within just 12 homes of our goal.  Each installation brings us one step closer to ensuring that every family identified in this phase of the project has access to reliable light and safe drinking water.

Every installation is made possible through the generosity of supporters like you and the dedication of our partners in Guatemala. Together, we are helping families build healthier, safer futures through practical technologies that communities can use, maintain, and benefit from for years to come.

Thank you for continuing this journey with us. Your partnership is helping bring reliable light, clean water, and new opportunities to families across rural Guatemala.

Warm regards,

The Mayan Power and Light Team

Submitted by:

John Bottenberg
Acting Executive Director
The Appropriate Technology Collaborative (ATC)

Project Links

The Appropriate Technology Collaborative
https://www.apptechcollaborative.org

Mayan Power and Light on GlobalGiving
https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/mayan-power-and-light/