Student-Led Green Building Projects

And yes, we have done it again! In May, we mobilized 110 students, 25 teachers, 8 green builders, and several other members of our community to build 7 ventilated stoves, 2 water tanks, 1 retaining wall, and a dry composting latrine. 92 people who were living in extreme poverty benefited from these projects and are all extremely grateful. Of course, all 110 students, 25 teachers, and our green builders also benefited from the educational value of this experience. This year, we were also able to distribute 150 water filters and 100 solar lamps to families in need due to our partnership with WATA.org. None of this would have been possible without the support of our GlobalGiving donors. Each stove costs about $150, each water tank about $150, the compost latrine costs $900, and the retaining wall costs about $400. Because we spent about $2500 in total, the cost to benefit all 237 people involved was about $10.25 per beneficiary. So even a $10 donation goes a long way, and at Long Way Home, we can't thank you enough! Next up, we will involve our high school students in the construction of 2 classrooms in a nearby village to complete this round of 2025 student-led projects. 

In May 2025 the Hero School students, teachers, green builders, and our partners will combine forces to build 6 smoke-safe stoves, 2 water tanks, a dry compost latrine, a retaining wall, and a classroom. The 155 people who benefit directly from this infrastructure. These projects not only improve the quality of life for the people who receive the infrastructure projects but also for the students and teachers doing the actual implementation. In Comalapa, 52% of students attend school past the 6th grade and only 7% of that population even enrolls in high school. Most families cannot afford middle and high school tuition or the cost of school supplies. As a result, children leave school and dedicate their lives to trying to fulfill basic survival needs. Gender disparities also play a role in educational outcomes. Women are more likely to be forced to leave school at an early age, which exacerbates inequality. Without quality education, people lack the skills, knowledge, and confidence to address poverty and environmental issues in their community. The challenges faced by Guatemala, particularly in communities like Comalapa, highlight the critical need for transformative education models that address social, economic, and environmental inequalities affecting the populations served. These issues are intertwined with STEM education, especially for women of color who are disproportionately impacted. Expanding access to quality education and vocational training in STEM fields can empower these underserved populations to address their unique challenges with innovative solutions.

Links:

• Enjoy this smoke safe stove project profile.
• Enjoy this water tank project profile.
• Enjoy this compost latrine project profile!