By John Barrie | Executive Director
As a valued friend of The Appropriate Technology Collaborative and our Carbon Credit program, we are excited to share with you our recent initiatives and impact in providing sustainable solutions to remote communities in Guatemala. Through your generous contributions, we have been able to focus on addressing critical needs in these areas, particularly among families with infant children or expectant mothers.
Focus on Carbon Credits: Our organization has been actively engaged in leveraging carbon credits to fund our projects aimed at promoting renewable energy and sustainable development. By harnessing the power of carbon credits, we have been able to implement impactful projects that not only mitigate carbon emissions but also improve the quality of life in vulnerable communities.
Solar Power for Remote Families: One of our primary focuses has been to provide solar power solutions to families residing in the most remote parts of Guatemala. These families lack access to electricity, which severely impacts their daily lives and hampers opportunities for economic development. Through our initiatives, we are installing solar panels in households, enabling access to clean and sustainable energy sources, replacing candles and kerosene lamps.
Collaboration with Midwives: To identify families in need, we have forged partnerships with local traditional Mayan midwives who play a crucial role in these communities. Midwives, deeply embedded within the fabric of these societies, help us pinpoint households with infant children or expectant mothers who are most in need of assistance.
Comprehensive Support: In addition to providing solar power solutions, we have extended our support by distributing water filters to these households. This comprehensive approach not only addresses energy poverty but also tackles issues related to water sanitation and hygiene.
Our decision to also provide water filters to the families we serve was an "Aha!" moment. We have created an infrastructure to get solar power to the most remote parts of Guatemala. The additional cost of providing safe, clean water to these families is small considering the benefits. In most cases, ATC will be the only intervention in these families' lives. No other NGO nor Government agency will ever provide services where we now work.
Impact of Water Filters:
The provision of water filters has yielded multiple benefits for these communities:
1. Reduction of Childhood Malnutrition: By eliminating waterborne parasites, the incidence of childhood malnutrition has significantly decreased. Access to clean water is essential for the health and well-being of young children, and our interventions have contributed to a noticeable improvement in nutritional outcomes.
2. Reduction in Dependency on Firewood: With access to clean energy alternatives through solar power, families have reduced their reliance on firewood for cooking and heating purposes. This not only mitigates deforestation but also reduces indoor air pollution, thereby safeguarding the health of community members, especially women and children.
3. Time Savings and Health Benefits: The time previously spent on collecting firewood and water has been drastically reduced, allowing families, particularly women and girls, to allocate more time to productive activities such as education and income-generating pursuits. Moreover, the risk of waterborne illnesses has been significantly mitigated, leading to overall improvements in community health and well-being.
In conclusion, your continued support has enabled us to make significant strides in empowering remote Guatemalan families through sustainable energy solutions and access to clean water. By focusing on initiatives such as solar power provision and water filter distribution, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering long-term resilience and development in these communities. We are immensely grateful for your partnership in creating positive change and look forward to further collaboration in our shared mission of creating a more sustainable and equitable world.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
Sincerely,
The Appropriate Technology Collaborative
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By Gracie Strobel | Assistant Executive Director
By Monika Goforth | Executive Director
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