By Nicola Keane | BCI Communications Dept
Project Report - Fund Training and Solar Electrification- Guatemala (68972)
In the mountainous forested area of Guatemala, a significant change is happening to local communities in the Ixil Maya indigenous areas, bought about by our newly trained women solar engineers.
The Barefoot College International regional training centre has fully trained 12 women solar engineers so far in 2025.
The home installation systems equipment has arrived in country and is now being installed. Each engineer will install 25 households which will have an estimated impact on 1500 individuals.
People in the communities that have already benefited from BCI solar engineers’ home lighting installations, report significant benefits from Solar Home Lighting Systems, with improved well-being and quality of life.
Reliable lighting allows safe movement, shared meals, and night-time chores, freeing time for daytime work. Many extend working hours for income-generating activities, while children can study at night. Additionally, families save money.
Our previous Monitoring and Evaluation assessment shows an average of $10 savings per month per household and over 40 tonnes of CO2 avoided annually.
Women’s empowerment and gender equality are not only a matter of human rights but a ‘whole of society’ issue; the UN sees this as the path to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
BCIs initiatives in Guatemala address an impressive 10 of 17 SDGs, through the implementation of our different programs.
(Photos attached of Maria Brito and Margarita Brito)
“We have felt a change in our lives. I can do household chores at night and work extra hours on my loom with better lighting” Maria Brito, Batzul
"I never saw myself as a leader. I was shy and unsure of how to speak up. But through the ENRICH training, I learned about women’s rights and the importance of our voices in the community. Now, I feel more confident to participate, share what I’ve learned, and support other women. I still have much to learn, but I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and help my community.” Margarita Brito, Batzul
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