Climate Action Guatemala Project #10651

Mayan Power and Light

by Appropriate Technology Collaborative

Project Report | Mar 22, 2024
Health Opportunity and Agency - MPL in 2024

By John Barrie | Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer

Midwife and Husband With New Solar Light

Mayan Power and Light 2024: Report to Donors

Program Background:

Guatemala stands as one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, with a staggering 80% of its population living on less than $2.00 per day (United Nations World Food Program, CIA World Factbook). Furthermore, a concerning 70% of children in the rural highlands suffer from stunted growth (USAID).

In response to these pressing challenges, our Mayan Power and Light program continues to grow as an instrumental program in providing sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions in rural Guatemala.

Benefits of Solar Power for Rural Communities:

Through your generous support, we continue to introduce solar power and water filters to young families, effectively replacing expensive candles and kerosene lamps. This transition to solar energy has resulted in significant financial savings for these families, with reports of families having an increase of 25% in disposable income available

Impact on Family Well-being:

The introduction of solar power has had multifaceted benefits for these families. With reduced energy costs, families now have additional resources to allocate towards essential needs such as more nutritious food, school supplies including books and shoes, home repairs, and even entrepreneurial endeavors. This shift in expenditure not only improves immediate living standards but also fosters long-term economic stability within these communities.

Health and Developmental Impacts:

One of the most significant impacts of our program is observed in maternal and child health. We now work with groups of Mayan midwives to identify families about to have babies. Mayan Power and Light helps provide well-lit environments for childbirth, we ensure safer deliveries and reduce the risk of complications during childbirth. Additionally, our focus on improving nutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of a child's life aligns with the World Health Organization's recognition of this period as crucial for lifelong well-being. Through access to better nutrition and healthcare, we aim to address the alarming rates of child stunting prevalent in the communities we serve. (Additional Information: "Solar Power for Health and Development." World Health Organization.)

Empowerment through Education and Entrepreneurship:

In addition to our solar power initiatives, we continue to empower Mayan women through education in micro-entrepreneurship and essential topics such as solar power, water filtration, and hygiene. By equipping these women with the knowledge and skills to start and manage their small businesses, we not only promote economic independence but also foster community resilience and sustainable development. (Reference: "Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship Education." International Labour Organization.)

Environmental Sustainability:

In addition to the tangible benefits for families, Mayan Power and Light is committed to environmental sustainability. By transitioning to solar energy, we not only reduce reliance on environmentally harmful fuels but also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. As part of our sustainability efforts, we are exploring avenues such as selling carbon offset credits to partially fund our program, with the goal of achieving complete self-sustainability by 2027. (Reference: "Solar Energy and Carbon Emissions Reduction." International Renewable Energy Agency)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, your continued support has been instrumental in transforming the lives of families in rural Guatemala through the Mayan Power and Light program. By harnessing the power of solar energy, educating and empowering women, and promoting environmental sustainability, we are not only improving living standards but also addressing pressing health, education, and economic challenges. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of the rural poor, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.

Join Us!

We will host a 9 day volunteer trip to Guatemala starting June 29 - July 7th. Volunteers will help us install solar power on Mayan Power and Light homes, and also on a preschool. More details are available at Mayan Power and Light Volunteer.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our cause.

Family Receiving Solar

MPL Team Brings Solar and Water

Links:

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Nov 23, 2023
Impact Report - Illuminate Lives, Empower Futures

By John Barrie | Executive Director

Hello there! We are excited to update you on the real impact your generous contributions have made in our ongoing mission to enhance maternal and child health through sustainable initiatives.

1. Solar Power Initiative:
Thanks to your support, we've successfully provided solar power solutions to dozens of families in Comalapa region of central Guatemala, revolutionizing their living conditions. By eliminating the need for candles and kerosene lamps, families are experiencing significant financial relief, saving between $2.60 to $6.00 per week. This translates to an annual savings of up to $312 per household every year, fostering economic resilience and independence.

Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the shift to solar power has resulted in a substantial environmental impact. Each household now contributes to a reduction of approximately one ton of carbon emissions annually, aligning with our commitment to sustainable practices and global environmental health.

2. Maternal Health and LED Lights:

Our focus on maternal health really works, particularly in midwife-assisted births. The introduction of LED lights in birthing environments has vastly improved visibility, leading to safer deliveries and decreased complications according to the midwives. This tangible improvement in health outcomes is a testament to the direct and immediate impact of your support on the lives of mothers and newborns.

3. Population Impact and Family Planning:
Intriguingly, we've observed a correlation between access to electric lights and family planning. Families with reliable electricity tend to have fewer children, signaling a broader societal shift influenced by improved living conditions and educational opportunities. This insight has spurred us to explore the integration of family planning education into our initiatives, recognizing the potential for a comprehensive approach to community development.

4. Mayan Women's Education:
We've initiated new programs to enhance the education of Mayan women in the communities we serve. By investing in educational opportunities, we aim to empower women with knowledge and skills, fostering a ripple effect that impacts their entire community.

5. Sustainable Principles in Public Schools:
Recognizing the role of education in sustainable community development, we've worked towards integrating sustainable principles into public school curricula. By incorporating environmental education and sustainable practices into the learning environment, we aim to instill a sense of stewardship in the younger generation, creating a lasting impact on the community's ecological footprint.

6. Success Stories:
The impact of your support is best reflected in the stories of families like the those in Comalapa, who, with newfound financial flexibility, have prioritized investing in their children's nutrition. Similarly, the Comalapa Midwives have become valued partners.

Looking Ahead:
As we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain committed to expanding our reach and refining our strategies to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Your continued partnership is integral to realizing our shared vision of creating healthier and more sustainable futures for mothers and children worldwide.

Thank you for being an invaluable part of our journey, and we look forward to updating you on our ongoing progress.

With sincere gratitude,

John Barrie

Executive Director

The Appropriate Technology Collaborative

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Jul 18, 2023
New Partners and New Tech Improve Quality of Life

By John Barrie | Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer

The Families We Serve 1

In March, Mayan Power and Light embarked on an exciting new project, collaborating with a group of traditional midwives in remote areas near Comalapa, Guatemala. These dedicated midwives, known locally as the Civil Association of Traditional Midwives of Chimaltenango (ACOTCHI), have been our valued partners in various small-scale initiatives since 2009. Initially, we developed an enhanced stethoscope that could aid in identifying certain heart defects in newborn babies. Unfortunately, the stethoscope project was put on hold due to skepticism from local officials regarding Americans introducing new technologies to Guatemalan infants.

Nevertheless, we have maintained regular contact with the midwives over the years, and this year they approached us to explore how we could assist them in bringing light and better health to the families they serve. This aligns perfectly with our MPL program, an initiative aimed at providing solar power and water filters to families who have never had access to electricity during a pivotal time in their lives—a true inflection point, when families have babies. These families not only welcome the arrival of newborns but also grapple with the challenges of living without essential amenities. By offering solar power and water filters, we make a significant, life-changing difference for generations to come.

The introduction of solar power eliminates the need for costly candles and kerosene, improving the families' quality of life while also allowing them to save money that was previously spent on temporary lighting solutions. Additionally, each family benefiting from solar power saves approximately one ton of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) per year, contributing to a greener and healthier planet for future generations.

The midwives expressed their desire to learn about electricity, circuits, and solar power so they can assist the families they serve who lack access to electricity in obtaining solar power for their homes. Concurrently, we will be assisting with water filters as 100% of the homes the midwives serve lack clean, potable water.

Attached is a brief video showcasing our new solar lights. Over the years, we have carefully analyzed and examined numerous models, and these lights stand out as the most exceptional bright and long lasting ones we have ever come across. In fact, I have a couple of them at my house for situations when the power goes out, which occurs with alarming frequency.

We will be installing some of our older design lights next week, while the new lights are en-route and scheduled to arrive before my return in the fall.

If you are interested in lending a hand, we will be hosting volunteers to install solar lights in families' homes and also to implement solar power at a remote school starting January 2, 2024. Some volunteers will be arriving on December 28th to begin early preparations. Regardless, if you are inclined to volunteer with us, please let me know.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support. Together, we can continue making a positive impact on the lives of these deserving families.

The Families We Serve 2

The Families We Serve 3

Enhanced Stethoscope Early Prototype

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