Mayan Power and Light

Earlier this month, we hosted a group of volunteers in Guatemala to learn about solar power and help us install solar panels on family homes in the Comalapa region. We first met with the midwives of The Civil Association of Traditional Midwives of Chimaltenango (ACOTCHI), founded in 2004 by a group of traditional midwives. This non-political, non-religious, and non-profit organization is headquartered in the municipality of San Juan Comalapa. ATC has partnered with ACOTCHI since 2010. We work with midwives to identify families who have young children and families who are about to have babies.

After our meeting at their offices in Comalapa, we headed into the rural areas surrounding the town. We carried ladders and tools to homes without electricity to install solar panels and provide water filters. Solar power and clean water offer numerous benefits to these families. Children can study at night for the first time, leading to longer school attendance. Families save money previously spent on candles and kerosene, allowing them to invest more in nutritious food, school supplies, books, and shoes for their children. Access to clean water reduces the incidence of intestinal parasites, decreasing childhood stunting.

The ACOTCHI midwives have learned about solar power and its installation. Some midwives are now interested in furthering their knowledge and skills in solar power installation.

Our volunteer team had the opportunity to meet rural Guatemalan families and briefly experience their way of life. The families benefit from solar power, and our volunteers gain valuable insights into a different culture and way of life.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity. Your contributions make our work possible and help us bring sustainable solutions to communities in need.

Links:

• The Appropriate Technology Collaborative