Mayan Power and Light

Nearly Halfway to 100 Homes: Solar Light and Clean Water for Rural Guatemala
By John Bottenberg | Acting Executive Director, ATC

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.” — Buddhist Proverb

Recent Progress

Since our last report in October 2025, ATC has installed solar home lighting systems and ceramic water filters in an additional 23 homes in rural Guatemala. This brings our total to 48 installations toward our current goal of reaching 100 additional families by July 2026.

Each installation helps families living without reliable infrastructure gain access to safe lighting and clean drinking water.

Community Partnerships

Most recently, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, ten home installations were completed in partnership with the ACTOCHI Midwives Association, a trusted network of traditional midwives serving rural communities.

The systems were installed by Rubén, ATC’s project lead in Guatemala, who continues to coordinate closely with ACTOCHI members. The midwives play a key role in identifying families most in need and teaching households how to properly use and maintain their ceramic water filters.

During Saturday’s installation visit, the midwives also identified seven additional families who would benefit from these systems—an encouraging sign that the work is valued and trusted within the communities themselves.

Why These Systems Matter

Each installation represents more than a single intervention. ATC operates in the infrastructure and capacity development space, building durable, locally appropriate systems that strengthen communities over time.

Reliable solar lighting improves maternal safety and allows children to study after dark. Clean water reduces preventable illness and improves daily household health. Together, these foundational systems help create the conditions for healthier families and more resilient communities.

Looking Ahead

This progress is possible because of you.

Your support helps ensure that families in remote areas gain access to technologies that improve health, safety, and opportunity. As we continue working toward our goal of reaching 100 additional families, each new installation represents another household with dependable light and safer drinking water.

Thank you for standing with rural communities in Guatemala and helping bring practical, lasting solutions where they are needed most.

Warm regards,
The Mayan Power and Light Team

Submitted by:
John Bottenberg
Acting Executive Director
The Appropriate Technology Collaborative (ATC)