The Pop Wuj Stove project was started in 1993 in order to fight the many smoke-related illnesses, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) and ARI (acute respiratory illness), that present themselves in the developing world as a result of constant interaction with open fires. These illnesses are the leading cause of death among children in Guatemala. The addition of stoves to one-room homes also make them much safer places for children to be and minimize the frequent accidents that happen around an open fire. By keeping harmful smoke out of the house, families are able to climb out of poverty more easily without having to dedicate time and resources to caring for chronically ill loved ones.

Over the years the stove design has been reviewed and modified numerous times. One of the founding members of Pop Wuj is the author of the current design (one that he has happily shared with other nonprofit organizations worldwide as they seek to eliminate the same problems on other continents). Its popularity results from its durability, ease to build, and accessible materials.

The materials and transportation costs for our culturally-appropriate stove are $160 US. In harmony with our ongoing effort to make lasting, long-term change in Guatemala, we opt to spend a little more on each stove so that our efforts last throughout the years.

With the demand so high in rural communities for this specific design, there is a great need for funds. The easy design also allows the volunteers and community members to work side by side in their construction.

This project also supports our Environmental Program by offering communities a more fuel efficient way to prepare their food. In this way the reforestation efforts that we undertake are more effective, as these stoves consume less than half of the wood than an open fire does for the same effect.




Wednesday, October 28, 2009

With Help from Everybody!










When we arrived to begin work on the stove, all 7 family members that were home were waiting and ready to help us. They helped us with all the phases of construction that day, and they had an awful lot of fun too. I almost felt like I a member of the family as we all worked together to sift dirt, make clay and concrete, and lay some bricks. Even the 4 year old was getting his hands dirty and helping out.
It was an incredible day with the stove project. Pop Wuj had provided some needed resources (building materials) and some volunteers with instructions and a bit of experience, but the family members themselves played an important role in the construction of their new stove. And the project was so much fun for everyone that the family invited us to come back next week to celebrate the 4 year old´s birthday!