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.




Monday, May 27, 2013

Stove Interviews


Pueblo La Victoria:  Mam Maya
We just completed another round of stove interviews:  I feel very privileged to be a part of the process!  Our stove interviews for this round are in Llanos del Pinal and La Victoria.  Llanos del Pinal is closer to Quetzaltenango (Xela, as it's often referred) is Quiché (K'iche') Maya.  The other community, La Victoria is within 20-25 kilometers from Xela and is Mam Maya.  Despite the language and cultural differences, both groups share similar aspects of need:  cleaner air to cook in, safer environment for themselves and their children (reduction of burns and exposure), and the reduction of firewood usage.


Llanos del Pinal:  Quiché (K'iche') Maya
The stoves are built in different stages.  First stage consists of building a base of cinder block and cement that measures 90cm x 125cm and is three blocks high.  The second stage is constructed of brick, cement, and clay which is also three bricks high.  The third stage consists of building the fire box of brick and clay, setting the plancha/cooking surface, sealing it, and then installing the chimney.  The stoves get a door after about 40 days and it is completely ready to use in about 45.  In June we are hoping to construct eight stoves in La Victoria one week with the help of Timmy Global Health.  We will be dividing this effort into three days with four stoves beign build in the morning and four in the afternoon.  The subsequent days we will build the second and third stages, again four stoves in the morning and four in the afternoon.

Llanos del Pinal:  Quiché (K'iche') Maya
At Pop Wuj we are excited to have the opportunity to impact the local communities with these projects!  It's amazing what can be done with volunteer help.  There is much that can be done when like-minded people come together.  The impact to the health of the women and their children is quite clear as they no longer have a compromised cooking environment.  There is also an impact to the environment, specifically the reduction of wood usage.  This allows more time for other aspects of their daily lives with less time and money spent on wood procurement.  Win win all the way around!!