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.




Friday, March 2, 2012

February 29, March 1


Over the last two days, our safe stove project volunteers have worked in two different locations- the house of Doña Calendaria and the Guardería. Although the Guardería already has a safe stove, it has expanded in terms of children creating the need for an extra stove to accommodate the needs of the children. Though the plan of the stove for the Guardería has been modified, it still has all of the benefits of our normal safe stoves. The volunteers were able to complete the first stage.
The other location, the house of Doña Calendaria, saw the completion of the second stage with the help of our Projects Coordinator and several student volunteers. Additionally, the students and our coordinator were accompanied by our liaison to the community, Doña Carmelina.