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.




Thursday, February 7, 2013

Materials Buying Day


Wednesday January 30th our new stove cycle got off to a grand start. With the help of Pop Wuj Spanish language school volunteers, Pop Wuj staff and family members of the stove group, we delivered all the materials for new “estufas” to the Llanos del Pinal community. The day started early with volunteers arriving at 7:30 and family members catching early buses for the Xela rendezvous.  At the end of the day we had delivered 270 blocks, 990 bricks, 9 bags of cement, 18 sacks of clay, 9 planchas (metal tops) and 9 chimneys to the project sites.


     Nine families were chosen in the Llanos community to receive stoves during this construction cycle. One additional stove was constructed at a home in Xela and served as the training project for the two new project coordinators.  Stoves will be built in four stages using volunteers, staff and family members. Participants are chosen based on need and the community where they reside. Often these women are cooking over an open flame which contributes to health problems for themselves, as well as other family members.
 In  addition to the health benefits, these more efficient, well-ventilated stoves burn less fuel and minimize  deforestation.

Photos by Juan Burlew
At the end of the day, with soiled clothes and sore muscles, we fondly bid farewell to the community members with a promise to return and begin the initial building phase of the project. Happy for the opportunity to contribute to such a worthwhile project, we piled in the back of the truck for the trek back to Xela and much needed showers.