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, February 13, 2013

New Season has started!


Doña Rosa and Anssel photo by Juan Burlew
Choosing the right place photo by Juan Burlew
 On Wednesday February 6th, we started a new season of safe stove building.  In our "meeting" post, we mention an elderly woman, "Dona Rosa" who was desperately in need of her new stove.  We prioritized her need and started our new cycle at her home.   Doña Rosa's face lit up when we came to her house. Students and teachers worked side to side to start this new safe stove.  A group of 6 people showed up at her home willing to get their hands dirty, to move heavy cinder blocks, prepare concrete, and make sure that the base of this stove was level and perfect to continue with the second stage. 

The same day we started a second stove with another group of teachers and volunteers of our Spanish immersion program.  Doña Josefina, was also selected to be one of the first to start the building of her stove. This group of teachers and students, as with the other group, worked as hard and meticulously  as possible to create a wonderful base that is a very important piece for the second stage to be perfect. 
Jen and Perry photo by Juan Burlew
The first layer photo by Juan Burlew
Leveling By Juan Burlew
We have to thank all the teachers and volunteers for their dedication and enthusiasm.  I witnessed how Pop Wuj unifies a community.  I saw students roll up their sleeves and work alongside community members to haul materials, wet blocks and mix cement. In addition to these dedicated volunteers we want to thank you, our readers, for your past, present and future support of  such a noble cause!  Stage two coming soon!
Final touches photo by Juan Burlew

Final product being supervised! photo by Juan Burlew