Guatemala, Again!

I am heading back to Guatemala next month to complete another stove building trip. Highland Support Project is a non-profit here in Richmond which promotes transformational development through various programs with villagers in the highlands of Guatemala. They base their projects on the idea that poverty is a process, not a condition; therefore, they developed “transformational” programs that will break the cycle of dependency that the villagers have relied on for decades. They support market-oriented solutions while focusing efforts on assisting communities in such a way that they maintain their independence and confidence.

What will I do? I get to help build wood burning stoves. Mayan women traditionally do all of the cooking inside over open flame. The smoke from these fires is harmful to their health as well as dangerous. The stoves help funnel the smoke out of the building while also providing a level cooking surface. To help offset the loss of trees, HSP plants ten trees per every stove built. The communities are taught how to care for and nourish these trees so they continue growing.

Wish you could help? You can :) Use the widget below to make a donation to the Highland Support Project. If you would like to help me fund my trip specifically, just write in the memo "For Carolyn Morris's VCU Spring Break Trip." Thanks!