StoveTeam International’s Post

We'd like to introduce you to Silvia, an extraordinary woman from Retalhuleu, Guatemala, who has become a vital part of our mission. Two years ago, Silvia came to us seeking an improved cookstove for her home. At that time, we hadn't yet launched a project in her community, so we asked if she could help us identify other families in need. Silvia went above and beyond, compiling a list of households still cooking over open fires and eager to transition to a safer, more efficient stove. After visiting these homes and confirming they met our criteria, we began installing stoves—starting with Silvia's. Since then, Silvia has played a key role in helping us reach over 120 families across Retalhuleu. Her dedication to her community shines through as she continues to identify families in need and shares her personal experience with the stove. Silvia's commitment to her neighbors and her enthusiasm for our work make her an invaluable community advocate. She is eager to see our efforts expand in Retalhuleu, knowing there are still many more families who could benefit from a Justa Cookstove. Silvia's message to us is clear: we need to keep "echándole ganas"—giving our best—to help as many families as possible. CHRISTADELPHIAN MEAL-A-DAY FUND OF THE AMERICAS INC Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada SumUp

Klisman, a dedicated stove builder from Retalhuleu, joined our team in April 2022. He was among the first to receive training from us in his community. His enthusiasm for our work was particularly personal: his mother was a recipient of a stove from our pilot project, which fueled his excitement about our mission. When Klisman learned we were seeking to train and hire locals, he eagerly reached out to join us. He was thrilled at the prospect of a fair-wage job in his own community. Although he initially felt nervous about working in homes of people he knew, he soon discovered the joy and satisfaction of contributing to the well-being of his familiar neighbors. CHRISTADELPHIAN MEAL-A-DAY FUND OF THE AMERICAS INC Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada SumUp

We are proud to collaborate with members from the communities we serve. By working closely with local leaders, we ensure the success of our projects and actively seek out individuals who are eager to join our team as stovebuilders. As our initiatives expand, we prioritize training and hiring community members to fill these vital roles. One such team member is Ebert, who became a stovebuilder with us in May 2023. Originally from a community in the department of Retalhuleu, Ebert is passionate about serving his neighbors and the surrounding areas. His dedication to his work and the connections he builds with the families he serves make him a valued member of our team. We are fortunate to have Ebert as a skilled stovebuilder who truly embodies the spirit of our mission! https://www.stoveteam.org/ Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada SumUp CHRISTADELPHIAN MEAL-A-DAY FUND OF THE AMERICAS INC

Millions of Central American families struggle to cook meals for their families every day with an open fire and few resources. We find many variations of open fires in the homes we visit. Families without improved cookstoves often try to make cooking easier by placing a plancha over the fire or constructing a base for the fire. These fires are still just as dangerous as a three-stone fire and demonstrate families' desire for upgraded cooking methods. We are dedicated to reducing open-fire cooking in these homes by providing equitable access to fuel-efficient cookstoves. You can learn more about our program at https://lnkd.in/gXZ58h_4. CHRISTADELPHIAN MEAL-A-DAY FUND OF THE AMERICAS INC Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada SumUp EcoLogic Development Fund

Our Stovebuilders recently completed the build of stoves in Pacapox, Totonicapán! These stoves will support the health and well-being of families and reduce deforestation in the community. Thank you, EcoLogic for such a successful partnership!

We proudly collaborate with organizations like the EcoLogic Development Fund, which leads reforestation projects in the communities we serve. By providing fuel-efficient cookstoves, we support the health and sustainability of our forests while empowering communities committed to reforestation. Our stoves reduce firewood consumption by 50%, directly advancing the mission of these vital reforestation efforts. #reforestation #fuelefficientstoves #climateaction

🌎 International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 🌎 Today, we honor the strength and culture of Indigenous communities worldwide. We are dedicated to supporting indigenous communities throughout Central America, providing clean cookstoves that create safer homes, cleaner air, greener forests, and impactful employment opportunities. We've learned invaluable lessons about caring for the earth and living sustainably from the communities we serve. Together, we're building healthier lives and a more sustainable future.

At StoveTeam International, our stovebuilders ensure that every stove is placed on a strong, stable foundation. By building the bases for our stoves, they guarantee that our stoves are in the right location and on a solid platform that supports safe and efficient cooking. This attention to detail is key to the sustainability of our projects, helping communities use their stoves for years to come.

Women in Central America spend years cooking over an open fire in their homes. These fires pose significant health risks, including respiratory issues and eye disease caused by long-term exposure to toxic smoke, and the threat of burns from the fire. The World Health Organization reported that open-fires kills more people every year than HIV, Malaria, and TB combined. Imagine, relying on something so dangerous to feed your family. With your help, we can help more families in need with our fuel-efficient cookstoves, making their homes safe and smoke-free. Please consider donating to our mission, https://lnkd.in/gKvWaEcH

Don't miss our August Newsletter! This month, we are celebrating the incredible communities we serve. With every stove project, we witness the transformative power of communities coming together. Check out our newsletter to learn more about how we work with local communities every step of the way. https://lnkd.in/gk7d7VK9