Tuesday SOL 11/7/17 - Guatemala 2017 - Part 2

This year's work was much different than previous years.  Instead of working on a Habitat house for one or two families, we divided into two team of eight and went to different work sites to build smokeless stoves and latrines.  Over the five days, we build eight stoves and eight latrines.

These families are not able to afford a Habitat home, as their income is very limited and not stable. Habitat is still very diligent about helping these people to become healthier, therefore they have developed the Healthy Solutions program which enables these families to have a smokeless stove, latrine and filtered water.

Currently these families cook on a block stove that burns a lot of wood and all the smoke stays in the kitchens, which also is inhaled by all of the family members, especially the children.  Habitat has developed a stove that is vented to the outside and uses less firewood (which they have to purchase).

The families are required to help by make the adobe blocks to be used on the stove and latrine surround.  They dig the hole for the latrine and make the cement pad that the toilet is placed on.  Then when us volunteers come, we mix the mud for the blocks, help lay the three rows of blocks, put the mud between the blocks, mix the cement that covers the stove, set the top for cooking and voila, the stove will be ready to use in 15-20 days once the mud dries.

The latrine surround is basically the same, three rows of blocks are laid and mudded, then wood is sawed to length (with a hand saw), nailed to the frame to enclose the latrine (what we would call an outhouse).  There is a vent pipe installed thru the metal roof and a door built for privacy.

This year, we were able to see completed projects and many smiling faces as they watches the progress.

The first row of blocks for the latrine

Putting mud between the adobe blocks

Just waiting for the door

Attaching the door

A finished stove

Next week I'll share some about the people of Guatemala.