Stove Building Mission in Guatemala

Stoves, something we take for granted on a daily basis. A large portion of the world still uses open fires for heat and cooking in their homes. The women in the highlands of Guatemala are no exception. They spend a large portion of their day tending to the the fires which burn in their home allowing them little time to contribute financially to their families. Imagine the air quality as smoke fills their homes, small children toddling around a house with open flames and the time it takes to prepare three meals a day on an open fire for multiple generations under one roof. A simple wood burning stove provides heat, cleaner air as smoke is vented out of their homes, safety for children and the ability to prepare multiple meals at once. And yes, it is better for the environment as well. These simple cinder block stoves burn far less wood than open fires which in turn slows down the deforestation rate. With more time available, the women in the highlands are able to spend more time weaving and making goods allowing them to make bigger financial contribution to their families. In addition to just building stoves, I will have the opportunity to teach young women self defense. Our society complains when we have snow days, don't have snow days, bus overcrowding, full classrooms and the list goes on. Guatemalan children walk to school sometimes through several villages. This opens the door for predators to take advantage of young women and girls. For this reason, many of the females never complete their education and schooling. If I could teach just one girl how to fend off one attack, then I have accomplished something life changing. Please help me empower the highland women of Guatemala! Every penny helps! Any money raised over my goal will be used to purchase additional stoves! Thank you! To learn more about the Highland Support Project and all they do, please take a look at their website! http://highlandsupportproject.org