From Poop to Fuel

Tu'ik Ruch' Lew has just received the news that the Ministry of Education has accepted the documents for accreditation from the David LaMotte School. It appears that the school will be open in January 2024 for primary grade students. Barring any other delays by the Ministry, TRL has decide to go ahead and set in motion the plans for our Demonstration Biogas Digester at the school.

Since we last reported, the school has received a new kitchen, complete with a gas stove, built by visiting college students from the US. The staff at the school uses this facility not only to prepare snacks for the children but also to teach nutrition and cooking classes to mothers. In addition, they provide well-attended classes in cake-baking and other pastries, as an economic development activity. With the addition of the kitchen, necessary for the use of the methane gas produced, we now see a strong, community incentive for ensuring successful gas production.

The lead on the project will be Candelaria Reanda Sosof, TRL’s Social Worker, who also happens to be a resident of the community where the digester will be installed. If anyone knows the strengths and weaknesses of the community of Tzanchaj, it is Candy. With her guidance, we will be able to ensure the success of the project by avoiding cultural pitfalls -- of which an outsider would not be aware. Close collaboration with the parents and staff at the school and their motivation and cooperation will ultimately determine the success or failure of the project.

For example, we will need to be sure the janitor at the school knows not to use chlorine or other harsh chemicals to clean the toilets. Putting such chemicals in the blackwater system, (which is separate from the greywater of the handwashing stations) will kill the micro-organisms responsible for producing the methane gas. The janitor will need to be trained how to use vinegar and baking soda for cleaning.

This is a big project, with many details to be put into motion. Our objective is to organize the community, build the digester in November and be ready for those new grade schoolers by the end of January 2024!

As you know, we’ve been in a holding pattern for a few years since we began our fund-raising for this project. Now that we will be starting to spend the funds we have generated and inflation has greatly increased the cost of materials and labor that will be needed to construct the system, we hope that you will be inspired to continue to donate to help us raise the $5000 that TRL lacks to complete the project.

We’ll be sending you frequent updates as things progress. Your continuing interest and support are greatly appreciated!

Sincerely, Candis