Protect Guatemalan Forests with Clean Cookstoves

Dear TRL Supporters,

We have some exciting news to share with you! This year has brought us many surprises, and we are thrilled to update you on the latest developments at Tu'ik Ruch' Lew (TRL).

For almost a decade, TRL has been dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the lives of the people of Santiago Atitlán through our eco-stove program. Our carefully engineered stoves have been instrumental in reducing CO2 production and decreasing firewood consumption by some 70%, benefiting the environment and the local economy.

A few months ago, our trusted distributor informed us that they would be discontinuing the model of eco-stoves we have been using. This news surprised us, as this particular design was the favorite amongst our beneficiaries. Its convenient size, reduced emissions, and lowered firewood consumption made it an invaluable economic asset for the community.

Faced with the discontinuation, our team felt challenged about the program's future. However, the TRL family is known for its resilience and dedication to improving the quality of life for the community and the environment. In response to this challenge, we connected with a local community member experienced in creating similar products, combining his expertise with our extensive knowledge from nearly a decade of work. Together, we developed the  Q'aa'q stoves, named after the Tz’utujil word for "Fire."

The  Q'aa'q stoves are now produced in Santiago Atitlán, incorporating the same careful engineering and unique details that TRL is known for. These rocket-style combustion stoves are made with cast-cement modules, ensuring durability for at least 10 years. The new models have been successfully tested in three homes for durability and resistance to heat.

This development ensures the continuity of our eco-stove program and brings new opportunities to the community. The local, independent production of Q'aa'q stoves provides employment for new eco-stove masters. It offers access to these stoves for other organizations in the region dedicated to environmental protection and community support.

Please note that while the Q'aa'q stoves are a product of local craftsmanship, TRL continues to purchase them from independent, local producers. We want to assure you that we are not seeking to profit from these stoves but to support and uplift our community.

As the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, you continue to empower the community. Stay tuned for more updates about this exciting new stage for TRL. We look forward to sharing news about the first installations of Q'aa'q stoves soon.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission.

I am pleased to update you on our energy-efficient kitchen stove project at Tu'ik Ruch' Lew (TRL). In the first third of this year, we continued this initiative with a clear mission: to improve more lives in the Santiago Atitlán community while protecting the environment. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly on this program, and it brings us great joy when like-minded groups show interest in our organization.

 On April 5, we were honored to receive a visit from the Rotary Club of Los Altos, California. They participated with our TRL team in installing improved cookstoves at two sites, one of which was the facility in Tzanchaj.

 Upon arrival at the site, we were confronted with the sight of an open fire still in use in a corner of the kitchen. A brief moment spent in the kitchen was enough to understand the dangers associated with this traditional cooking method. The thick smoke emanating from the kitchen caused a burning sensation in the eyes of those who entered, and even from a distance, the pungent smell was noticeable.

 The installation process was carried out by Heman, our organization's accountant, who fearlessly gets his hands dirty when it comes to helping our beneficiaries. As the installation concluded, Candelaria, another invaluable member of our team, lit the stove next to our beneficiary. The contrast between the new stove and the open fire was palpable. 

Witnessing the first lighting of a newly installed stove is always a poignant moment for the beneficiary family. We could see hope shining in their eyes, and we could only imagine the delicious meals they would share and the cherished moments they would experience around the warmth of their new stove.

This exemplifies the heart of our organization and the TRL movement, where we prioritize the well-being of our community members, their health, and their economic prosperity while preserving the natural environment surrounding them.

Thank you for your continued support.