Clean air and more efficient cooking.
In July 2010 an inter-church group comprised of members from 6 different churches installed over 70 stoves in the homes of the villagers of Nuevo Santiago. The stoves have improved the air quality immensely, helping to reduce the rate of respiratory illness among the villagers, especially the children.
The stoves are also much more efficient than an open fire. Women and children typically spend hours collecting firewood. The Aler Stove is over 60% more efficient, which saves valuable time for villagers. These pictures show the team as they go about their work.
The villagers traditionally cook on open "three stone" fires. They use these fires to boil water, cook, and heat their huts.
The task of collecting wood falls largely on the women and children.
The constant smoke coats the ceiling of the hut, and the villagers' lungs.
The village children met the group and sang songs.
A local pastor and the village president welcomed the group.
Even after the fire has gone out, the smoke lingers inside the hut.
The assembly and installation of each stove takes 1-3 hours.
A chimney vents the smoke safely out of the hut.
Once the stove is installed the villagers are able to cook in clean air!
The villagers are now breathing clean air inside their home for the first time.
The team also raised enough money for extra stoves to be installed later.