Martha lives with her husband and four children in the community of Pasojoc I, Zacualpa, in the department of El Quiché. Martha takes care of the household while her husband works in the fields.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to receive an improved stove, Martha used to cook over an open flame on the ground, known here in Guatemala as a “poyo”. The family’s old stove was in poor condition and consumed large amounts of firewood.

Cooking like this caused Martha and her family various respiratory illnesses and irritability in the eyes due to the smoke that remained inside the house.

Through the Uk’u’xJa stove project, Martha and her family were one of more than 3,200 families that have been supported in their quest for access to an adequate, safe and hygienic stove. With this stove, families can reduce by up to 83% the cases of respiratory illnesses detected. In addition to allowing an income of up to $25 per month by reducing the consumption of firewood per stove by 43.6%, the stove also helps to save up to 6.5 trees per year.

Martha says she is very happy with her new stove – “now when I make my tortillas I don’t have to be on my knees, I can just stand next to the stove, without my back or legs hurting”.

Today, we share with you the story of the Ramírez family, who participated in the project Improving the lives of people living with disabilities in Solola, Guatemala implented by Habitat Guatemala and ADISA and funded by Habitat Canada, Hope&Healing International and Homes4Hope.

Kendall, inspired by the health care professionals who have helped him with his cleft lip diagnosis, wants to be a doctor someday; he wants to help other children. “After all, doctors helped me too!” – he tells us, brightly. The family is grateful for the support and care they have received from ADISA for Kendall’s therapy.  

Kendall proudly shows us the new home, water filter, stove and bathroom that he and his family received during the project. The family is overjoyed with their new home and express their gratitude for the support they had received, “I can hardly find words to express our gratitude. We already feel at home here. Thank you very much for everything!” – says Margarita. They shared how much of a difference it had made in their daily lives and how much easier it was for them to move around the house. Kendall, can now play and grow up in a safe home. They also spoke about how grateful they were for the sense of community they had felt throughout the project,  

The Ramirez family’s story is just one example of the positive impact this project has had on the lives of 45 families with children with disabilities. We are proud to be part of this transformation and we remain committed to continuing our efforts to improve the lives of Guatemalans.