Healthy Home Kit – Irma Guadalupe Quino

Irma lives with her two daughters, Irma (14) and Evelyn (11), in San Andrés Semetabaj, Sololá. Irma takes care of the girls and weaves traditional clothes to generate income for her family.

As part of our Healthy Home Kit, families receive a smokeless stove, a sanitary latrine and a water filter, to help them improve their health by giving them adequate access to proper sanitation, potable water and a smoke free environment.

“I used to cook on an older stove for over 14 years. It consumed much more wood, which is more expensive. The new one has helped me save money because it consumes less wood. I do not need to buy wood very often. It lights up really fast and it is easier to cook,” says Irma. Irma has felt a difference in their health, no more eye irritation because the smoke no longer stays inside the kitchen.

Before receiving their new latrine, Irma explains that the old one was in poor conditions. “The new one is much comfortable, we feel happy.” The family has also felt a difference with their water filter too, before they drank water directly from the sink, causing them intestinal diseases. Now, it is easier and safer to drink potable water from the filter, especially the girls! “They are happy and drinking a lot of water now, without getting sick,” says Irma.

Irma refers to her time with the volunteers; “We always remember them! It was very fun to spend time with them,” she continues, “May all of you receive our greetings. Thank you all for coming to support us, congratulations for coming to Guatemala. I encourage you to continue supporting more families like ours.”