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SOLAR OVEN The oven was developed in Central America specifically for Central American families who continue to improve upon the design using their knowledge, experience and changing availability of materials. The original model consists of a wooden box surrounded by insulation and set inside another box. Sunlight passes through two panes of glass which rest on top of the box and heats the box to an average temperature of 150º C (300° F) with good sun. A reflector made of aluminum foil and plywood directs light and heat into the box and heats up the black metal plate on which the pots rest. Today the plywood available is of very poor quality and we are making more ovens with thin sheet metal as the outer box. The materials can be obtained locally and can be purchased for approximately $100-$150 per oven including stand, food preparation drawer, wheels and thermometer. However, the total cost to build an oven including instructors, transportation, and follow-up we (remove) can be estimated at about $300 per family. We are not buying ovens but providing the opportunity for a woman to build one and cook for her family with free sunshine. Benefits of Solar Ovens Environmental: Reduces air pollution and deforestation. Health: Reduces instance of respiratory illnesses and eye damage caused by smoke. Water can also be purified in the solar ovens. Empowerment: Increases time and freedom for activities other than tending cooking fires at home, opening doors to new possibilities! |
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LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Those women who are willing to build their own ovens, select their own workshop leaders, and organize themselves to use and maintain the ovens are excellent candidates to become future community leaders. Out of this process has emerged a women’s leadership program. VISION: To provide strong, decisive, progressive women with the opportunity to become leaders of social change in Central American society. MISSION: To empower women through the solar oven project, locally selected and managed quality of life projects, and the leadership program to find their own potential and take their rightful place as equal actors in the development of their communities and countries. The first phase of the leadership program is a 19-lesson program that involves group discussions about self-awareness, roles in the family, and community involvement. During the second phase, these groups examine additional topics such as women’s rights, domestic violence, and family planning. The third phase provides individual support and opportunities to women selected by the country coordinators to develop their own natural leadership potential. The importance of fighting for a more dignified life within community, regional, and national contexts drives us to cultivate and strengthen the leadership capacities of women in hopes of influencing a more positive future for Central America Read more about our leadership program ADDITIONAL PROJECTS Once the local group
has successfully completed the construction of solar ovens, they are
encouraged not only to follow-up on the usage of the ovens, but to seek
funds for additional community projects. Projects have included soy
products, nutrition, organic gardens, cooperative stores, and community
libraries. In-country affiliate organizations pursue local funds to continue their programs and eventually become self-sufficient. This provides women with the opportunity to learn new skills, to develop projects that address the needs of their community, and to become leaders. Read more about additional project by country
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 Central American Solar Energy Project 1400 East Market Street Charlottesville, VA 22902 casep@earthlink.net |