CASEP and Amigas del Sol currently work in 17 communities in three regions along the southern coast and central highlands of Guatemala. The program includes 260 women associates with solar ovens, representing a variety of cultural backgrounds including K’iche, Mam and Kaqchikel, Ladino and refugee communities returned from Mexico.

In 2000, the Association Amigas del Sol, representing the groups of women with solar ovens, was legalized as their own non-profit in Guatemala. The Association was formed with the hope of giving greater autonomy to the local organizations and to explore other alternatives for community development in addition to the solar oven.

As a compliment to the solar oven, Amigas del Sol promotes organic home gardens and rain water catchments. Our experience in these communities has shown that women who are working on several complimentary projects, such as these, proves to be very successful. Many times women do not use their ovens because they do not have an abundance of food to cook. Having a garden and possibly a rain catchment tank to provide water for their garden, means that families are eating a wider variety of vegetables and greens, thereby improving their overall health and nutrition. When clustered together these projects invite a greater level of integrated development that would be impossible if the projects were isolated. Because the issues of health and poverty are so interrelated it makes sense that the solution be integrated as well. The goal is to secure a more sustainable future and healthier communities in these regions of Guatemala.

Though Amigas del Sol remains largely dependent on the Central American Solar Energy Project (CASEP), its mother organization, the Association is slowly maturing, writing and managing their own grants, and cultivating strong leaders and community involvement.

Mission of Amigas del Sol

1. Make use of appropriate technologies, which contribute to the protection of the environment and wise use of local resources.

2. Improve the health of rural families through increased food security and women’s health education.

3. Strengthen women’s leadership in community development.

Where we Work in Guatemala

More Picture of Guatemala

Amigas del  Sol
Phone: 502-708-4957
laurakoch@hotmail.com