AIDG Plans for 2007

In 2007 AIDG intends to:

Help XelaTeco grow its business in Guatemala
A major goal for us this year is to get our first incubated business, XelaTeco, more established as a provider of clean technologies in Guatemala. XelaTeco is committed to providing affordable electricity, sanitation and clean water to the rural poor and is poised to have a significant impact on under-served communities.

Improve technologies to make them cheaper & more durable
In its dedication to its customer base — individuals, rural communities, development NGOs & other organizations—, XelaTeco is working to improve its product and service line. It is striving to make the technologies more affordable and more durable.

Prepare for workshop creation in the DR & Haiti
AIDG is in the planning stages for creating a new workshop to serve Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Currently, survey work is being done to choose an appropriate location for the facility. AIDG needs between $80-$100,000 to fund the new shop. This amount includes $23,000 to cover tools and machinery costs,  an $18,000 recoverable grant for the starting salary for shop employees, $13,000 for outreach projects, and  $8,000 for training expenses. The Haiti/DR shop’s initial focus will be on simpler technologies (biodigesters, water pumps, composting toilets, charcoal presses, LED lighting).

Expand AIDG’s Internship/Project Placement Programs
AIDG’s Internship Program gives students hands-on experience in international development and appropriate technology in a real world environment. It also provides an excellent opportunity for the technology transfer between XelaTeco workers and students.  The Project Placement Program lets teams of students place their innovative designs in communities of need.

Perform 24 community outreach projects in Guatemala
An important part of our mission includes  direct outreach to local villages.  In 2007, we will be increasing the number of such projects performed in communities in need.

Increase impact monitoring of technologies & outreach
In 2007, AIDG will be creating a more formal process for analyzing the impact of introduced technologies. This work will also enable XelaTeco to improve product designs by providing important customer feedback and data on effectiveness of products.

Grow the service learning program, TecoTours
AIDG’s TecoTours give interested volunteers the chance to learn about appropriate technology, international development and Guatemala while helping with projects. Participants get the opportunity to have fun and do good at the same time.Build AIDG’s organizational capacityWhile we have had many early successes, AIDG is still a very young organization. We have the potential to develop into a large multinational development organization, but in order to reach this goal, we must also focus on building our capacity over time.