Some of the children who come to La Guarderia for afterschool care. Source: Jovenes Juntos

Facts at a glance:
Project:Solar Water Heater for La Guarderia, Childcare Center
Community Organization: La Guarderia, Llanos de Pinal, Guatemala
Number of Beneficiaries: 45 children

XelaTeco, with support from AIDG’s wonderful interns, recently installed a solar water heating system and water tower for La Guarderia, a childcare center in Llanos del Pinal, Guatemala. La Guarderia was started by two non-profit organizations, Pop Wuj and Jóvenes Juntos, who saw the need for daycare and afterschool homework assistance in a community plagued by poverty, domestic violence and alcoholism.

Jóvenes Juntos requested the hot water system to promote healthy hygiene practices amongst the children served by center, particularly in the cold winter months. The presence of hot water is expected to reduce the occurrence of skin ailments, such as scabies and other rashes. This segment of the project was funded by AIDG.

With the completion of the installation, medical students at Pop Wuj Spanish School will help with the educational component of the  project.

Intern Maarten Graveland discusses details of water tower with contractor

Julio Ordonez of XelaTeco at solar water heater installation site