Safe, Energy Efficient Cookstoves in Guatemala

For many families living in impoverished communities, cooking over open fires exposes them to dangerous smoke, burns, and respiratory illnesses. It also forces them to spend hours collecting scarce firewood—time that could otherwise be devoted to caring for their children or earning income.

One of the families recently supported is that of Petrona, a hardworking mother who had been cooking on an open fire inside her small home using green firewood. Thick smoke filled the room as her young daughter—no more than seven years old—helped her prepare meals. The constant exposure to smoke made it difficult for them to breathe, and the risk of burns was always present. (See photo of mother and child in pink shirt.)

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to provide Petrona with a safe, fuel-efficient cookstove, transforming her family’s daily life. The new stove uses less wood, reduces indoor smoke, and keeps her daughter safe from burns. Even more inspiring, Petrona is now using her cookstove as a source of income—preparing food and selling it at the local market to support her family.

Past recipients have shared similar gratitude, explaining how these cookstoves make cooking faster, safer, and more affordable. One mother said she finally feels at peace knowing her children won’t be exposed to thick smoke every day.

You can see in the images the extreme lengths HRI goes to deliver these safe cookstoves, reaching the most vulnerable, far up the mountains where roads don't exist and the terrain is rough and risky. But we know the impact these stoves have, so we press onward. 

Each cookstove distributed represents hope, health, and dignity for a family striving to rebuild their lives. Thank you to everyone who continues to make this life-changing initiative possible. Together, we’re making homes safer—one cookstove at a time.

P.S. We are pleased to share that two additional families will soon receive safe, fuel-efficient cookstoves, bringing warmth, safety, and relief to their daily lives! 

Links:

• Website
• HRI Facebook
• Hurricane Melissa Relief Projects