HELPS International was selected as a key component for the Middle School community service program in the American School of Guatemala (CAG).  Building on several years of volunteerism from High School students at CAG as well as a training and exchange program for the teachers from the HELPS School in Santa Avelina, a new chapter is opening to involve the Middle School students in a very exciting learning experience.

Tish Newmeyer, the Coordinator for Community Service, selected HELPS and the ONIL program to involve the students in supporting a small rural school in the El Bosque community about 25 miles outside of Guatemala City.  The CAG students raised funds, participated in two orientation and training sessions about the ONIL products and program and have selected a group of student representatives to travel to El Bosque to install the stove when the community is ready.

The CAG students enjoyed learning the science behind the ONIL stove, as well as the social, economic and health impact that eliminating an open fire has on people.  The CAG students were very engaged in their project and look forward to the tangible and quantifiable impact that the ONIL stove and water purifier will have on the El Bosque School, for parents, students and community leaders alike.

HELPS, once again, is proud to work with the young future leadership in Guatemala and to contribute to enhancing their understanding of the difficulties facing many of their fellow citizens in the remote rural communities of their beautiful country.