2005 solar cooker project

In the summer of 2005, we were able to put together a donation of approximately $4,700 by the end of last May. As anticipated, the project got underway on the 15th of June, and was completed by the end of July. Nine deliveries were made by a truck during this period. Due to unfavorable road conditions and the mountainous geography of this area, each trip took about an average of 18 hours traveling in dangerous mountains. Once we got to the project site, it was obvious that the project was very much needed. The villagers were welcoming and dropped whatever work they were doing and showed up at the distribution scene with carts. They unloaded the solar cooker with care and enthusiasm.

In order to maximize the number of beneficiary households, local recipients themselves contributed 25% of the total cost for each solar cooker. This allowed us to further stretch our funds and we were able to distribute 292 solar cookers - covering 292 households in nine villages - including a small monastery of 20 monks. Direct beneficiaries from this project amount to around 1,800 people. This number is bound to triple as future generations will benefit from the solar cooker. We were fortunate to be able to visit and monitor the project while it was being implemented - a truly amazing experience!

Villagers see the solar cookers as an effective way to lighten some of the serious environmental and financial burdens that they face. They welcome the new technology and praise the clean fuel source which they will be able to utilize for decades to come. Your contribution helped to make this possible, and you should know that the villagers deeply appreciate your help (read brochure for this project).