Stove

The women in rural villages of Guatemala still cook over and open fire in the middle of their homes, a practice which leads to upper respiratory infections in children and adults. These stoves improve the health, wealth and environment of the community by channeling the thick smoke from cooking fires out of unventilated dwellings. They decrease the amount of money women must spend on cooking fuel because they are significantly more fuel-efficient. They improve the environment by decreasing the amount of deforestation. Finally, these stoves liberate women from the daily grind of cooking and provide her with the free time for education and participation.

Reforestation

There is a critical need to replace the vast tracts of forest that disappeared throughout Central America. these forests are the most important element in halting soil erosion that contaminates local drinking water, washes away valuable topsoil and often claims lives in massive mudslides. The forest is also important in stabilizing weather patters globally and counteracting the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Highland Support Project focuses on partnering with farmers and villages to ensure the success of trees and that they meet economic needs of the community.