Solar Power Schools

In remote parts of western Guatemala, many communities lack reliable and affordable electricity.
This means the school has no power to light classes on dark days or to supply power for computers. 

Children miss out on basic computer skills, like typing, that bars them from high school education. Un-electrified communities lose valuable productive hours after 6pm, unable meet to organize, produce nor socialize. They also face obstacles to communication and market information because they lack energy to charge cell phones.

A solar powered school brings light, information, communications, and opportunity to the whole community. Parents, students and teachers benefit from a community center with lights, computers, and a charging station for cellphones and lanterns so every household can have increased access to energy.  

WHY SOLAR FOR COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

  • Monthly electricity bills are beyond reach for many families, leaving the poorest communities in the dark.
  • Training people in solar installation empowers them invest in generating their own clean energy and save money
  • Electrifying community buildings increases their capacity to serve their communities in education, income generation and community organizing.

volunteer for clean energy


Of all the opportunities to volunteer abroad, ATC's solar volunteering program is set apart by integrating solar training with intercultural collaboration at the grassroots.

International volunteers learn about solar power and work hand-in-hand with local citizens to install solar power on a community service building. The local and international volunteerism in the project develops a deep sense of cross-cultural, people-powered collaboration.

The program is a perfect win-win-win as solar volunteers contribute to the cost of solar hardware, the community contributes wood and meals; everyone learns about solar power and the whole community benefits from renewable energy.

VOLUNTEERING IN GUATEMALA

Help us Install solar power at
schools and cOmmunity Centers


Solar projects are scheduled 3 times a year to bring individual volunteers together to sponsor a community project. Organized groups of all ages have sponsored solar projects, from Girl Scouts and university groups, to co-workers and friend groups.
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What to expect

learn

Learn about electrical circuits and solar power in a hands-on workshop introducing the group to solar technology. Basics covered, work alongside field technicians and community members to install the solar power system.

eat local

Eat local meals and gain insight into an indigenous Latin American culture. Connect with the community outside of work.
  Our staff and community partners speak the Mayan languages Kakchiquel, Tzutujíl and K’iche’.

experience

You'll experience the Maya way of life, intact here in the Guatemalan highlands. Weaving traditional textiles and making tortillas from corn raised on their fields, you'll have a chance to connect on a deeper level.  

explore

You'll take the time to visit the gorgeous Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanoes. On the way home, you can check out Antigua Guatemala, a World Heritage site and former capital of Latin America

how do I join in?

ATC Solar Volunteers sponsor solar projects in extremely low income communities, coming together across cultures to literally create a brighter future.
The experience of learning and working together to electrify a building for the first time is inexplicably meaningful.
This financial contribution covers your basic needs for 10 days in Guatemala, including: your in-country transport
meals at approved restaurants
clean and comfortable accommodations
a translator and guide.
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Plus, it helps cover the cost of solar equipment, educational materials, technical staff and project logistics.   

We can tailor projects for organized groups of 10-12 people.

Contact us through the form below or email info@apptechdesign.org to receive additional information and forms.

Your participation is confirmed with your completed forms and $200 non-refundable deposit. We need your donation in full two months prior to your project.
download forms

Financial Contribution

$1,450.00  
Double Occupancy Room
$1,550.00  
Single Occupancy Room
$1,250.00  
Hostel Dorm
Room
OUR SUPPORTERS

My ATC volunteering experience drove home the fact that no one can take for granted their access to basics like clean water, education, and health care. I think it's important for everyone to experience different ways of life, to understand the vast differences and many commonalities we share across the globe.

I also was able to see the friends I traveled with in a new light - how they (and I) responded to a new and sometimes challenging environment. It made me able to take a clear look at my own values, see the places where I was proud of my reactions to new circumstances, and the times where I didn't live up to my own expectations. I left Guatemala with a new respect for the people I traveled with and the people we met - and I can't wait to go back!

Amanda Leinberger
Information Management Officer at United Nations

Interested?

We're happy to answer questions and share more details on upcoming projects.
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