Healthy Home Kit: Candelaria Sontay

Candelaria, her husband Francisco and their three children Litsy (9), Mynor (8) and Candy (8 months) live in a small community in San Lucas Tolimán, Sololá.  While Francisco works in the fields, Candelaria takes care of the children.

As part of our Healthy Home Kit, families receive a smokeless stove, a sanitary latrine and a water filter, to help them improve their health by giving them adequate access to proper sanitation, potable water and a smoke free environment.

“I used to cook in an old stove that was already in bad shape, the smoke really affected my eyes and made me sick,” she continues, “we are planning to remove it, to convert the room and make a space for the children, cause we are running out of space now,” explains Candelaria. When asked how she feels with her stove, Candelaria answers; “I feel very happy now! it heats really quick and we save a lot of wood too!”

Before receiving their new latrine, the family had to share one with several relatives. “My children can go by themselves now, it is cleaner and we have more privacy too,” says Candelaria.  Things are going great with their water filter too, now they can drink water without getting sick.

Candelaria refers to the volunteers: “We enjoyed our time with them, I explained to them how to cook “frijoles and tortillas”, she continues, “I am really thankful to all of you for your support, receive my greetings!”