In November 2006, I traveled to El Salvador to launch the El Salvador HotPot
solar cooking program. I worked with the Feed the Children El Salvador (FTC)
and Asociación Comunitaria Unida por el Agua y la Agricultura (ACUA) program
coordinators to conduct the official program launch. We invited
representatives from local schools, health clinics, and NGOs in the program
areas. After explaining the program goals and implementation plan, several
of the groups expressed interest in hosting solar cooking demonstrations in
their communities.
During a two week period, we conducted seven solar cooking training sessions
in the FTC and ACUA communities in the Departments of San Salvador, La
Libertad, and Cabañas.
Upon arrival in each community, the program coordinator and I performed
introductions and ice breakers so the women would feel comfortable with one
another. We then divided the women into four different groups. Each group
prepared one of the four food items - chicken, mixed vegetables, rice, or
plantains. After the food was prepped, we placed it into four different
HotPots and placed the HotPots in the sun.
While the food was cooking in the sun, we relaxed in the shade and spoke
about solar cooking. We talked about the design of the HotPot, how it works,
how to properly use it, and the need for it. After 2.5 hours, all the food
was cooked and everyone was able to try a portion. After tasting the food,
all of the women were convinced of the HotPot's ability to cook. They said
that the food tasted excellent and were amazed at how easy the HotPot was to
use.
During the training session, we also talked about the program follow-up.
Although the HotPot is not hard to use, it requires a change in cooking
behavior. Throughout the first few months following the training, the women
will participate in follow-up group sessions. Under the direction of the
program coordinators, participants will fill in solar cooking calendar logs
where they will note on a daily basis the weather patterns, cooking methods
used, and fuel wood purchased. These calendars will help us to better
understand the individual needs of the women. Additionally, the women will
attend a meeting every two weeks where they will have the opportunity to
share solar cooking experiences and ask solar cooking questions. Eventually,
we will compile a Salvadoran solar cooking recipe book with recipes
submitted by the participants.
On behalf of SHE, Inc, I am excited to share news of our solar cooking
program launch in El Salvador. We expect to expand the El Salvador HotPot
solar cooking program to other NGOs and other areas of El Salvador in 2007.
Camille McCarthy
Director of Programs for Latin America and East Africa
