Changes which are tangible... and sustainable
Our development projects have to be sustainable, both at an economic and environmental level. For Intervida, this is a priority and it is for this reason that we aim to us renewable energies.
Many communities with whom we work are in places which are hard to access and are lacking in many things, on of these being electricity. To solve the problem, Intervida implements projects such as the “Electrification with Renewable Energies” project in San Vicente, El Salvador, where it has managed to provide electricity to the La Joya community through the use of solar panels.
Dorotea Vásquez, one of the beneficiaries, explained to us that “we have fought for a long time to have energy for our community, but because of the distance or the cost of the project, we weren’t able to get it. It was difficult. The people used candles, oil lamps; the smoke from the oil lamps is harmful to one’s health and the homes filled will smoke”. After a diagnostic, Intervida implemented the project, producing a tangible change in the life of the community, in its day to day lives and in its commercial activities. As Dorotea explained further, “I have had my little store for some time. I sell things which help me get by, sweets, bread, beverages. Before, when it started to get dark, I closed the store. Now that I have energy, I can stay open into later at night”. In addition, awareness is being raised as to the sustainability of the project and the responsibilities it brings with it. As Mrs. Vásquez continued to explain, “we have a quota, we all save in case there is a problem with the pieces and we have to fix these. If we have problems to pay, we meet with the fund collectors and we set a time in which to pay”.