On March 6, 2023, Jason Sherman, a line worker for Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative, and the Oregon Empowers team departed for Guatemala to electrify the rural village of Ventura, a small community four hours east of Guatemala City. Over the course of two weeks, the crew diligently worked to build and electrify three miles of power lines, which will improve the lives of 100 locals forever.
Ventura is located in the highlands of Guatemala, northeast of Jalapa. The village is situated in rough, mountainous landscapes, fertile valleys, and lush vegetation. Homes in the village are simple structures made of adobe bricks held together by natural materials, with wood-burning hearths for cooking and dirt floors. All the structures also lacked running water. What the villagers lack in household amenities, they have in strong connection to the land, faith, and traditions.
“The opportunity to make a difference in helping others is truly inspiring,” said Sherman, “everyone worked hard, and the villagers were very humble. I was in awe a lot. The people are so happy there and have nothing.”
The absence of electricity in Ventura limits the villagers' ability to access education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Most of their time is spent tending to their crops, processing food, and cooking on open fires in their homes. The installation of electric service will greatly impact their lives. Each home was equipped with a light bulb, light switch, and electrical outlets.
Sherman explains, "In addition to living in homes that are now safe from the hazards of black soot, smoke, and open flames, the installation of electric service will also give the villagers hope and a chance to plan for their future. Girls will be able to prioritize their education instead of spending their time processing corn for meals at home, and women will have more opportunities to join the workforce and provide for their families.”
Electrifying the village was a challenging task as the team did not have access to their regular tools and equipment. However, Sherman, the Oregon Empowers team, and the villagers worked together to overcome the challenge. They hand-dug deep holes down into the solid rock to support the new electric infrastructure and manually pulled wires through fields to connect with the municipal power system.
Since boom trucks were not available, the crew spent many hours climbing power poles and hiking steep terrain. The power poles in the system were made of eucalyptus, which proved to be much more difficult for the crew
to climb compared to the fir and cedar poles they are used to working within the United States.
Sherman had the privilege of participating in the installation and illumination of the first lightbulb in Ventura. Reflecting on the experience, he explains, "It was a lot more than what met the eye. Although the villager didn't express much emotion, you could sense her deep gratitude and happiness." The electrification project happened to take place during the holy week, and the atmosphere was charged with a sense of faith and spirituality.
Toward the end of the trip, Sherman visited a local market to purchase souvenirs for his family back in the United States. While browsing through the store, he stumbled upon a sweatshirt with a quote that reads, "Faith begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone." Reflecting on his time in Ventura, Sherman remarked, "I am not one to buy souvenirs, but this sweatshirt summed up the experience perfectly. This experience has been truly transformative for everyone involved. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity”.
“Participation with other Oregon electric cooperatives to electrify a village in rural Guatemala has been a wonderful privilege! It reminds us of our heritage of decades past when we electrified the town of Agness. We are proud of this fantastic work by Oregon Empowers. It will help us stay grounded in serving our own co-op members.” Said Brent Bischoff, Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative General Manager/ CEO.
Oregon Empowers works in partnership with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) International, the Oregon Rural CooperativeAssociation (ORECA), and Oregon-based electric cooperatives to bring power to rural communities, just as cooperatives have done over the last century in the United States.
To learn more about Oregon Empowers and donate to the cause, visit OregonEmpowers.com.
Photo Credit: Mike Teegarden, Editorial Director, Pioneer Utility Resources