Protecting the Next Generation – Doña Célida’s Story

Nearby lives Doña Célida Evanely Ajquijay, a young woman preparing to welcome a new life. At the time of our visit, she was eight months pregnant and facing significant challenges. Without a kitchen of her own, she was forced to rent access to a neighbor’s kitchen in order to prepare meals—an arrangement that frequently caused stress and discomfort. 

Her husband works in agriculture, and she contributes to the family income through weaving and embroidery. However, her pregnancy limited her ability to continue working, deepening the family’s financial vulnerability at a critical moment. 

Determined to provide for his family, her husband built a small makeshift shelter and installed a open fire stove to cook . While it offered minimal functionality, smoke exposure remained a serious risk, especially for a pregnant mother and a soon-to-be newborn. 

Being selected as a beneficiary of the improved cookstove brought overwhelming relief and gratitude. For this young family, the impact will be immediate and lasting: 

• A healthier pregnancy 

• A safer home environment for a newborn 

• A foundation of dignity and stability for the future 

Why Your Support Matters 

An improved cookstove is not simply infrastructure—it is a life-changing intervention. 

Each stove provides: 

• Cleaner indoor air, reducing respiratory illness 

• Improved maternal and child health 

• Greater safety and dignity for women 

• Long-term resilience for vulnerable families 

Your investment creates meaningful impact far beyond the kitchen. It safeguards health, strengthens families, and builds resilient communities. 

Your Impact Starts Here 

By supporting the Homes Pillar, you help transform smoke-filled kitchens into spaces of safety, warmth, and hope. 

One stove can change a life. 

Your generosity can change a community.