For the past few years, our ICO team has moved from a program of installing new clean-burning
stoves, to keeping the current stoves in good condition and operating efficiently. In this
program, each family needing new parts (except for the very poorest) is asked to pay half the
cost of the replacement part. This is a means of making sure that, while we are willing to
support poor families, we’re not just seen as a source of handouts.
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The latest Check & Replace program began in November of 2018, when Brenda Pérez and her assistant Petrona Diaz drew up a list of stoves that needed checking, and began the process of visiting homes, checking the stoves, and determining which new parts (if any) were needed.
Once the list of required parts is finalized, the parts are ordered from Helps International, a
locally-based company that makes the stoves. When the parts are delivered, Brenda and
Petrona make the rounds to ensure they are installed correctly. These two women have worked
with the stoves for years, and really know their stuff. This past year, 100 families were visited,
and 40 ended up getting replacement parts.
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We are committed to continuing this process each year, and right now are working with Brenda
to start planning the next round of Check & Replace.
