A Year of Change in Suchitepequez: How Gas Stoves Are Transforming Daily Life

For many families in rural Guatemala, something as simple as preparing a meal can shape their entire wellbeing. One year ago, we began addressing this challenge in Suchitepequez. What started with a single gas stove has now become a transformative shift for dozens of families – and a powerful reminder that lasting change often begins with the smallest steps.

Before the Change: Cooking in Smoke and Hardship

For many families in Suchitepequez, daily cooking once meant kneeling beside an open fire in small one room homes. These fires consumed large amounts of wood, which was not only costly but also time-consuming to gather. Mothers and children often spent hours collecting bundles of wood under the hot sun, only to see them burn quickly as they prepared simple meals.

The smoke from these indoor fires filled the entire living space, settling into clothing, bedding and lungs. Several children were treated for severe stomach discomfort due to constant smoke exposure. The air they breathed every day triggered headaches, respiratory issues and other health problems. What seemed like a simple domestic necessity was, in reality, a hidden danger that shaped the wellbeing of entire families.

These conditions highlighted a clear and urgent need. A safe and affordable way to cook was not a luxury but a basic foundation for a healthier life.

A New Start: Installing Gas Stoves Across the Community

On 21 November 2024, the first gas stoves were installed. It was a milestone for the families and for our work in the region. Since then, and up to October 2025, a total of 43 gas stoves have been installed in homes throughout Suchitepequez.

The difference has been immediate and powerful. Gas is significantly cheaper than firewood and far more efficient. Meals can be prepared faster, safely and without filling the home with harmful smoke. Mothers spend less time gathering wood and more time with their children. The risk of respiratory issues has decreased, and families can finally cook without constant exposure to toxic fumes.

What once felt like an unavoidable burden has been replaced with relief, safety and dignity.

Our Mission: Meeting Basic Needs Through Meaningful Action

At The M Story, we believe that basic needs begin with the smallest things. A safe kitchen. Clean air. A warm meal that does not come at the cost of health. These are not just conveniences but essential building blocks of a dignified life.

Our work in Suchitepequez reflects our broader vision: empowering families by addressing needs that are often overlooked but deeply transformative. Installing a gas stove might seem like a small intervention, yet its impact reaches far beyond cooking. It touches health, time, finances and the daily wellbeing of children and their parents.

As we look back on one year of progress, we also look ahead with determination. Every family deserves the chance to live in an environment where their basic needs are met and their potential can grow. And sometimes, that change begins with something as simple as a safer way to cook.