Field Update: Building Towards Tienda Grata

Project Overview

We’re excited to share progress on our Tienda Grata project in La Guajira! The goal is to establish sustainable community stores in rural areas that don’t have access to conventional energy. These stores will run on solar power and will offer basic family products, refrigerated goods, and even entrepreneurial opportunities—essentially improving the quality of life and economic prospects for these communities.

Why This Matters

Tienda Grata is more than just a store; it’s a lifeline for these rural communities. By providing essential products, creating jobs, and fostering entrepreneurship, it’s a major step toward sustainable economic development. Plus, by using solar power, we’re reducing dependence on fossil fuels, which is a win for both the community and the environment.

What’s Happening Now

Getting the Land Ready: We’ve started measuring the land and selecting the best locations for the Tienda Grata infrastructure. The community has been actively involved in this, helping us get everything set up.

Materials and Transport: The community is pitching in by organizing the transport of materials to the remote area of Alta Guajira. They’re also providing key materials like sand, water, and bricks from local sources. This community effort is vital to kickstart the first phase of construction.

A Look at the Project

Here are some snapshots that give you a glimpse into what’s happening on the ground:

First Photo: You’ll see the area where we’re getting things ready. The stacks of bricks and a simple structure show that the groundwork is beginning.

Second Photo: This captures a moment of community engagement—a local distributing essential goods, which highlights how involved everyone is.

Other Photos: These showcase the site, storage of materials, and the surrounding landscape, giving you a sense of the environment where Tienda Grata will soon stand.

Challenges We’re Facing

Refrigeration Needs: Right now, one of the big challenges is refrigeration. The community currently has to buy ice regularly, which isn’t ideal. This underscores why Tienda Grata is so important—it will provide reliable refrigeration powered by solar energy, making it possible to store and sell items like meats, dairy, and beverages.

What’s Next?

Kicking Off Construction: We’re about to start the first phase of building Tienda Grata, using the materials gathered by the community. This will lay the foundation for the store that will soon serve as a hub of activity and resources.

Addressing Refrigeration: We’re planning for a sustainable refrigeration system to solve the current challenges and ensure that the store can offer a full range of products.

How You Can Help

We’re deeply grateful for your ongoing support—it’s what makes projects like Tienda Grata possible.

Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to all our donors and supporters. Your generosity is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for these communities. We’re excited to keep you updated as we build towards Tienda Grata.