At Hero School, we believe that education extends beyond the walls of a classroom. From May 19-23, our students will put their knowledge into action, using math, science, and critical thinking to address real-world challenges in Comalapa. Through hands-on, project-based learning, they will design and build sustainable solutions that directly benefit the community.

These student-led projects not only reinforce classroom learning but also provide tangible improvements to infrastructure in rural, low-income communities that are most affected by climate change and environmental degradation. This work requires resources, and we need your support—whether through donations to cover material costs or volunteers to assist our students during implementation.

Why These Projects Matter

Comalapa, Guatemala, is a region where over 70% of the population lives in poverty. Life here means venturing into the woods to collect firewood daily, cooking on an open fire pit inside the home, and walking long distances to fetch water—only to have to boil it before drinking to prevent illness from pathogens. Many homes lack a working toilet, relying instead on inadequate sanitation systems that contribute to the spread of disease. The infrastructure challenges faced by families in Comalapa are not just inconveniences; they are daily struggles that impact health, safety, and overall quality of life.

The challenges our students address—indoor air pollution, water scarcity, sanitation, and soil erosion—are urgent. Each project tackles a critical need, empowering students to be problem-solvers while improving living conditions for families in Comalapa.

7th Grade Project: Smoke-Efficient Stoves

Indoor smoke inhalation is a leading cause of respiratory illness, especially in homes constructed with corrugated metal and lacking proper ventilation. Hero School students will construct smoke-efficient stoves, using repurposed tires as a base and a smaller burning chamber to reduce firewood consumption and improve heat efficiency. This solution decreases deforestation while improving household air quality.

8th Grade Project: Water Tanks

Access to clean water is a significant challenge, particularly as longer dry seasons impact supply. Water tanks will be built to hold up to 1,100 liters (5 barrels) of water, reducing the time families go without municipal water access. However, local water sources are often polluted, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses. By integrating water storage with smoke-efficient stoves, families can also safely boil water for drinking and cooking.

9th Grade Project: Dry Composting Latrines

Traditional latrines often rely on scarce water resources and contribute to sanitation issues. Dry composting latrines, built with eco-bricks (plastic bottles filled with non-biodegradable waste) and glass bottles, will help address both waste management and sanitation. These latrines require little to no water and create natural plant fertilizer from composted waste.

10th Grade Project: Tire Retaining Walls

Deforestation and erosion pose serious risks in mountainous regions like Comalapa, leading to dangerous landslides. Tire retaining walls, constructed with used tires filled with compacted dirt and non-biodegradable waste, provide a durable, eco-friendly alternative to concrete walls. Since 2020, our students have built two retaining walls, repurposing approximately 800 tires—and we’re ready to do more!

How You Can Help

These projects are student-led, but they require materials and mentorship. Here’s how you can make an impact:

• Donate: Help us cover the cost of materials such as tires, concrete, metal piping, and eco-brick supplies.

• Volunteer: Join us on-site to assist students with construction, material preparation, and hands-on learning.

• Spread the Word: Share our mission with service groups, organizations, and anyone passionate about sustainability and education.

Together, we can empower the next generation of problem-solvers while making a lasting difference in Comalapa. Join us from May 19-23 and be part of something bigger!