Ann Peck, Executive Director

Our trip to Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India, in September and October of 2022 was our first return to India after two years due to COVID. We were welcomed by Selvam and Sheela, the installation team, who introduced us to many new contacts that have jumped on board with the smokeless stove project this year. Our initiative is growing and expanding on the ground in India!

Our New KHI Board Member:  Iti Maloney stands with students at Kodaikanal International School (KIS) who have chosen the smokeless stove project as a focus for community outreach. Iti was born in India, attended local schools, speaks fluent Tamil, joined KIS in 7^th grade, and now works full time as the Director of the Center for Environment and Humanity at KIS.

Watching the Big Boys:  On site at a stove installation with students from Kodaikanal International School, a 3 year old picks up a trowel and fills the chetti (round metal container) with cement that will finish off her new smokeless stove. Do not underestimate children under 5 years old who are watching you and want to help.

KIS National Honor Students get their hands dirty installing a new stove in a tiny tin sheet home in a village outside their school gates. Notice the hole cut in the wall, which would have been the exit for the smoke prior to our new chimney installation that accompanies the smokeless stove they are building.

Prabu Joins the Installation Team with Selvam and Sheela:
A long search ends in a highly qualified local young man who has experience in masonry and clay and is training with Selvam to become another smokeless stove installer. He is a hard worker, able to lift heavy loads of materials and a quick learner. He will be fully trained by March.

Sisters of Mercy with Connections:  Sister Leema shows us her stove!
You can tell by her smile that she is someone in charge and excited about her new smokeless stove. New referrals from an incredible network of sisters will enable us to install stoves in remote villages.

A Family in Switzerland Starts a Knitting Project During COVID:
Frustrated with their inability to travel during COVID, students and their families from the Geneva International School got busy making baby blankets, hats and booties. Nearly a hundred handmade items were delivered to Selvam and Sheela who found homes for their knitted goods. Geneva International School students plan to visit India this year in the spring of 2023 and help install stoves.
 
“When you think there is nothing you can do, it’s time to get started.”
~Ann Peck