Solar Cooking
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{{CountryPageHeader|Elie Joseph visit to Hinche orphanage 2, 11-18-22 copy.png|[[Elie Joseph]] holds a solar cooking demonstration at a Hinche orphanage, as part of his [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089157145029 Solar Ovens for Orphanages] project. ''Photo credit: [[Eliesheriff Joseph]]'']]
 
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[[Eliesheriff Joseph]] is from Hinche, [[Haiti]], and has studied at the Université Notre-Dame d'Haïti. He teaches STEM program 'hands-on' classes in solar cooking in the Hinche area, visiting local orphanages to present the option using of solar cooking to prepare their meals as part of his [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089157145029 Solar Ovens for Orphanages] project. Currently, most use charcoal and propane to cook with. Typically after demonstrations, the cooks feel solar ovens would be a great option to have, helping save money, preserve the environment, and prepare wonderful dishes.}}
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==Events==
 
==Events==
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{{HaitiEvents}}
See [[Calendar of events]]
 
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{{CalendarAndPastEvents}}
   
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=={{HeadingNews}}==
==News and Recent Developments==
 
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*{{NewFeb24}}'''February 2024: More solar cookers arrive!:''' - The Donne Orphanage received more solar ovens donated by [[Tom Hallquist]]. All are very grateful to everyone for helping [[Haiti]] reduce the amount of money that they use to spend on [[Fuelwood|charcoal and firewood]] to help protect the environment. In the new solar ovens, they are able to bake cakes and omelets for the kids.
[[File:ASTRA_November_2012.jpg|right|300px]]
 
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*'''November 2012:''' With the intent of promoting Solar Fire powered businesses and gathering usage data, ASTRA traveled to Port-au-Prince, Haiti and began training local workers to build [[Phaeton]] solar cookers. Unfortunately, near the end of production a devastating fire swept the workshop, destroying tools and progress. The project lacked the resources to restart. We are very excited to start fresh and explore ways we can prove the economic, environmental, social and health benefits of Solar Fire technologies. [[Lorin Symington]] writes that [[ASTRA]] (Agency for Solar Technology Research & Application) has developed a powerful and versatile solar cooker called the Phaeton. Calculations show that the Phaeton is one of the most cost effective solar thermal systems in the world. According to principles embodied by the open-source family of technologies known as [[Solar Fire]], the Phaeton is built from globally available and workable materials. The array of glass mirrors focus sunlight such that users can bake, boil, fry, deep fry, roast, [[pasteurize]], distill or [[dehydrate]]. The amount of useable energy harnessed is ~2kWh seven hours a day. Based on energy values of US$.25 kWh, and 300 operating days a year, at a cost of $500 a fully utilized Phaeton will see return on investment in less than 5 months and will last 20 years. We expect exponential growth of a properly managed project and ASTRA is searching for the means to mount a series of projects designed to test the limits of solar thermal implementation.
 
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SCH 1, 2-9-24.png
*'''November 2012:''' Haiti Solar Oven Project board members and partners met the last weekend in October to set goals for 2013. In the next fiscal year, [[Haiti Solar Oven Partners]] will provide 2,280 units to Haitian families participating in training and ownership of a solar oven.
 
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::::::::::::::::''Photo credit: [[Eliesheriff Joseph]]''
   
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*{{NewJan24}}'''January 2024: School gathering to solar cook''' - [[Eliesheriff Joseph]], founder of [[Solar Ovens for Orphanages]], organized a follow-up gathering held at the school attached to the church in Hinche. The school provides kindergarten, primary, and secondary programs with 550 students, and 540 attended the solar cooking demonstration, along with 15 teachers, 5 cooks, 3 school leaders and 2 bodyguards. They used 20 solar ovens, again a combination of solar cookers provided by [[Tom Hallquist]] and [[Haines 2.0]] panel cookers. Financial support was provided by PPAF. Eliesheriff notes it was challenging managing such a large group with so many students eager to learn about solar cooking. Everyone was able to enjoy a good meal.
[[File:Great_picture_of_oven_activity.jpeg|thumb|300px|Students set a world record baking cookies with solar ovens to raise funds for solar cooking efforts in [[Haiti]].]]
 
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*'''October 2012:''' Students, parents, faculty, staff and friends gathered at Miami Country Day School located in Miami, {{state|Florida}}, [[USA]] on Friday, April 20, 2012 and set the Guinness Book of World Records™ for “The Most Cookies Baked in One Hour Using Solar Ovens”. Trays of unbaked cookies were placed in 40 smaller solar ovens, as well as, two [[Villager]] solar ovens. After the cookies were baked and 1225 counted....a World Record was set! The event raised over $18,000 USD, which was used to send the 40 solar ovens and a Villager oven to [[Haiti]]. The cookies baked in the event were donated to Feeding South Florida. The event was lead by [[Matthew Cohen]], a high school junior who has been actively involved in the solar oven movement for the past nine years. Cohen launched the website [http://powerfromthesun.us/ Power from the Sun] to educate people worldwide on the benefits of solar cooking and help raise money to send solar ovens to needy families in Haiti. Cohen’s latest project is aptly named “The Life Of The Traveling Solar Oven” and encourages students, parents, teachers, and local businesses to sponsor a solar oven. Participants are asked to use the solar oven, document their experience with video or photos and share it on their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/PowerFromTheSun. The event will conclude on Earth Day 2013.
 
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SOO 1, 1-18-24.png
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::::::::::::::::''Photo credit: [[Eliesheriff Joseph]]''
   
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*{{NewOct23}}'''September 2023: Solar cooking presentation and training''' - ''([[Eliesheriff Joseph]] recounts the [[Solar Ovens for Orphanages]] gathering)'' On September 23, 2023, I held a big event with an association called APDC (Association des Paysans pour de Dévelopement de Couime). They work on agriculture, the environment, etc. Angelot is the leader of this association. He saw my work and saw that it was something he'd like to know more about, and if possible his team. He came to me and said he'd like to know more about this technology. I told him that this was not a problem and that our aim was to see more Haitian associations, organizations, etc. involved in this technology. I'm very happy to have presented this idea to PPAF, who welcomed it very favorably. The first training session with the association took place on September 23 and was attended by 130 people. We started from 8am to 12pm. I chose 5 women from among them to prepare the food and put it in the solar ovens that [[Tom Hallquist]] had donated to the orphanages. We went back inside to continue the training. I had a microphone and everyone could hear me very well. I gave a very good presentation on solar cookers, talking about all the people I know who use this technology and all the institutions. There were lots of questions! They are interested in learning more about solar cookers.
*'''July 2012 -''' After a successful first trip, [[Lorin Symington]] is following up on advances made in Haiti and is working towards a pilot project in Haiti.[[File:IMG_1923.jpg|thumb|275px]]
 
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SOO 1, 9-25-23.png|The solar cookers are put into service cooking the meal
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SOO 2, 9-25-23.png|
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SOO 4, 9-25-23.png|the cooked food is served for tasting
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::::::::::::::::''Photo credit: [[Eliesheriff Joseph]]''
   
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*{{NewAug23}}'''August 2023: Workshop in rural Haiti''' - [[Eliesheriff Joseph]] organized and led a solar cooker construction workshop on building the large [[Copenhagen Solar Cooker Light|Copenhagen Solar Cooker Beast]] at a rural community orphanage. The design lends itself to simple construction methods. Also in use were the donated solar dome cookers by [[Tom Hallquist]] from [[Solar Oven Reflectors]]. Eliesheriff travels long and challenging distances to reach these locations.
*'''January 2011 -''' [[Lorin Symington]] will soon be traveling to Hispaniola and will spend much of 2011 in Haiti where the need for solar cookers is paramount. He is seeking sponsors, investors, collaborators and people with experience on the ground.
 
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E. Joseph 1, 8-18-23.png|The [[Copenhagen Solar Cooker Light|Copenhagen Solar Cooker Beast]] after assembly
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E. Joseph 2, 8-18-23.png|Assembly first requires glueing the cardboard backing to the tinfoil reflective material with white glue
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E. Joseph 3 8-18-23.png|The reflectors begin to take shape
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E. Joseph 4, 8-18-23.png|The [[Solar Oven Reflectors|Solar Oven Reflector]] ovens assist in preparing lunch
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E. Joseph 5 8-18-23.png|Breadfruit is peeled and ready for baking
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E. Joseph 6, 8-18-23.png|Eliesheriff uses a motorcycle as a practical means of transport to reach these rural location on rough roads
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::::::::::::::::''Photo credit: [[Eliesheriff Joseph]]''
   
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*{{NewJul23}}'''July 2023: Cooking in the countryside''' - [[Eliesheriff Joseph]]reports: "A beautiful sunny day today, my friend Tig and I went to the Ravine Labour children's center, about an hour from Hinche, Haiti. They used all the solar ovens that [[Tom Hallquist]] sent them, and several I received from David Stillman." The menu included breadfruit, along with rice and beans. The group included 40 people, 20 adults and 20 young children. Eliesheriff and Tig spent five hours, cooking, sharing food, and training the participants on the solar cooker use.
*'''November 2011:''' [[Kevin Adair]] of [[El Fuego del Sol]], reports they are working on a major proposal for USAID for [[Haiti]] featuring solar cooking. The request for proposals from USAID appears to be terribly skewed in the direction of low pressure gas (LPG), at the expense of considering other alternatives. There are currently active programs in Haiti and the [[Dominican Republic]] promoting solar cookers used in conjunction with alternative fuel efficient stoves. This approach is explained in the [[Integrated Cooking Method]]. Read the [[Media:SOL-521-11-000007-1.pdf|USAID for HAITI Request for Proposals]]
 
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E. Joseph, 7-10-23.png|A crowd gathers around to inspect the solar cookers
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E. Joseph 2, 7-10-23.png|Young solar chefs attend to cooking the breadfruit
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::::::::::::::::''Photo credit: [[Eliesheriff Joseph]]''
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[[File:E. Joseph ceremony photo, 7-6-23.png|thumb|300px|Eliesheriff receives recognition from the Haitian government as sustainable leader]]
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*{{NewJul23}}'''July 2023: Eliesheriff receives recognition:''' - [[Eliesheriff Joseph]] has been recognized by the Haitian government for his promotion of sustainable development (use of green energy: solar cooking in Haiti), and leadership of social benevolence for his work introducing solar cooking to a number of orphanages located in the Hinche area. See more of his projects at: [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089157145029 Solar Ovens for Orphanages]
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*{{NewMar23}}'''March 2023:''' [[Eliesheriff Joseph]] has shared some photos of a recent solar cooking demonstration at the rural Donne orphanage in [[Haiti]]. This was the first solar cooking demonstration and teaching by Solar Ovens for Orphanages at this location. They have 8 teachers and 4 cooks on staff. Eliesheriff relates; 'About 70 children attended the demonstration and enjoyed the omelet and cakes. 60 eggs were prepared at the same time and 8 bags of cakes. It took 1.5 hours for cooking plus 15 minutes of preparation. The four cooks are the people responsible for preparing the omelet and cakes, I just supervise them. The event took place on March 23, 2023. I spent an hour training with the teachers, students and cooks during the demonstration teaching and answering questions. They used 8 of the 9 solar oven reflectors that [[Tom Hallquist]] had sent as a gift. The plan is to continue working with the orphanages and prepare a strong team in each orphanage to continue using the solar cookers, and I can come at any time to check them and see how things are going.'
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E. Joseph Donne 1, 3-27-23.png|Currently, the cooking has been done over open fires
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E. Joseph Donne 2, 3-27-23.png|The cooks prepare all the food for the eight solar panel cookers
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E. Joseph Donne 3, 3-27-23.png|Eliesheriff explains using the solar cookers
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E. Joseph Donne 4, 3-27-23.png|
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::::::::::::::::''Photo credit: [[Eliesheriff Joseph]]''
   
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*{{NewMar23}}'''March 2023:''' [[Eliesheriff Joseph]] has shared some photos of a recent solar cooking demonstration at a local Hinche orphanage in [[Haiti]], as they receive [[Sun Dome Solar Oven and Cooker|Sundome Solar Cookers]] generously provided by [[Tom Hallquist]]. Leading the gathering is Aline Innocent, educator and principal of the school located at the orphanage.
*'''May 2011:''' [[Solar Household Energy]] (SHE) has begun a cooperative relationship with Grupo Jaragua, a highly respected non-governmental organization in the [[Dominican Republic]], to support a solar cooking initiative. Grupo is aided by a Dominican eco-tourism and solar cooking advocate [[El Fuego del Sol]], which conducts the local assembly and subsidized sale of [[Sun Oven]] box cookers in rural communities near the Haitian border. They are also supporting The Nature Conservancy’s office in the Dominican Republic to add the [[integrated cooking method]] as a component of their reforestation project in [[Haiti]]. Read more in the [[Media:SHE_update_spring_2011.pdf|SHE spring update 2011]].
 
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E. Joseph 1, 3-13-23.png|Aline Innocent displays the cooked rice to the curious children
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E. Joseph 3, 3-13-23.png|Children gather around to see the new solar cooker
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E. Joseph 2, 3-13-23.png|Seeing how the food is cooked up close
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::::::::::::::::''Photo credit: [[Eliesheriff Joseph]]''
   
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*{{NewMar23}}'''March 2023:''' [[Tom Hallquist]] has provided an update on his cooperative efforts with [[Elie Joseph]] in [[Haiti]]. So far, Tom has provided fifty [[Sun Dome Solar Oven and Cooker|Sundome Solar Cookers]], and Elie Joseph has introduced to four local orphanages. Their arrangement is working, and Tom predicts more cookers can be sent in late summer or early fall 2023.
*'''February 2011: Solar cooker manufacturer offers additional aid to Haiti.''' - [[Sun Ovens International]] is pledging to match each Sun Oven bought through the company’s website or through any Sun Oven distributor. The company will match every Sun Oven purchased dollar for dollar and will donate all the proceeds of the sales to the disaster-stricken people in Haiti through the Friends of Haiti Organization (FOHO). Cash donations are also accepted and will also be matched. [http://www.prlog.org/11310295-sun-ovens-international-brings-solar-cooking-to-haiti.html More Information...]
 
   
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[[File:Elie Joseph island innovation, 2-13-23.png|thumb|300px|[[Elie Joseph]] has been chosen Island Innovation Ambassador representing Haiti]]
*'''January 2011: [http://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/31408-Clean-Currents-Donates-100-Solar-Cookers-to-Primary-Schools-in-Port-au-Prince Clean Currents Donates 100 Solar Cookers to Primary Schools in Port-au-Prince]''' Joining the movement to train primary school students and provide them a solar cooker is [[Clean Currents]], a Mid-Atlantic green energy provider. Announced on Jan. 12th, it will be purchasing 100 solar cookers to benefit schools in Port-au-Prince, [[Haiti]]. [[Solar Cookers International]] will be distributing the solar cookers and will provide on-site training through its network of staff and volunteers in Haiti. "Reaching students in their classrooms and teaching them a new lifestyle habit like solar cooking is a positive and accessible way to improve lives and the global environment," said [[AmyJo Mattheis]], Executive Director of Solar Cookers International.
 
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*{{NewFeb23}}'''February 2023:''' [[Eliesheriff Joseph]] has been chosen Island Innovation Ambassador representing [[Haiti]]. As an Ambassador, he will serve as a representative of his community in a global network of island stakeholders. The ambassador network allows for global exchange of knowledge and expertise without geographic limitation, and encourages collaboration between entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, and other community leaders. HIs tirHisss efforts of promoting health and solar cooking in his Hinche community makes him a worthy ambassador.
* '''January 2011: Haiti - One year later:''' Haiti continues to benefit from solar cooking. [[Solar Cookers International]] (SCI) and [[International Child Care Ministries]] (ICCM) are working to expand a project in the schools around Port Au Prince to integrate solar cooking into the 5th grade science curriculum. The goal is that each student will receive a [[CooKit]] to use each day in preparing and cooking their lunch, all the time learning about science. Training and certification of teachers continues, as do SCI’s efforts to secure funding to provide 2000 more CooKits for this school project. To date, SCI has provided 200 CooKits, pots and [[Water Pasteurization Indicator]]s (WAPIs) for four schools. With [http://www.solarcookers.org/support/donations.html your help], we will achieve our goal of 2000 more! Reaching students in their classrooms, teaching a new lifestyle habit, while at the same time providing environment education is a winning program. Background: SCI, in collaboration with [[Sun Ovens International]] and ICCM, distributed over 400 [[CooKit]]s in Haiti immediately following the devastating earthquake there. Near the community of Pigeon, 135 Haitians were trained in solar cooking by [[Programme Energie Solaire]]. Each participant received a CooKit, a [[pot]] and a WAPI, giving these earthquake survivors a method to cook their food and [[pasteurize]] their water without need of scarce and expensive fuel. Solar cooking is technology that offers relief in disaster situations: 1) When infrastructures are in ruins and no energy or gas is available, solar cooking utilizes the sun to cook hot food; 2) When fuel is scarce, cooking with the sun offers a clean, workable solution; 3) Solar cookers fight cholera by heating water to pasteurization temperatures (65°C or 150°F); and 4) Using a solar cooker requires only the sun, and does not necessitate searching for other forms of fuel. Families can stay together and remain safe. SCI thanks you for your ongoing support for solar cooking in Haiti.
 
   
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*{{NewFeb23}}'''February 2023: Demonstrating solar cooking at the local orphanage''' - [[Eliesheriff Joseph]] held this demonstration at the orphanage in Hinche, [[Haiti]] run by Pastor Lavaud. Staff at the orphanage related that they love cooking out in the open in full sun. Using the solar cooker has made a measurable drop in the amount of charcoal and firewood they typically use. [[Tom Hallquist]], living in {{state|Wisconsin}}, [[USA]], supported the projected and provided the [[Sun Dome Solar Oven and Cooker|Sundome Solar Cookers]].
* '''January 2011:''' InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) focused on the world’s poor and most vulnerable people, has developed a [http://haiti.ngoaidmap.org/ Haiti Aid Map] of projects conducted by its member organizations. [[Solar Cookers International]]'s efforts to provide solar cookers to survivors of last year's devistating earthquake are [http://haiti.ngoaidmap.org/organizations/64 included]. Please consider [http://www.solarcookers.org/support/donations.html#haiti supporting] SCI's relief efforts in Haiti.
 
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E. Joseph demo orphanage 1, 2-8-23.png|The reflectors of the [[Sun Dome Solar Oven and Cooker|Sundome Solar Cookers]] are removed to check on the cooking food.
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E. Joseph demo orphanage 2, 2-8-23.png|The cookers are arranged along the wall cooking away. ''Photo credits: [[Elie Joseph]]''
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*{{NewJan23}}'''January 2023: Solar cooking demonstration in Hinche''' - REPAS-S joined [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064274820320 UNDH Hinche] to promote solar cookers in Haiti for a sustainable future. REPAS-S is an organization in Haiti that has focused on health and education solutions. They have begun to also support environmental and sustainability approaches which fit their mission. [[Eliesheriff Joseph]] relates his experience at the demonstration - "On Friday, January 20, 2023, I led a great training for the REPAS-S core group . We worked on a paper on solar ovens, which is very practical and afterwards we cooked an omelet. To prepare the omelet we had 30 eggs, 4 peppers, 8 tomatoes, 1 salami, some oil, a spoonful of salt powder, some maggie and 4 onions. We used 3 solar cookers and 10 eggs for each of them. Yfedna cut the 4 peppers, 8 tomatoes, 1 salami and 4 onions into several pieces. She broke the eggs and beat them briefly with all the first ingredients. Mix well. We put a spoon and a half of oil in each pot. We put e three [[Haines 2.0]] cookers in the sun with the pot for 10 minutes before putting the omelet on to preheat. In 35 minutes the omelet was ready to eat. For the REPA-S core group, this was amazing because they had no idea that we could have the omelet in the Haines 2.0 in 35 minutes! They are very proud and can't wait to go and make disciples like me. One of the leaders of the orphanage (the place where I did the training) was very excited to attend this experience. He really enjoys this technology. They are very excited because they can cook in the sun. I promised them a demonstration for the orphans."
[[File:Jose'_Andre's_photo.jpg|thumb|150px|Chef [[José Andrés]] Listen to a recent [http://thekojonnamdishow.org/audio-player?nid=17843 interview].]]
 
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* '''November 2010: Celebrity chef helps in Haiti.''' This past year [[José Andrés]], an internationally known chef and social activist, has been doing his part to help the people of [[Haiti]]. When he had lost power at his own home for a few days, following a severe snowstorm, he discovered the magic of solar cooking. He was amazed how efficiently a [[parabolic solar cooker]], which had been given to him and had sat unused, performed on a cold but cloudless day. In spring 2010 he was part of a team from [[Solar For Hope]], which headed to Haiti to help with earthquake relief. As part of their efforts they distributed [[parabolic solar cooker]]s and provided training. He feels the parabolic cooker is well-suited to prepare the traditional local fried food recipes. Andrés believes a pressurized cook pot is also a valuable asset to promote with solar cooking. It can shorten cooking times, and provide additional cooking, once the pot is removed from the oven. Listen to a recent [http://thekojonnamdishow.org/audio-player?nid=17843 interview] with José about the project. Inspired by his initial experience in Haiti, José created the [[World Central Kitchen]], a foundation focused on feeding vulnerable people, supporting the local agricultural economy through local food purchases, and promoting nutritious foods, recipes, and environmentally sustainable cooking fuels and technologies. José is returning to Haiti, and the World Central Kitchen, in partnership with Grameen Creative Lab, is planning to build a commercial kitchen with the capacity to feed 10,000 people daily. The goal is to create a sustainable "social business" for the people that have the least. They plan to serve a nearby orphanage, school, hospital, and local residents. Solar cookers will be play a central role in the project.
 
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E. Joseph workshop 1, 1-25-23.png|Elie Joseph explains the features of the [[Haines 2.0]] solar panel cooker
[[File:IMG_0663.JPG#filelinks|right|150px]][[File:IMG_1041.JPG#filelinks|right|150px]]
 
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E. Joseph workshop 2, 1-25-23.png|Yfedna checked on the cooking food, ''Photos credit: Elie Joseph''
*'''October 2010:''' John McGreevy, a recent graduate of Elon University in North Carolina, spent three weeks in Haiti, two before the earthquake and one after. Prior to the earthquake his time was spent conducting research on solar cooking. He took ten solar cookers to the rural village of Layaye, put on demonstrations and delivered cookers to families. He also recorded his findings in order to understand the potential for solar cooking in that area. His research was presented at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research in Montana and a photojournalism article was published in [http://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/academics/elon_college/environmental_studies/visions2010.pdf Visions] Elon University's environmental magazine.
 
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*'''August 2010:''' The devastating 2010 earthquake crippled the fragile infrastructure of the Haitian capital leaving millions with no way of preparing meals and no solution in sight. [[Solar Liberty Foundation]] was also able to provide help. The foundation provided a shipment of solar cookers to the Haitian Bouske organization. [http://www.solarliberty.org/projects/empower-haiti.php More Information...]
 
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[[File:Elie Joseph visit to Hinche orphanage 2, 11-18-22 copy.png|thumb|400px|[[Elie Joseph]] holds a solar cooking demonstration at a Hinche orphanage. ''Photo credit: [[Eliesheriff Joseph]]'']]
[[File:Haiti_Solar_oven_partners_5-2-10.jpg|right|150px]]
 
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*{{NewNov22}}'''November 2022: Solar cooking workshop in Hinche''' - [[Eliesheriff Joseph]] visits a large orphanage in the city of Hinche, [[Haiti]], to present the option using of solar cooking to prepare meals. Currently they use charcoal and propane to cook with. After the demonstration, they felt that solar ovens would be the best option to help them save money and preserve the environment.
*'''May 2010:''' So far, 3,600 solar ovens have been distributed to trained solar cooks through [[Solar Oven Partners]]. Experienced, passionate Haitian leaders have been directing the program. Positive feedback and frequent use of ovens for cooking, baking and water pasteurization has been reported. In March, the self-motivated Haitian trainers and Assembly Lady completed a series of three seminars, with the assembly and distribution of 241 ovens. In April, another 80-85 participants completed a seminar. Solar Oven Partners hope to reach a total distribution of 5,000 solar ovens in near term.
 
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[[File:BEM_Haiti_photo_4-25-10.jpg|thumb|300px|BEM solar cooking training]]
 
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*{{NewNov22}}'''November 2022: Solar cooking workshop in Hinche''' - [[Eliesheriff Joseph]] organized and hosted another workshop in Hinche, [[Haiti]]. The workshop was held in a small area of Hinche called Lamare with about 60 people attending. After the workshop, people asked Elie for his solar oven or they asked where they could find one to buy! The next workshop will be held next month, in December 2022.
*'''April 2010:''' A [[Solar For Hope]] team headed for [[Haiti]] to help provide earthquake relief. As part of their efforts, they distributed ten [[AlSol 1.4]] [[parabolic solar cooker]]s. The package included accessories and equipment for cooking with retained heat, and also workshop training for preparation of indigenous foods. Noted international chef and social activist, Jose' Andre's, was part of the team that also included writers, environmental activists, and members of Engineers Without Borders.
 
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*'''April 2010''' Four hundred and fifty [[Sol*Saver Water Pasteurizer]]s have recently been shipped to Haiti to assist with safe water availability. This is happening through the efforts of [[John Grandinetti]], a solar inventor.
 
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Elie workshop in Hinche, 11-10-22.png|60 people people gathered for the workshop hosted by [[Eliesheriff Joseph]]. ''Photo credit: Eliesheriff Joseph''
*'''April 2010:''' Bethesda Evangelical Mission has been promoting inexpensive solar cookers, both [[CooKit]]s and homemade, as well as simple photovoltaic systems in Haiti. [http://www.bemhaiti.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=96:solar-cooking-in-haiti&catid=5:blog More Information...]
 
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A wonderful egg and vegetable dish was prepared, HInche, 11-10-22.png|A wonderful egg and vegetable dish was prepared and served to attendees. ''Photo credit: Eliesheriff Joseph''
[[File:Haiti_Cookit_4-22-10.jpg|thumb|300px|CooKit in use at training in Pigeon]]
 
*'''April 2010:''' A recent training occurred in Pigeon, Haiti for people from the areas affected by the earthquake. 135 people participated in eight hours of training over a two day period. It was led by two Haitian trainers, a cook from the [[Programme Energie Solaire]] of the Free Methodist Mission, and [[Paul Munsen]]. Lunch was prepared in [[CooKit]]s and [[Sun Oven]]s and served to the participants both days. As part of the written training materials, each participant was given a log to keep track of the number of times they use the CooKit, the amount of charcoal they saved and the amount of money they saved by not buying charcoal. Those who keep the log for 30 days and used the CooKit on the majority of sunny days can use their log as the down payment on a subsidized Global Sun Oven. They can purchase a [[Global Sun Oven]] for $25 USD and have up 12 months to pay it off using money they save by not buying charcoal. From past experience we estimate that 2/3 of the people who receive the CooKits will follow though and receive a Sun Oven. 90 Global Sun Ovens have been made available for this project. A [[Villager Sun Oven]], which was donated by the Rotary Clubs of Rotary District 6450 (Chicago), was also installed. The Villager Sun Oven will be used to cook lunches for the school and in the afternoon bread will baked. The bread will be sold to help generate income for the school.
 
*'''February 25, 2010:''' With hundreds of thousands of Haitians homeless and living in tent camps, [[Sun Ovens International]] is continuing to place as many ovens in camps as possible. In late February, [[Paul Munsen]] traveled to Haiti and initiated distribution and training in seven tent camps. A committee was formed in each camp to determine who would receive the [[Sun Oven]]s and look for ways to increase utilization. At each location many people who were not able to receive a Sun Oven pleaded for additional ovens. For additional information about Sun Ovens International's work in Haiti, [http://www.sunoven.com/international/haiti.php click here]. As shown in the photos below, camps are in open fields, schoolyards or anywhere space is available. Previously trained staff from ''Programme Energie Solaire'' of the Free Methodist Inland Mission have been employed to conduct training sessions. Paul Munsen loaded his rental car with ovens to take to the camps where he met with a camp committees. Training on the use of [[WAPI]]s for [[water pasteurization]] was also provided. Children and adults were eager to learn how to cook with the sun.
 
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[[File:Elie Sheriff workshop, 9-12-22.png|thumb|350px|[[Eliesheriff Joseph]] conducted another workshop in Lamare, near Hinche ''Photo credit:Elie Sheriff'']]
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*{{NewSep22}}'''September 2022: Cooking workshop''' - [[Eliesheriff Joseph]] conducted a solar cooker building and use workshop in Lamare, near Hinche [[Haiti]]. About 60 people were present during the demonstration, where they learned why it is important to use solar cooking. They were taught how to build the [[Copenhagen Solar Cooker Light|Copenhagen Beast]] (the large version). Using new cooking techniques when using the cookers, they experienced different types of food prepared in the cookers, such as eggs, rice and beans, sweet potatoes, etc….
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[[File:E. Joseph builds Copenhaugens, 12-16-21.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Eliesheriff Joseph]] poses with the newly built 'Beast" Copenhagen solar cookers for the Hinche community. ''Photo credit: Eliesheriff Joseph'']]
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*{{NewDec21}}'''December 2021:''' Continuing his steady stream of projects, [[Eliesheriff Joseph]] recently completed a workshop on building the [https://www.instructables.com/Copenhagen-Grande-Solar-Cooker/?fbclid=IwAR2jvKtltpP9jWHt9Fll-jk6rpEo6I2dBZzUfwZhUzeF8gmkce8RE8fWcoM 'Beast' Copenhagen solar cooker]. Relatively simple to build, the Copenhagen design has been proven to be an effective [[:Category:Solar panel cooker designs|solar panel cooker]]. It appears they were able build seven cookers for use in the Hinche community. The project came about with assistance from [[Mary Buchenic]] and Jennifer Gasser of the [[Solar Education Project]]. Last year, Eliesheriff partnered with students at [https://ysu.edu Youngstown State University] in {{State|Ohio}}, [[USA]] and the Solar Education Project to run tests on the large home made Copenhagen oven. Before he could test it, he had to learn how to build it! Solar Education Project guided him through the process and provided funds for materials and time.
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*{{NewOct21}}'''October 2021:''' [[Eliesheriff Joseph]] conducts a solar cooking demonstration in the countryside around Hinche.
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:::::::[[File:Eliesheriff Joseph hosts demonstration in Haiti, 10-11-21.png|left|400px]]
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[[File:Elisheriff Joseph workshop in Hinche, Haiti, 4-23-21.png|thumb|300px|Eliesheriff Joseph conducts a 'hands-on' workshop on solar cooking at a primary school in Hinche, Haiti, ''Photo credit: [[Eliesheriff Joseph]]'']]
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*{{NewApr21}}'''April 2021: Youth oriented solar cooking workshop in Hinche''' - [https://www.facebook.com/groups/16213904406/user/100012688329585/ Eliesheriff Joseph] has begun taking solar cooking workshops to primary schools in [[Haiti]]. This is part of a [https://study.com/teach/stem-education.html STEM] student participatory program. Eliesheriff has worked with other students and teachers, and plans to continue his introductory workshops.
   
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*{{NewFeb19}}'''January 2019: [https://www.clintonfoundation.org/clinton-global-initiative/commitment/solar-energy-drying-haiti-reducing-peanut-loss Solar Energy Drying in Haiti: Reducing Peanut Loss] - '''In 2019, [[Sun Buckets]] in partnership with Acceso Peanut Company committed to research the causes and extent of post-harvest peanut loss in Haiti and design, build, and field test a prototype crop [[dryer]] utilizing solar [[thermal storage]], a product that can also be used for household cooking. Throughout Haiti, the domestic peanut market is characterized by low production volumes and high seasonal price volatility. As such, Haitian peanut farmers often store their peanut harvest for several months until they are able to receive more favorable prices in the market. Often, the crop is exposed to humid conditions without proper ventilation leading to contamination. Through this commitment, Sun Buckets will test the hypothesis that drying practices are the foundational cause of most peanut losses and create a prototype storage container that collects, stores, and recovers solar thermal energy to not only heat air and product, but also move air as needed for a dryer.
*'''February 15, 2010:''' [[Jack Anderson]] reports: [[Paul Munsen]] is going to Port-au-Prince next week to establish some connections with the Free Methodists and others. There could be as many as 80 [[Sun Oven]]s there that didn't get crushed or damaged. Right now I am trying to connect with experienced trainers that might take jobs in any of the projects that surface. So it is a planning and capacity building phase that we are in. The energy, consciousness and cooperation among all of our solar colleagues is very inspiring and somewhat humbling in the face of such a huge catastrophe.
 
   
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[[File:Alan_Bigelow_in_Haiti,_4-18.png|thumb|300px|SCI Science Director, [[Alan Bigelow| Dr. Alan Bigelow]], meets with University Notre Dame Hinche students to discuss solar cooking technology ''Photo credit: [[SCI]]'']]
*'''February 7, 2010:''' [http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/jupiter-church-has-solar-ovens-for-haiti-that-219716.html Jupiter church has solar ovens for Haiti that can't get there] - ''Palm Beach Post News''
 
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*{{NewJul18}}'''July 2018: SCI Science Director visits Haiti''' - [[Alan Bigelow| Dr. Alan Bigelow]] worked in [[Haiti]] with SCI Associate Rose Bazile to share solar cooking technology and the [[Testing#SCI_Performance_Evaluation_Process_.28PEP.29|Performance Evaluation Process]]. They discussed [[water pasteurization]], [[:Category:Solar cooker designs|types]] of solar cookers, and integration with biogas with [https://www.facebook.com/Université-Notre-Dame-DHaïti-UDERS-De-Hinche-157457264958157/ University Notre Dame Hinche] students, professors, and graduates during their Science Day presentation. They also worked with the local group Haitian Adolescent Girls Network (HAGN) to educate young girls about the benefits of using solar cooking for [[Business development|entrepreneurial opportunities]].
*'''February 1, 2010:''' [[Media:Solar_Cooking_Haiti_Brief_.pdf | Solar Cooking briefing document for Haiti]]
 
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*{{NewJun18}}'''February 2018:''' [[Bolivia Inti-Sud Soleil]] visits Haiti to consult on improving the cooking situation there: {{GoogleLinkAuto|http://boliviainti-sudsoleil.org/spip.php?article1056|HAÏTI - Retour sur la mission d’expertise}}
*'''January 30, 2010:''' [http://thebarbwire.blogspot.com/2010/01/from-dr-judy-ann-fisher-in-haiti-on-sun.html Solar ovens "cooking up a storm" for quake victims in Petite Riviere De Nippes, Haiti].
 
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[[File:Solavore_Haiti_2018.jpg|right|300px]]
[[File:Villager_DPRK.jpg|thumb|The [[Villager Sun Oven]] can cook large amounts of food.]]
 
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*{{NewJan18}}'''January 2018:''' [[Solavore]] reports: This month the [https://www.haitigirlsnetwork.org/ Haiti Adolescent Girls Network] (HAGN) has launched their solar-cooking micro-enterprise program for sixteen aspiring teen girls. In this program each participant will receive a [[Solavore Sport]] solar oven, cooking (and solar cooking) training, and basic business skills training. They’ll be cooking food and baked goods to sell at market as their first step in becoming independent businesswomen. Imagine the impact on their gross margin by not having to purchase charcoal at Haiti’s escalating prices.
*'''January 29, 2010: [[Sun Ovens International]] Update:''' Much progress has been made in the efforts to expand the use of Sun Ovens to [[Haiti]]. On January 28, 2010, 2 large [[Villager Sun Oven]]s, 160 [[Global Sun Oven]]s, 200 [[CooKit]]s and 2,000 [[Water Pasteurization Indicator]]s (WAPIs) have been shipped. In addition, arrangements are underway for 297 Haitian made Global Sun Ovens from the assembly plant in Lambert Haiti to be distributed to families left homeless by the recent earthquake. A shipment of parts to reopen the assembly plant is scheduled for February 8. A partnership has been initiated with Bright Hope International, an NGO which has been working in Haiti for more than 15 years. The majority of the Sun Ovens will be distributed to families living in a tent city which has sprung up at a garbage dump in Port au Prince. Bright Hope is currently providing food and medicine to 429 families at this location. Some of the ovens will also be used in tent cities in Pignon which is 79 miles north of Port-au-Prince and has doubled in size from 35,000 to 65,000 people in the past two weeks. I will be traveling to Haiti in early February to assist in the distribution and training. Bright Hope plans to send additional shipments to Haiti of food, medicine and Sun Ovens throughout the month of February. With hundreds of thousands of Haitians homeless and living in make shift tent camps the need for Sun Ovens is immense. Most of the tent camps and are using charcoal to cook. The smoke in these camps strains the health of women and children who are all ready malnourished and dehydrated. The cost of each Sun Oven with two pots and WAPIs is $199. Donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated. Donations should be made out to Friends of Haiti Organization, PO Box 222, Holland, OH 43528, USA (Please note the donation is for the Sun Oven project.)
 
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*{{NewMay17}}'''May 2017: Evidence: Solar cooking initiatives in Haiti''' -  From [[SCI]]’s research and polling of the solar cooking sector, there is strong evidence that solar cooking started in [[Haiti]] in the late 1970s and continues to this day. Twenty-six SCI partners reported at least 14,000 solar cookers have either been brought to, or built in, Haiti in 47 locations. Because many open-source options are available for building one’s own solar cooker using local materials, the number is most likely greater than 14,000. Types of solar cookers in Haiti include reflective [[solar panel cookers]], [[solar box cookers]], and [[parabolic reflectors]]. Also, several dozen [[Institutional solar cooker designs|community-scale solar cookers]] that can cook hundreds, to over a thousand, meals per day were sent to or installed in Haiti. Some were destroyed in the 2010 Haiti earthquake. So the state or location of some solar cookers remains unknown. At the request of the [[Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves]], Solar Cookers International submitted this information for inclusion in the Preliminary Action Plan for the Transformation of the Cookstoves and Fuels Market in Haiti; prepared by the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves and funded by Global Affairs Canada.
*'''January 2010:''' [http://www.recorderonline.com/news/wapis-44322-haiti-rotary.html Water Pasteurization Indicators set to go to Haiti] - ''Recorder Online''
 
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*{{NewApr17}}'''April 2017: Your urgent help needed: Contribute to advocacy for solar cooking in Haiti''' - [[Solar Cookers International]] (SCI) participated in a high-level meeting in Haiti last month regarding a preliminary action plan to transform the cookstoves and fuels market in Haiti. As a result, the [[Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves]] asked SCI and other participants to provide feedback on the action plan. The current draft of the plan recognizes the deep tradition of using wood and charcoal as cooking fuel in Haiti and acknowledges how the wood and charcoal trade is interlinked with livelihoods and the economy in Haiti. The Global Alliance is proposing interventions with a multi-fuel approach. However, since assessments from consultants did not reveal solar cooking use in Haiti, solar-thermal energy is not currently viewed as a viable option for the interventions. With your help, we can work to include solar-thermal cooking for Haiti’s plan. This presents an opportunity for SCI to let the Global Alliance know about the extent of solar cooking in Haiti. SCI is eager for solar cooking to be included and be accepted as a viable option for no-emissions cooking. Solar cooking has a role to drive long-term progress from cleaner and more efficient toward clean and sustainable cooking solutions in Haiti. To strengthen the case to include solar cooking in the action plan, it is crucial to convey to the Alliance that solar cooking has traction and is used in Haiti. To help build this case, SCI is reaching out to all solar cooking partners that have been involved with solar cooking in Haiti. If you and/or your organization has been involved with solar cooking projects in Haiti, SCI would like to hear from you. SCI welcomes your input in the form of data on baseline information, number and type of solar cookers, number of years of the project, location, outcomes, etc. Please submit your supportive summaries and Haiti data to SCI by 30 April 2017 at [mailto:info@solarcookers.org info@solarcookers.org]. See also [https://cleancookstoves.org/binary-data/RESOURCE/file/000/000/476-1.pdf background information] posted on the Global Alliance's website.
*'''January 2010:''' [http://www.capradio.org/articles/articledetail.aspx?articleid=7705 Solar Cookers Head to Haiti] (Audio) - ''Capital Public Radio''
 
[[Image:Sun_Ovens_International_assembly_in_Haiti_April_2008.jpg|right|370px]]
 
*'''April 2008:''' [[Sun Ovens International]] is now assembling the [[Global Sun Oven]] in a factory in Haiti. A microfinance system is being used to make these ovens available to poor people who need them. An average family spends $2.30 (U.S.) per week to purchase charcoal. A Sun Oven can be used for 70% of their cooking and will save an average of $1.61 a week in charcoal expenditures. Weekly payments are set at $ .97 (60% of the savings); the remaining $ .64 per week creates an incentive to solar cook and takes money that literally was going up in smoke, distributing it through the local economy. Initially, the challenge of implementing this system was that women in Haiti live very much one day at a time and even though they saved a high percentage of their income by using a Sun Oven, they rarely had a long enough view to understand that they were saving money. To overcome this problem, cardboard solar panel cookers were introduced. Women received 3 days of training centered around the construction of a cardboard solar panel cooker, the principals and concepts of solar cooking, and the frailty of the Haitian environment. The training occurs over lunchtime, and the first two days, Haitian foods are cooked in Sun Ovens and served for lunch. On the third day, a solar potluck is held. Each student prepares food in their own cardboard cooker and shares it with fellow trainees. As part of the training, participants receive a log allowing them to document the use of their cardboard cooker and the amount of money they saved by not using charcoal. Participants who use their solar panel cooker on sunny days, for 90 days or longer, can use their log as a down payment on a Sun Oven. The Sun Ovens cook food much faster and can be used to cook the evening meals. After 90 days of documenting the use of the cardboard cooker, women have a much better understanding of the financial benefits of cooking with the sun and are eager to agree to a payment plan to obtain a Sun Oven.
 
[[Image:Solar_Oven_Partners_March_2008_1.jpg|right|255px]]
 
*'''March 2008:''' For nearly a decade, [[Solar Oven Partners]] (SOP) has been providing Haitians with needed relief from wood-fueled cooking in the form of solar ovens. Volunteers in Brookings, South Dakota (USA) use donated or discounted raw materials to build numerous solar oven components, which are then boxed up and shipped to Haiti for final assembly. The wooden, box-style solar ovens cost about $60 to make with volunteer labor, and are based on one of [[Richard Wareham]]’s [[SunStove]]® designs. Each solar oven is packaged with three black cooking pots, a [[Water Pasteurization Indicator]] (WAPI), and a recipe booklet. Haitians pay a modest fee for the ovens, which they receive upon completion of a training course. [[Image:Solar_Oven_Partners_March_2008_2.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Five South Dakota State University football players volunteered to load the sea container with 1000 unassembled solar box cookers destined for Haiti.]]Last July, a team of SOP volunteers visited Haiti for the 22nd time. They assembled 74 solar cookers and trained 80 families how to cook and [[Water pasteurization|pasteurize water]] with solar energy. Throughout the year, Haitians [[Montas and Raymonde Joseph]] conduct additional SOP trainings and sell solar ovens. They historically relied on the volunteer teams to come to Haiti and assemble cookers, which was not always sufficient to meet demand. In response, SOP has contracted with a young Haitian woman named [[Italis Jeanne Milcar]] to assure that enough ovens are available for the trainings. In just a few short months, Milcar had already assembled nearly 350 cookers and 100 WAPIs! Two years ago, SOP converted a 12.2-meter sea container for use as a storage facility for solar cookers in Haiti. They recently purchased a second container, and after 10 months of hard work, were able to fill it to capacity with components for an additional 1000 cookers, soon to be shipped to Haiti.
 
   
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[[File:Solar_Team_Chantal_-_January_2017.jpg|thumb|Solar Team Chantal, Chantal, Haiti. January 2017. Photo: M. Buchenic.]]
*'''April 2007:''' The [[Kyoto Twist Solar Cooking Society]] (KTSCS) continues its efforts to raise funds for solar cooking projects that reduce poverty in sun-rich, fuel-poor countries while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (The “twist” part of the name comes from the idea that those living in wealthier nations can change, or twist, their priorities and lifestyles to better share limited resources with those most in need.) KTSCS works with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that have solar cooker experience and a proven track record in countries where solar cookers are an appropriate technology. NGOs can request an application packet for consideration of funding. Project structure, recipient family selection parameters, training procedures, and follow-up services must be described in detail. To track the effectiveness of the projects, and to provide accountability to its donors, KTSCS will track the success of recipient families, their financial savings due to solar cooker use, and their greenhouse gas emission reductions. KTSCS funded its first pilot project in November 2005. The group that received funding -- [[Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team]] (AMURT) -- has worked in [[Haiti]] for over 15 years and has experience conducting solar cooker projects. “The Spirit of the Kyoto [Protocol] is international cooperation on what is now being called the biggest challenge mankind has ever faced ¬ massive and rapid climate change,” states the KTSCS Web site. “At an average cost of ten dollars per tonne, donating to KTSCS is an effective way to help make a difference. Cooking fires in the world today consume an estimated one billion cubic meters of wood or biomass annually, which produces an estimated one billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. Those are easy figures to remember and very significant in the mitigation of global warming.”
 
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*{{NewApr17}}'''April 2017:''' We Care to Share is a medical dental mission organized by Dr. Sarah John, a physician from Virginia and Pastor Francois Yves of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palm Springs, Florida. Since 2010, the team has travelled to Chantal, [[Haiti]] to support the convent medical clinic run by Les Sœurs Missionaires de l'Immaculée. Over two years, We Care to Share upgraded the kitchen facility at the church-run school adjacent to the convent and lessened reliance on charcoal and wood as cooking fuel. In furtherance of that goal, a Solar Cooking Team -- [[Mary Buchenic]], Jennifer Gasser, Sharon Cousins, Stacy Desrosier, and Scouts Russell Desrosier, and Parthiv Chigurupati -- was invited to join them on their most recent mission in January 2017. The Solar Cooking Team conducted solar cooker demonstrations in Port-au-Prince in transit to Chantal. The ovens introduced were the [[SolSource]] parabolic by One Earth Designs, Haines Solar Cookers, a homemade box oven, and locally sourced foiled bowl/panel cookers. The main objective was to facilitate successful cooking of traditional Haitian meals. During our four days in Chantal, we met with the school cooks for one cooking session during which they prepared a delicious meal of spaghetti with herring on the SolSource. The other three days the Team met with a local women's group to learn about solar cooking. The women's group (which included a number of men) formed “Solar Team Chantal”. They cooked rice and beans on the SolSource. Cakes and rice were prepared in the other cookers, and water pasteurization was demonstrated. DIY sessions were held each day. At the end of the project, two parabolic concentrators, 40 Haines cookers, and materials for the bowl/panel cooker were donated to the cooks and the women's group. The women's group, aka Solar Team Chantal, has since begun demonstrating solar cooking to others in the community. Members are in communication with the Solar Cooking Team. Additional follow-up is planned in Chantal as well as in Port-au-Prince. The Solar Cooking Team has planned a follow-up trip to Haiti.
   
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{{OldNewsLink}}
*'''November 2006:''' [[Solar Oven Partners]], based in Brookings, South Dakota ([[USA]]), recently shipped 500 unassembled solar box cookers to Haiti as part of its ongoing efforts there. Working with local volunteers, a [[United Methodist Volunteers in Mission]] team assembled 250 of the cookers and also helped to convert a donated 40-foot (12.2-meter) sea container into a solar cooker storage and assembly facility. [[Solar Oven Partners]] is working to train a local Haitian woman to lead future production efforts in Haiti. '''''Contact:''''' ''[[Solar Oven Partners]], Brookings 1st United Methodist Church, 625 Fifth Street, Brookings, South Dakota 57006, USA. Tel: 605-692-3391, Web: [http://www.gbgm-umc.org/solarovenshaiti www.gbgm-umc.org/solarovenshaiti]''
 
   
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==Resources==
*'''November 2006:''' [[Global Sun Ovens]]® — the durable box-type solar cookers developed by [[Sun Ovens International]] — are now being assembled in the [[Dominican Republic]] for use there and in Haiti, the Caribbean, and Central America. [[Kevin Adair]], owner of [[Force of the Sun]], says his company offers the ovens for sale at a significant discount to nonprofit organizations. He predicts the company will distribute 50,000 solar cookers regionally in the next three years. [[Force of the Sun]] began full production of [[Global Sun Ovens]]® in May, and shipped its first cookers to Haiti in June. The factory was designed by solar cooking expert [[Jack Anderson]] and is located in the Higuey Zona Franca Ecological in Altagracia Province. Additional space is available for rent to other nonprofits and manufacturers of ecologically sensitive products. Adair believes that by networking with other groups in the [[Dominican Republic]], he will be able to spread the solar cooking idea faster. The company offers training to nonprofits that will distribute solar cookers. [[Force of the Sun]] is seeking volunteers to teach solar cooking skills in Haiti. '''''Contact:''''' ''[[Kevin Adair]], [[Force of the Sun]], c/o Adair Performance CxA, Higuey Zona Franca #7, Higuey, [[Dominican Republic]]. E-mail: [mailto:KevAdair@aol.com KevAdair@aol.com]
 
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*{{NewDec20}}'''February 2017:''' [[Media:2017-02-Solar-stove...Tilori Eval-Rpt to-SELF SHE.pdf|Solar Stove Adoption Project in Tilori, Haiti]] - ''[[Solar Household Energy]]''
[[Image:Haiti_woman_tests_reflectors_for_Dakota_Sunstove.jpg|thumb|right|A Haiti woman testing new add-on reflectors available for the Dakota SUNSTOVE(r) solar cooker]]
 
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*{{NewJan17}}'''December 1977:''' [[Media:Solar_cookers_for_haiti_1977.pdf|Solar Cookers for Haiti]] - ''Bowman, Sharber, Blatt''
*'''August 2006:''' [[Solar Oven Partners]], based in Brookings, South Dakota ([[USA]]) has been active in Haiti for years, where it has distributed thousands of solar cookers. In a recent edition of their newsletter, [[Solar Oven Partners]] presented the results of a survey of 15 Haitian solar cooks. Asked how many days they would use their solar cookers during a 10-day sunny period, seven said every day, two said seven to eight days, and the remaining six would solar cook two to five of the ten days. Solar meals have included meat, macaroni, cake, rice, beans, fish, vegetables, bread, eggs, and cornbread. Eleven of the 15 surveyed said they had explained solar cookers to others who then became interested in acquiring their own. On average, families indicated that charcoal now lasts two to three times longer than it did before solar cooking. [[Solar Oven Partners]] plans to distribute 1,000 more solar cookers during 2006. '''''Contact:''''' ''[[Solar Oven Partners]], Brookings 1st United Methodist Church, 625 Fifth Street, Brookings, South Dakota 57006, [[USA]]. Tel: 605-692-3391, Web: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/solarovenshaiti''
 
   
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===Articles in the media===
*'''July 2005:''' [[Communities in Partnership]], a [[Canada|Canadian]] organization that promotes solar cooking in Haiti, has introduced a new twist — the "[[Kyoto Twist Solar Cooking Society|Kyoto Twist]]." [[Canada]]’s government is encouraging its citizens to fight global climate change by reducing individual emissions of greenhouse gasses by one ton per year. Solar cookers in developing countries that displace the use of firewood save an estimated one to two tons of greenhouse gasses per year. The [[Kyoto Twist Solar Cooking Society|Kyoto Twist]] — named for the world’s greenhouse gas reduction treaty — enables Canadians to buy a solar cooker for a family in Haiti. The Haitian family gets immediate relief from firewood scarcity, high fuel prices and smoky kitchens, while the Canadian chalks up at least a one-ton reduction in greenhouse gasses. '''''Contact:''''' ''[[Jack Anderson]], Box 191, Lund, BC V0N2G0, Canada. E-mail: [mailto:jackanderson@prcn.org jackanderson@prcn.org]''
 
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*{{NewApr18}}'''April 2018:''' [http://www.vindy.com/news/2018/apr/17/hubbard-lawyer-runs-nonprofit-to-maximiz/ John Buchenic created Global Development Solutions to support international nonprofit agencies.] - ''The Vindicator''
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*{{NewApr16}}'''April 2016:'''  [http://www.clarku.edu/articles/these-clark-entrepreneurs-have-some-big-ideas These Clark entrepreneurs have some big ideas (Sun Top Solar Cookers)]- ''Clark University''
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*{{NewJul15}}'''April 2015:''' {{GoogleLinkAuto|http://www.adnkronos.com/sostenibilita/world-in-progress/2015/07/04/haiti-arrivano-cucine-solari-progetto-italiano_2zVueXdSPOwsm0dtRwYmTJ.html|Ad Haiti arrivano le cucine solari, il progetto è italiano|Adnkronos}}
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*'''June 2014:''' [http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/jose-andres-thinks-food-can-fix-the-world-starting-in-haiti/2014/06/05/8e4de760-d0cb-11e3-9e25-188ebe1fa93b_story.html José Andrés thinks food can fix the world, starting in Haiti] - ''The Washington Post''
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*'''April 2014:''' [[Media:Four years after the Haitian Earthquake (SCR Spring 2014).pdf|Four years after the Earthquake: The Need for Solar Cookers in Haiti]] - ''[[Solar Cooker Review]]''
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*'''September 2013:''' [http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/haitians-to-say-thanks-for-solar-ovens/article_103c1506-117f-11e3-a6b7-0019bb2963f4.html Haitian to say thanks for solar ovens] - ''The Bismark Tribune''
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*'''June 2013:''' [http://bismarcktribune.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/religion/faith-effort-creates-solar-ovens-for-haiti/article_2aad47d6-c94d-11e2-aea2-0019bb2963f4.html Faith effort creates solar ovens for Haiti] - ''The Bismarck Tribune''
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*'''October 2012:''' [http://sagharboronline.com/a-solar-stove-for-haiti/ A Solar Stove for Haiti] -''The Sag Harbor Express''
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*'''July 2010:''' {{GoogleLinkFromSpanish|http://www.yocambio.org/2010/07/otro-haiti-es-posible.html|Otro Haiti es posible|Yo Cambio}}
  +
*'''July 2010:''' [http://www.prlog.org/10809636-sun-ovens-international-continues-to-help-victims-of-haiti-earthquake-through-solar-cooking.html Sun Ovens International Continues To Help Victims Of Haiti Earthquake Through Solar Cooking] - ''PRLog''
  +
*'''April 2010:''' [http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/09/solar-powered-products-in-haiti/ Solar Powered Products in Haiti] - ''New York Times''
  +
*'''February 2010:''' [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-b-treaster/haitis-tomorrow-may-be-ro_b_459061.html Haiti's Tomorrow May Be Rooted In Trees, Fertilizer] - ''The Huffington Post''
  +
*'''February 2010:''' [http://blog.cunysustainablecities.org/2010/02/haitis-solar-power-2/ Haiti’s (Solar) Power] - ''The CUNY Institute for Sustainable Cities Blog''
  +
*'''January 2010:''' [http://www.buffalo.edu/ubreporter/2010_01_20/samarth_joseph Haitian Student Heads Home to Help] - ''University of Buffalo Reporter''
  +
*'''January 2010:''' [https://web.archive.org/web/20100121185023/http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/01/19/2178696.aspx Solar Salvation for Haiti?] - ''MSNBC''
  +
*'''July 2008:''' [http://web.archive.org/web/20111013085027/http://www.brookingsregister.com/V2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=&story_id=2554 Rotary ships dinners, ovens to Haiti] - ''The Brooking Register''
  +
*'''February 2007:''' [https://web.archive.org/web/20090804232806/http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1302&dept_id=181987&newsid=17912972&PAG=461&rfi=9 Niedert marvels at Haitian people] - ''Madison Daily Leader''
   
  +
===Audio and video===
*'''July 2004:''' [http://solarcooking.org/newsletters/scrjul04.htm#Incentives_offered_to_motivated_Haitian_solar_cooks Incentives offered to motivated Haitian solar cooks]
 
  +
*{{NewJan23}}'''December 2022:'''
  +
::[[File:First Construction Of The ULOG Cooker In Hinche Haiti.-2|400px|thumb|none|The [[ULOG 1.0]] Cooker is demonstrated by [[Elie Joseph]]]]
  +
*{{NewAug22}}'''August:'''
  +
::[[File:Summer Camp +Solar Cookers in Lamare(Hinche,Haiti).-2|400px|thumb|none]]
  +
*{{NewJun22}}'''May 2022:'''
  +
::[[File:BioGas + Solar Cook Out @ Notre Dame University! (Hinche,Haiti)-2|400px|none|thumb|[[Eliesheriff Joseph]] conducts a biogas and solar cookout for students partnering with Notre Dame University in Hinche, [[Haiti]]]]
  +
*{{NewJan22}}'''January 2022:'''
  +
::[[File:Vin aprann kijan pou w ka fe yon recho soley . How to make a copenhagen beast (solar oven) ?-2|400px|thumb|none]]
  +
*{{NewJun19}}'''November 2018:''' 
  +
::[[File:Solar Cookers International working in Haiti|none|400px]]
  +
*{{NewDec19}}'''June 2017:'''
  +
::[[File:Interview with Solavore solar oven user in Haiti|thumb|none|400px|PPAF Senior Fellow Tom Setchel interviewed Marie Mica, a Cotes-de-Fer, Haiti resident, on her experience in using a Solavore solar oven.]]
  +
*{{NewOct17}}'''October 2017:'''
  +
::[[File:How a Haitian village cooks with sunlight|none|400 px]]
  +
*{{NewMar15}}'''November 2012:'''
  +
::[[File:Nature Matters to Idamane Supreme|none|400 px]]
   
  +
*'''July 2011:'''
*'''November 2003:''' [[Solar Oven Partners]] -- a joint effort of the United Methodist Church of the Dakotas, [[Rotary]] District 5610 and established Methodist development programs in Haiti -- promotes solar cooking in Haiti. Teams of volunteers travel to Haiti to build solar cookers and lead educational seminars. The most recent team of thirteen volunteers returned in August after successfully accomplishing their goals. These goals included offering a three-day solar cooking seminar in the village of Anous, constructing 100 solar cookers both for sale in Anous and for distribution in the coming months, and the presentation of an innovative puppet presentation for children called “[[Solar Oven Puppet Theater]].” Volunteer [[Diane Rieken]] had this to say, “Observing the pride of ownership following the three-day solar cooking seminar -- with the latest group of trained solar cooks purchasing 27 of the 100 newly minted solar ovens -- was a truly amazing scene!”
 
  +
::{{NewMar15}}[[File:Sun Oven Curriculum and GeoTourism Travel|none|400px]]
   
  +
*'''September 2010:'''
*'''November 2001:''' [http://solarcooking.org/newsletters/scrnov01.htm#Another%20Busy%20Year%20for%20Free%20Methodists%20in%20Haiti Another Busy Year for Free Methodists in Haiti]
 
  +
::[[File:Pou Ayiti - Atelier Fours Solaires (Sandrine Mallary)|thumb|400px|none|Sandrine Mallary, Haitian artist living in the U.S., gives a solar oven construction workshop in Haiti.]]
   
  +
*'''August 2009:'''
==The History of Solar Cooking in Haiti==
 
  +
::{{NewMar15}}[[File:Haitian Sun Ovens|400px|none]]
   
  +
===Web pages===
As mentioned above in the discussion of Canada, early work in solar cooking was
 
  +
*[http://solarcooking.org/francais/solarcooking-faq-french.htm Questions courantes sur les fours solaires]
done by a Canadian organization, Communities in Partnership, a charitable group
 
  +
founded in 1984 in Powell River, British Columbia. Their work, in turn, was inspired by
 
  +
=={{HeadingHistory}}==
a 1977 feasibility study in Haiti, accomplished to assess the suitability of the county from
 
  +
{{SubSection|Communities in Partnership}}
a climatic/insolation perspective. This work of Dr. Tom Bowman, James Sharbar and
 
  +
Early work with solar cooking in Haiti was done by a Canadian organization, Communities in Partnership, a charitable group founded in 1984 in Powell River, British Columbia. Their work, in turn, was inspired by a 1977 feasibility study in Haiti, accomplished to assess the suitability of the county from a climatic/insolation perspective. This work of Dr. Tom Bowman, James Sharbar and
Joel Blatt focused on factors of weather in the different parts of Haiti. They measured
 
  +
Joel Blatt focused on factors of the weather in the different parts of Haiti. They measured
 
insolation in more than a dozen areas, some at different seasons of the year. Without
 
insolation in more than a dozen areas, some at different seasons of the year. Without
providing all of the detail of their research, the document's overall conclusion is that
+
providing all of the detail of their research, the document's overall conclusion was that good solar cooking conditions, generally speaking, existed in Haiti, with, as everywhere,
good solar cooking conditions, generally speaking, exist in Haiti, with, as everywhere,
 
 
seasonal and some regional variations, probably enabling families to save at least half of
 
seasonal and some regional variations, probably enabling families to save at least half of
 
their fuel costs.
 
their fuel costs.
Line 118: Line 198:
 
activity in the country. They had heard bits and pieces of other small projects but had no
 
activity in the country. They had heard bits and pieces of other small projects but had no
 
overall picture of the situation. In the next months, they devised a questionnaire that was
 
overall picture of the situation. In the next months, they devised a questionnaire that was
sent to over 30 locations in the country where solar cooking had been tried or »
+
sent to over 30 locations in the country where solar cooking had been tried or
 
demonstrated. Thus, while the information is now dated, a picture does exist (even if
 
demonstrated. Thus, while the information is now dated, a picture does exist (even if
admittedly not complete) of what is a substantial portion at least of solar activity in the
+
admittedly not complete) of what was a substantial portion of solar activity in the
 
country at the time.
 
country at the time.
   
 
The conclusions of this study proved to be difficult (or impossible?) to summarize
 
The conclusions of this study proved to be difficult (or impossible?) to summarize
numerically, but excerpts from reportsreceived give the flavor of work in a wide range of
+
numerically, but excerpts from the reports received give the flavor of work in a wide range of
 
communities, allowing some generalizations to be made. Short reports are provided from
 
communities, allowing some generalizations to be made. Short reports are provided from
 
19 of the 30 communities surveyed. Key figures in solar promotion in this country
 
19 of the 30 communities surveyed. Key figures in solar promotion in this country
Line 131: Line 211:
 
and one enterprise promoting a particular cooking model.
 
and one enterprise promoting a particular cooking model.
   
Commonalities and differences are seen in the reports. A variety of cooker
+
Commonalities and differences were seen in the reports. A variety of cooker
designs are in use: the box cooker (the most common), a steam cooker, and parabolics, all
+
designs were in use: the [[solar box cooker]] (the most common), a steam cooker, and [[parabolic cooker]], all in a variety of materials, wood, cardboard, and metal. Two different approaches were seen, one believing that uptake would be higher and longer lasting if people made their own
in a variety of materials, wood, cardboard, metal, two different approaches were seen,
 
one believing that uptake would be higher and longer lasting if people made their own
 
 
cookers, investing their own time and energy. Other disagreed and felt that efficiency,
 
cookers, investing their own time and energy. Other disagreed and felt that efficiency,
 
perhaps more certain with a manufactured product, was more important than the
 
perhaps more certain with a manufactured product, was more important than the
Line 141: Line 219:
 
not maximizing their learning from one another's' experiences. Need was everywhere
 
not maximizing their learning from one another's' experiences. Need was everywhere
 
great, but cost of the cookers was nearly prohibitive for many.
 
great, but cost of the cookers was nearly prohibitive for many.
  +
{{SubSection|First Haitian National Solar Cooking Conference}}
 
Two additional resources in Haiti in the early days of solar promotion are: the
+
Two additional resources in Haiti in the early days of solar promotion were: the
 
solar cooking resource center, created in the Haitian-American Institute by librarian
 
solar cooking resource center, created in the Haitian-American Institute by librarian
 
Eleanor Snare and, in 1992, a first Haitian National Solar Cooking Conference held in
 
Eleanor Snare and, in 1992, a first Haitian National Solar Cooking Conference held in
 
Port-au-Prince. In that same period, a number of Haitian solar cooks traveled to other
 
Port-au-Prince. In that same period, a number of Haitian solar cooks traveled to other
 
solar cooking conferences, regional and worldwide.
 
solar cooking conferences, regional and worldwide.
  +
{{SubSection|Free Methodist Church of Haiti}}
 
 
Since the early years, a range of sporadic attempts continues the good beginnings
 
Since the early years, a range of sporadic attempts continues the good beginnings
 
of the earlier era. The country has however continued to experience political unrest,
 
of the earlier era. The country has however continued to experience political unrest,
Line 156: Line 234:
 
expensive version available today. To help with follow-up, they have formed committees
 
expensive version available today. To help with follow-up, they have formed committees
 
of solar cooks in several towns.
 
of solar cooks in several towns.
  +
{{SubSection|Fotary Club of Brookings, South Dakota, U.S.A.}}
 
 
The Rotary Club of Brookings, South Dakota, U.S.A., along with other clubs in
 
The Rotary Club of Brookings, South Dakota, U.S.A., along with other clubs in
 
its Rotary district, have joined Solar Oven Partners, a cooperative project with the United
 
its Rotary district, have joined Solar Oven Partners, a cooperative project with the United
Line 163: Line 241:
 
Haitians to use them. An on-site infrastructure is being organized, working with the
 
Haitians to use them. An on-site infrastructure is being organized, working with the
 
Methodist Church of Haiti. Using a basic philosophy of "empowering people through self
 
Methodist Church of Haiti. Using a basic philosophy of "empowering people through self
help", the Rotarians and Methodists are continuing the long tradition of "harvesting
+
help", the Rotarians and Methodists were continuing the long tradition of "harvesting
 
sunlight" in this nation. Deforestation here is already at an extreme stage, hence need
 
sunlight" in this nation. Deforestation here is already at an extreme stage, hence need
 
continues to be great.
 
continues to be great.
  +
{{SubSection|Jack Anderson}}
 
 
A long time advocate of solar cooking in Haiti, [[Jack Anderson]] (an early
 
A long time advocate of solar cooking in Haiti, [[Jack Anderson]] (an early
 
Communities in Partnership leader), has tried a range of dissemination methods,
 
Communities in Partnership leader), has tried a range of dissemination methods,
Line 173: Line 251:
 
continued to make efforts very difficult. In the last project described below for Haiti, Jack
 
continued to make efforts very difficult. In the last project described below for Haiti, Jack
 
has played an important role in yet a different method of promoting solar cooking.
 
has played an important role in yet a different method of promoting solar cooking.
  +
{{SubSection|Sun Ovens International}}
 
That most recent addition to the range of solar offerings in Haiti is structured differently
 
That most recent addition to the range of solar offerings in Haiti is structured differently
from its predecessors. In this instance, a business, [[Sun Ovens International]], has begun
+
from its predecessors. In this instance, a business, [[Sun Ovens International]], began
operating in the country, using a very interesting distribution mechanism. As described
+
operating within the country, using a very interesting distribution mechanism. As described
on the Sun Oven website (http://www.sunoven.org)> the plan includes a number of components.
+
on the Sun Oven website (http://www.sunoven.org<nowiki/>)> the plan included a number of components.
   
 
The project selected 500 women in one area of Haiti for initial training in solar
 
The project selected 500 women in one area of Haiti for initial training in solar
cooking, using the cardboard panel cooker called the CooKit This device serves as a
+
cooking, using the cardboard panel cooker called the [[CooKit]]. This device served as a
teaching tool; participants are requested to keep records of their cooking attempts, results,
+
teaching tool as participants were requested to keep records of their cooking attempts, results,
and fuel savings for a periodof three months. Those who prove to be regular users of the [[CooKit]] can turn in their logs, along with an account of the money they have saved, to
+
and fuel savings for a period of three months. Those who proved to be regular users of the CooKit turned in their logs, along with an account of the money they have saved, to
obtain a SunOven, sometimes thought of as the "Cadillac" of box cookers. Initially, Sun Ovens International has established an assembly plant in Haiti, in which U.S.
+
obtain a SunOven, sometimes thought of as the "Cadillac" of box cookers. Initially, Sun Ovens International established an assembly plant in Haiti, in which U.S. manufactured components will be put together in country (and perhaps even for export?)
manufactured components will be put together in country (and perhaps even for export?)
 
   
When demand justifies, a full scale manufacturing plant will be established that can serve
+
When demand justifies, a full scale manufacturing plant may be established that can serve
 
the needs of the Caribbean basin for this top of the line solar cooking model. (A similar
 
the needs of the Caribbean basin for this top of the line solar cooking model. (A similar
plan is in effect for Ethiopia) It is too soon to know how this will progress, but it is
+
plan is in effect for Ethiopia) It is too soon to know how this will progress, but it was
clearly an interesting and unusual tactic for promotion - and one to be watched carefully.
+
clearly an interesting and unusual tactic for promotion.
   
This activity is at least partially supported by a loan from the Overseas Private
+
The activity was at least partially supported by a loan from the Overseas Private
Investment Corporation (OPIC) and arrant from the U.S. Agency for International
+
Investment Corporation (OPIC) and from the U.S. Agency for International
  +
Development. Sun Oven owner, [[Paul Munsen]], was honored at the United States House of Representatives with the award of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Export Achievement Award for their innovative work in Haiti. Given the desperate situation of the forest situation in Haiti, combined with favorable insolation in most of the country, the country will remain a prime candidate for solar cooking promotion.
Development. Sun Oven owner, Paul Munson, was recently honored in the office of the
 
  +
{{ArchivedPagesForHistory}}
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dennis Hastert (Munsen's congressman), with
 
the award of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Export Achievement Award for this
 
innovative work in Haiti.
 
Given the desperate situation of the forest situation in Haiti, combined with
 
favorable insolation in most of the country, the country will remain a prime possibility
 
for solar cooking promotion, particularly if or when the political climate improves.
 
 
''[Information for this section was taken originally from [[Media:sam.pdf|State of the Art of Solar Cooking]] by Dr. [[Barbara Knudson]]]''
 
 
==Climate, Culture, and Special Considerations==
 
   
  +
=={{HeadingClimateCulture}}==
  +
[[File:Haiti_solar_radiation_map.jpg|right|332px]]
 
[[Solar Cookers International]] has rated Haiti as the #18 country in the world in terms of solar cooking potential (See: [[Media:25_countries_with_most_solar_cooking_potential.pdf|The 25 countries with the most solar cooking potential]]). The estimated number of people in Haiti
 
[[Solar Cookers International]] has rated Haiti as the #18 country in the world in terms of solar cooking potential (See: [[Media:25_countries_with_most_solar_cooking_potential.pdf|The 25 countries with the most solar cooking potential]]). The estimated number of people in Haiti
with fuel scarcity in 2020 is 3,100,000. An average Haitian family spends $2.30 (U.S.) per week to purchase charcoal.
+
with fuel scarcity in 2020 is 3,100,000. An average Haitian family spends USD 2.30 per week to purchase [[charcoal]].
   
[[Jack Anderson]] has confirmed that very little wood was used in the construction of buildings in Haiti which means that there isn’t much wood in the rubble to use for cooking after the earthquake. That must make the need for cooking fuel even more acute. Before the quake, more than 90% of all the energy used in Haiti was for cooking fires, mostly in the form of [[charcoal]].
+
[[Jack Anderson]] has confirmed that very little wood was used in the construction of buildings in Haiti, which means that there isn’t much wood in the rubble to use for cooking after the earthquake. That must make the need for cooking fuel even more acute. Before the quake, more than 90% of all the energy used in Haiti was for cooking fires, mostly in the form of [[charcoal]].
   
 
[[Paul Munsen]] of [[Sun Ovens International]] writes in January 2010:
 
[[Paul Munsen]] of [[Sun Ovens International]] writes in January 2010:
   
:The most successful model we have found in Haiti is to have women go through training on how to make a [[CooKit]]. We found much greater success when the women made them due to the pride they took in making it themselves. The readymade CooKits are less expensive and much less hassle than bringing in [[cardboard]], [[glue]], and [[foil]] but we found the pride factor to be worth the additional cost and effort.
+
:"The most successful model we have found in Haiti is to have women go through training on how to make a [[CooKit]]. We found much greater success when the women made them due to the pride they took in making it themselves. The readymade CooKits are less expensive and much less hassle than bringing in [[cardboard]], [[glue]], and [[foil]] but we found the pride factor to be worth the additional cost and effort.
   
:The training sessions where 3 hours a day for 3 days and included lunch. The first two days the lunches were cooked in [[Sun Oven]]s so the women could see how much faster the food cooked. The last day the food is cooked in the home made CooKit. Part of the training is to teach the women to keep a log on how often they used the Cookit, how much charcoal they saved and how much money they saved not buying [[charcoal]]. At the end of 90 days they turn in the log as a down payment on a Sun Oven and pay for the Sun Oven out of the charcoal savings. (See [[Microcredit]].)
+
:The training sessions where 3 hours a day for 3 days and included lunch. The first two days the lunches were cooked in [[Sun Oven]]s so the women could see how much faster the food cooked. The last day the food is cooked in the home made CooKit. Part of the training is to teach the women to keep a log on how often they used the Cookit, how much charcoal they saved and how much money they saved not buying [[charcoal]]. At the end of 90 days they turn in the log as a down payment on a Sun Oven and pay for the Sun Oven out of the charcoal savings. (See [[Microcredit]].)
   
:We have distributed approximately 400 Sun Ovens in Haiti using this system. In most counties we try not to start projects in areas where CooKits had been introduced in the past because we have found it much easier to start with Sun Ovens than to overcome negative ideas about CooKits. We have found that if the women do not pay something for the Sun Ovens they most likely will not use them beyond the time that the person who gave it to them is around. We have found the most important factors to be the percentage of household income spent for cooking fuel and how we get women who live one day at a time to understand how much money they can save by not buying charcoal.
+
:We have distributed approximately 400 Sun Ovens in Haiti using this system. In most countries we try not to start projects in areas where CooKits had been introduced in the past because we have found it much easier to start with Sun Ovens than to overcome negative ideas about CooKits. We have found that if the women do not pay something for the Sun Ovens they most likely will not use them beyond the time that the person who gave it to them is around. We have found the most important factors to be the percentage of household income spent for cooking fuel and how we get women who live one day at a time to understand how much money they can save by not buying charcoal."
   
  +
{{NewJul18}}[[El Fuego del Sol]] reports:
See also:
 
  +
  +
:"Haiti burns over 400,000 tons of charcoal annually (USAID 2011); that amount translates to over 4,000,000 tons of trees destroyed since it takes 10 tons of wood to produce one ton of Haitian charcoal (ESMAP 2007). Regional environmental studies in Haiti, including Ghilardi, et al 2018, have confirmed that the Haitian charcoal industry has a destructive effect on the trees of Haiti. However, these studies have neglected to discuss the health effects of charcoal cooking. International studies that explored the negative health effects of biomass stoves, including Mortimer, et al 2016, have focused on PM2.5 emissions. Charcoal stoves also release CO emissions in dangerous concentrations (WHO 2014)."<ref>[https://www.omprakash.org/blog/initial-study-of-charcoal-cooking-vs--fds-gasifier Initial Study of Charcoal Cooking vs. FdS Gasifier Stoves in Haiti]</ref>
  +
  +
'''See also'''
 
*'''March 2010:''' [http://www.haitiinnovation.org/en/2010/03/23/rapid-assessment-cooking-fuel-needs-post-quake-haiti A Rapid Assessment of Cooking Fuel Needs in Post Quake Haiti]
 
*'''March 2010:''' [http://www.haitiinnovation.org/en/2010/03/23/rapid-assessment-cooking-fuel-needs-post-quake-haiti A Rapid Assessment of Cooking Fuel Needs in Post Quake Haiti]
  +
*'''January 2010:''' [http://www.theoildrum.com/node/6168 Haiti's Energy Problems] - ''The Oil Drum''
  +
*{{NewAug19}}{{EnergySituationEnergypedia}}
  +
*{{WikipediaClimate|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiti#Climate}}
 
*[[Solar cooker dissemination and cultural variables]]
 
*[[Solar cooker dissemination and cultural variables]]
*[http://www.theoildrum.com/node/6168 Haiti's Energy Problems] - ''The Oil Drum''
 
   
==Possible funders for solar cooking projects in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
   
* [http://www.kiva.org/about/aboutPartner?id=44 Esperanza International]
 
 
==Resources==
 
*[http://haitisolarenergy.com/ Haiti Solar Energy] specializes in helping residential and commercial owners supply their own energy needs.
 
*[[Media:Solar_Cooking_Haiti_Brief_.pdf | Solar Cooking Resources for Haiti]]
 
===Reports===
 
 
===Discussion groups===
 
 
===Articles in the media===
 
*'''October 2012:''' [http://sagharboronline.com/sagharborexpress/page-1/a-solar-stove-for-haiti-19947 A Solar Stove for Haiti] -''The Sag Harbor Express''
 
*'''July 2010:''' {{GoogleLinkFromSpanish|http://www.yocambio.org/2010/07/otro-haiti-es-posible.html|Otro Haiti es posible|Yo Cambio}}
 
*'''July 2010:''' [http://www.prlog.org/10809636-sun-ovens-international-continues-to-help-victims-of-haiti-earthquake-through-solar-cooking.html Sun Ovens International Continues To Help Victims Of Haiti Earthquake Through Solar Cooking] - ''PRLog''
 
*'''April 2010:''' [http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/09/solar-powered-products-in-haiti/ Solar Powered Products in Haiti] - ''New York Times''
 
*'''February 2010:''' [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-b-treaster/haitis-tomorrow-may-be-ro_b_459061.html Haiti's Tomorrow May Be Rooted In Trees, Fertilizer] - ''The Huffington Post''
 
*'''February 2010:''' [http://blog.cunysustainablecities.org/2010/02/haitis-solar-power-2/ Haiti’s (Solar) Power] - ''The CUNY Institute for Sustainable Cities Blog''
 
*'''January 2010:''' [http://www.buffalo.edu/ubreporter/2010_01_20/samarth_joseph Haitian Student Heads Home to Help] - ''University of Buffalo Reporter''
 
*'''January 2010:''' [http://www.capradio.org/articles/articledetail.aspx?articleid=7705 Solar Cookers Head to Haiti] (Audio) - ''Capital Public Radio''
 
*'''January 2010:''' [http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2010/01/19/2178696.aspx Solar Salvation for Haiti?] - ''MSNBC''
 
*'''July 2008:''' [http://www.brookingsregister.com/V2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=&story_id=2554 Rotary ships dinners, ovens to Haiti] - ''The Brooking Register''
 
*'''February 2007:''' [http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1302&dept_id=181987&newsid=17912972&PAG=461&rfi=9 Niedert marvels at Haitian people] - ''Madison Daily Leader''
 
 
===Audio and video===
 
[[Video:Pou Ayiti - Atelier Fours Solaires (Sandrine Mallary)|thumb|400px|left|Sandrine Mallary, Haitian artist living in the U.S., gives a solar oven construction workshop in Haiti.]]
 
{{clr}}
 
 
===Web pages===
 
*[http://solarcooking.org/francais/solarcooking-faq-french.htm Questions courantes sur les fours solaires]
 
   
 
{{CountryContacts}}
 
{{CountryContacts}}
 
[[Category:Countries]]
 
[[Category:Countries]]
  +
[[Category:Caribbean]]
  +
[[Category:Haiti]]
 
[[Category:French-speaking countries]]
 
[[Category:French-speaking countries]]
[[Category:Haiti]]
 

Latest revision as of 17:19, 19 February 2024

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Last edited: 19 January 2024      
Elie Joseph visit to Hinche orphanage 2, 11-18-22 copy
{{{2}}}

Events[]

Featured international events[]

SE for ALL forum logo 2024, 10-3-23
  • 4-6 June 2024 (Bridgetown, Barbados): Sustainable Energy for All Global Forum - The event will be co-hosted by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and the government of Barbados. It is a platform for government, business and finance leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth and community representatives from around the world to come together to broker new partnerships, spur new investment, and address challenges at the nexus of energy, climate, and development. More information...

Online events[]

Requests for proposal[]

  • Decentralized Renewable Energy Solutions utilizing Solar and Bio-Energy - Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments of ScienceDirect, is requesting guest-author submissions. The special issue, VSI: DRES is devoted to publishing research articles reporting the innovative designs and design interventions in solar thermal and bio-energy for decentralized energy systems (DES). It includes i) new and novel designs of prototype or commercial devices and technologies, their development, modeling and simulations and experimental validation; ii) innovations for processes, techniques, utilization, and applications; iii) novel use of materials for improving efficiency, performance, techno-economic feasibility, and sustainability and iv) research findings addressing the socio-economic, health and safety impacts, and life cycle assessments leading to proposing novel devices for DES. The Deadline for submission is 31 July 2024. More submittal information...
See also: Global Calendar of Events and past events in Haiti

News[]

  • NEW: February 2024: More solar cookers arrive!: - The Donne Orphanage received more solar ovens donated by Tom Hallquist. All are very grateful to everyone for helping Haiti reduce the amount of money that they use to spend on charcoal and firewood to help protect the environment. In the new solar ovens, they are able to bake cakes and omelets for the kids.
Photo credit: Eliesheriff Joseph
  • January 2024: School gathering to solar cook - Eliesheriff Joseph, founder of Solar Ovens for Orphanages, organized a follow-up gathering held at the school attached to the church in Hinche. The school provides kindergarten, primary, and secondary programs with 550 students, and 540 attended the solar cooking demonstration, along with 15 teachers, 5 cooks, 3 school leaders and 2 bodyguards. They used 20 solar ovens, again a combination of solar cookers provided by Tom Hallquist and Haines 2.0 panel cookers. Financial support was provided by PPAF. Eliesheriff notes it was challenging managing such a large group with so many students eager to learn about solar cooking. Everyone was able to enjoy a good meal.
Photo credit: Eliesheriff Joseph
  • September 2023: Solar cooking presentation and training - (Eliesheriff Joseph recounts the Solar Ovens for Orphanages gathering) On September 23, 2023, I held a big event with an association called APDC (Association des Paysans pour de Dévelopement de Couime). They work on agriculture, the environment, etc. Angelot is the leader of this association. He saw my work and saw that it was something he'd like to know more about, and if possible his team. He came to me and said he'd like to know more about this technology. I told him that this was not a problem and that our aim was to see more Haitian associations, organizations, etc. involved in this technology. I'm very happy to have presented this idea to PPAF, who welcomed it very favorably. The first training session with the association took place on September 23 and was attended by 130 people. We started from 8am to 12pm. I chose 5 women from among them to prepare the food and put it in the solar ovens that Tom Hallquist had donated to the orphanages. We went back inside to continue the training. I had a microphone and everyone could hear me very well. I gave a very good presentation on solar cookers, talking about all the people I know who use this technology and all the institutions. There were lots of questions! They are interested in learning more about solar cookers.
Photo credit: Eliesheriff Joseph
  • August 2023: Workshop in rural Haiti - Eliesheriff Joseph organized and led a solar cooker construction workshop on building the large Copenhagen Solar Cooker Beast at a rural community orphanage. The design lends itself to simple construction methods. Also in use were the donated solar dome cookers by Tom Hallquist from Solar Oven Reflectors. Eliesheriff travels long and challenging distances to reach these locations.
Photo credit: Eliesheriff Joseph
  • July 2023: Cooking in the countryside - Eliesheriff Josephreports: "A beautiful sunny day today, my friend Tig and I went to the Ravine Labour children's center, about an hour from Hinche, Haiti. They used all the solar ovens that Tom Hallquist sent them, and several I received from David Stillman." The menu included breadfruit, along with rice and beans. The group included 40 people, 20 adults and 20 young children. Eliesheriff and Tig spent five hours, cooking, sharing food, and training the participants on the solar cooker use.
Photo credit: Eliesheriff Joseph
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Eliesheriff receives recognition from the Haitian government as sustainable leader

  • July 2023: Eliesheriff receives recognition: - Eliesheriff Joseph has been recognized by the Haitian government for his promotion of sustainable development (use of green energy: solar cooking in Haiti), and leadership of social benevolence for his work introducing solar cooking to a number of orphanages located in the Hinche area. See more of his projects at: Solar Ovens for Orphanages


  • March 2023: Eliesheriff Joseph has shared some photos of a recent solar cooking demonstration at the rural Donne orphanage in Haiti. This was the first solar cooking demonstration and teaching by Solar Ovens for Orphanages at this location. They have 8 teachers and 4 cooks on staff. Eliesheriff relates; 'About 70 children attended the demonstration and enjoyed the omelet and cakes. 60 eggs were prepared at the same time and 8 bags of cakes. It took 1.5 hours for cooking plus 15 minutes of preparation. The four cooks are the people responsible for preparing the omelet and cakes, I just supervise them. The event took place on March 23, 2023. I spent an hour training with the teachers, students and cooks during the demonstration teaching and answering questions. They used 8 of the 9 solar oven reflectors that Tom Hallquist had sent as a gift. The plan is to continue working with the orphanages and prepare a strong team in each orphanage to continue using the solar cookers, and I can come at any time to check them and see how things are going.'
Photo credit: Eliesheriff Joseph
  • March 2023: Eliesheriff Joseph has shared some photos of a recent solar cooking demonstration at a local Hinche orphanage in Haiti, as they receive Sundome Solar Cookers generously provided by Tom Hallquist. Leading the gathering is Aline Innocent, educator and principal of the school located at the orphanage.
Photo credit: Eliesheriff Joseph
  • March 2023: Tom Hallquist has provided an update on his cooperative efforts with Elie Joseph in Haiti. So far, Tom has provided fifty Sundome Solar Cookers, and Elie Joseph has introduced to four local orphanages. Their arrangement is working, and Tom predicts more cookers can be sent in late summer or early fall 2023.
Elie Joseph island innovation, 2-13-23

Elie Joseph has been chosen Island Innovation Ambassador representing Haiti

  • February 2023: Eliesheriff Joseph has been chosen Island Innovation Ambassador representing Haiti. As an Ambassador, he will serve as a representative of his community in a global network of island stakeholders. The ambassador network allows for global exchange of knowledge and expertise without geographic limitation, and encourages collaboration between entrepreneurs, innovators, activists, and other community leaders. HIs tirHisss efforts of promoting health and solar cooking in his Hinche community makes him a worthy ambassador.
  • February 2023: Demonstrating solar cooking at the local orphanage - Eliesheriff Joseph held this demonstration at the orphanage in Hinche, Haiti run by Pastor Lavaud. Staff at the orphanage related that they love cooking out in the open in full sun. Using the solar cooker has made a measurable drop in the amount of charcoal and firewood they typically use. Tom Hallquist, living in Wisconsin, USA, supported the projected and provided the Sundome Solar Cookers.
  • January 2023: Solar cooking demonstration in Hinche - REPAS-S joined UNDH Hinche to promote solar cookers in Haiti for a sustainable future. REPAS-S is an organization in Haiti that has focused on health and education solutions. They have begun to also support environmental and sustainability approaches which fit their mission. Eliesheriff Joseph relates his experience at the demonstration - "On Friday, January 20, 2023, I led a great training for the REPAS-S core group . We worked on a paper on solar ovens, which is very practical and afterwards we cooked an omelet. To prepare the omelet we had 30 eggs, 4 peppers, 8 tomatoes, 1 salami, some oil, a spoonful of salt powder, some maggie and 4 onions. We used 3 solar cookers and 10 eggs for each of them. Yfedna cut the 4 peppers, 8 tomatoes, 1 salami and 4 onions into several pieces. She broke the eggs and beat them briefly with all the first ingredients. Mix well. We put a spoon and a half of oil in each pot. We put e three Haines 2.0 cookers in the sun with the pot for 10 minutes before putting the omelet on to preheat. In 35 minutes the omelet was ready to eat. For the REPA-S core group, this was amazing because they had no idea that we could have the omelet in the Haines 2.0 in 35 minutes! They are very proud and can't wait to go and make disciples like me. One of the leaders of the orphanage (the place where I did the training) was very excited to attend this experience. He really enjoys this technology. They are very excited because they can cook in the sun. I promised them a demonstration for the orphans."
Elie Joseph visit to Hinche orphanage 2, 11-18-22 copy

Elie Joseph holds a solar cooking demonstration at a Hinche orphanage. Photo credit: Eliesheriff Joseph

  • November 2022: Solar cooking workshop in Hinche - Eliesheriff Joseph visits a large orphanage in the city of Hinche, Haiti, to present the option using of solar cooking to prepare meals. Currently they use charcoal and propane to cook with. After the demonstration, they felt that solar ovens would be the best option to help them save money and preserve the environment.


  • November 2022: Solar cooking workshop in Hinche - Eliesheriff Joseph organized and hosted another workshop in Hinche, Haiti. The workshop was held in a small area of Hinche called Lamare with about 60 people attending. After the workshop, people asked Elie for his solar oven or they asked where they could find one to buy! The next workshop will be held next month, in December 2022.
Elie Sheriff workshop, 9-12-22

Eliesheriff Joseph conducted another workshop in Lamare, near Hinche Photo credit:Elie Sheriff

  • September 2022: Cooking workshop - Eliesheriff Joseph conducted a solar cooker building and use workshop in Lamare, near Hinche Haiti. About 60 people were present during the demonstration, where they learned why it is important to use solar cooking. They were taught how to build the Copenhagen Beast (the large version). Using new cooking techniques when using the cookers, they experienced different types of food prepared in the cookers, such as eggs, rice and beans, sweet potatoes, etc….


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Eliesheriff Joseph poses with the newly built 'Beast" Copenhagen solar cookers for the Hinche community. Photo credit: Eliesheriff Joseph

  • December 2021: Continuing his steady stream of projects, Eliesheriff Joseph recently completed a workshop on building the 'Beast' Copenhagen solar cooker. Relatively simple to build, the Copenhagen design has been proven to be an effective solar panel cooker. It appears they were able build seven cookers for use in the Hinche community. The project came about with assistance from Mary Buchenic and Jennifer Gasser of the Solar Education Project. Last year, Eliesheriff partnered with students at Youngstown State University in Ohio, USA and the Solar Education Project to run tests on the large home made Copenhagen oven. Before he could test it, he had to learn how to build it! Solar Education Project guided him through the process and provided funds for materials and time.


  • October 2021: Eliesheriff Joseph conducts a solar cooking demonstration in the countryside around Hinche.
Eliesheriff Joseph hosts demonstration in Haiti, 10-11-21


Elisheriff Joseph workshop in Hinche, Haiti, 4-23-21

Eliesheriff Joseph conducts a 'hands-on' workshop on solar cooking at a primary school in Hinche, Haiti, Photo credit: Eliesheriff Joseph

  • April 2021: Youth oriented solar cooking workshop in Hinche - Eliesheriff Joseph has begun taking solar cooking workshops to primary schools in Haiti. This is part of a STEM student participatory program. Eliesheriff has worked with other students and teachers, and plans to continue his introductory workshops.
  • January 2019: Solar Energy Drying in Haiti: Reducing Peanut Loss - In 2019, Sun Buckets in partnership with Acceso Peanut Company committed to research the causes and extent of post-harvest peanut loss in Haiti and design, build, and field test a prototype crop dryer utilizing solar thermal storage, a product that can also be used for household cooking. Throughout Haiti, the domestic peanut market is characterized by low production volumes and high seasonal price volatility. As such, Haitian peanut farmers often store their peanut harvest for several months until they are able to receive more favorable prices in the market. Often, the crop is exposed to humid conditions without proper ventilation leading to contamination. Through this commitment, Sun Buckets will test the hypothesis that drying practices are the foundational cause of most peanut losses and create a prototype storage container that collects, stores, and recovers solar thermal energy to not only heat air and product, but also move air as needed for a dryer.
Alan Bigelow in Haiti, 4-18

SCI Science Director, Dr. Alan Bigelow, meets with University Notre Dame Hinche students to discuss solar cooking technology Photo credit: SCI

Solavore Haiti 2018
  • January 2018: Solavore reports: This month the Haiti Adolescent Girls Network (HAGN) has launched their solar-cooking micro-enterprise program for sixteen aspiring teen girls. In this program each participant will receive a Solavore Sport solar oven, cooking (and solar cooking) training, and basic business skills training. They’ll be cooking food and baked goods to sell at market as their first step in becoming independent businesswomen. Imagine the impact on their gross margin by not having to purchase charcoal at Haiti’s escalating prices.
  • May 2017: Evidence: Solar cooking initiatives in Haiti -  From SCI’s research and polling of the solar cooking sector, there is strong evidence that solar cooking started in Haiti in the late 1970s and continues to this day. Twenty-six SCI partners reported at least 14,000 solar cookers have either been brought to, or built in, Haiti in 47 locations. Because many open-source options are available for building one’s own solar cooker using local materials, the number is most likely greater than 14,000. Types of solar cookers in Haiti include reflective solar panel cookers, solar box cookers, and parabolic reflectors. Also, several dozen community-scale solar cookers that can cook hundreds, to over a thousand, meals per day were sent to or installed in Haiti. Some were destroyed in the 2010 Haiti earthquake. So the state or location of some solar cookers remains unknown. At the request of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, Solar Cookers International submitted this information for inclusion in the Preliminary Action Plan for the Transformation of the Cookstoves and Fuels Market in Haiti; prepared by the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves and funded by Global Affairs Canada.
  • April 2017: Your urgent help needed: Contribute to advocacy for solar cooking in Haiti - Solar Cookers International (SCI) participated in a high-level meeting in Haiti last month regarding a preliminary action plan to transform the cookstoves and fuels market in Haiti. As a result, the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves asked SCI and other participants to provide feedback on the action plan. The current draft of the plan recognizes the deep tradition of using wood and charcoal as cooking fuel in Haiti and acknowledges how the wood and charcoal trade is interlinked with livelihoods and the economy in Haiti. The Global Alliance is proposing interventions with a multi-fuel approach. However, since assessments from consultants did not reveal solar cooking use in Haiti, solar-thermal energy is not currently viewed as a viable option for the interventions. With your help, we can work to include solar-thermal cooking for Haiti’s plan. This presents an opportunity for SCI to let the Global Alliance know about the extent of solar cooking in Haiti. SCI is eager for solar cooking to be included and be accepted as a viable option for no-emissions cooking. Solar cooking has a role to drive long-term progress from cleaner and more efficient toward clean and sustainable cooking solutions in Haiti. To strengthen the case to include solar cooking in the action plan, it is crucial to convey to the Alliance that solar cooking has traction and is used in Haiti. To help build this case, SCI is reaching out to all solar cooking partners that have been involved with solar cooking in Haiti. If you and/or your organization has been involved with solar cooking projects in Haiti, SCI would like to hear from you. SCI welcomes your input in the form of data on baseline information, number and type of solar cookers, number of years of the project, location, outcomes, etc. Please submit your supportive summaries and Haiti data to SCI by 30 April 2017 at info@solarcookers.org. See also background information posted on the Global Alliance's website.
Solar Team Chantal - January 2017

Solar Team Chantal, Chantal, Haiti. January 2017. Photo: M. Buchenic.

  • April 2017: We Care to Share is a medical dental mission organized by Dr. Sarah John, a physician from Virginia and Pastor Francois Yves of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palm Springs, Florida. Since 2010, the team has travelled to Chantal, Haiti to support the convent medical clinic run by Les Sœurs Missionaires de l'Immaculée. Over two years, We Care to Share upgraded the kitchen facility at the church-run school adjacent to the convent and lessened reliance on charcoal and wood as cooking fuel. In furtherance of that goal, a Solar Cooking Team -- Mary Buchenic, Jennifer Gasser, Sharon Cousins, Stacy Desrosier, and Scouts Russell Desrosier, and Parthiv Chigurupati -- was invited to join them on their most recent mission in January 2017. The Solar Cooking Team conducted solar cooker demonstrations in Port-au-Prince in transit to Chantal. The ovens introduced were the SolSource parabolic by One Earth Designs, Haines Solar Cookers, a homemade box oven, and locally sourced foiled bowl/panel cookers. The main objective was to facilitate successful cooking of traditional Haitian meals. During our four days in Chantal, we met with the school cooks for one cooking session during which they prepared a delicious meal of spaghetti with herring on the SolSource. The other three days the Team met with a local women's group to learn about solar cooking. The women's group (which included a number of men) formed “Solar Team Chantal”. They cooked rice and beans on the SolSource. Cakes and rice were prepared in the other cookers, and water pasteurization was demonstrated. DIY sessions were held each day. At the end of the project, two parabolic concentrators, 40 Haines cookers, and materials for the bowl/panel cooker were donated to the cooks and the women's group. The women's group, aka Solar Team Chantal, has since begun demonstrating solar cooking to others in the community. Members are in communication with the Solar Cooking Team. Additional follow-up is planned in Chantal as well as in Port-au-Prince. The Solar Cooking Team has planned a follow-up trip to Haiti.
See older news...

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  • December 2022:
First_Construction_Of_The_ULOG_Cooker_In_Hinche_Haiti.-2

First Construction Of The ULOG Cooker In Hinche Haiti.-2

The ULOG 1.0 Cooker is demonstrated by Elie Joseph

  • August:
Summer_Camp_+Solar_Cookers_in_Lamare(Hinche,Haiti).-2

Summer Camp +Solar Cookers in Lamare(Hinche,Haiti).-2

  • May 2022:
BioGas_+_Solar_Cook_Out_@_Notre_Dame_University!_(Hinche,Haiti)-2

BioGas + Solar Cook Out @ Notre Dame University! (Hinche,Haiti)-2

Eliesheriff Joseph conducts a biogas and solar cookout for students partnering with Notre Dame University in Hinche, Haiti

  • January 2022:
Vin_aprann_kijan_pou_w_ka_fe_yon_recho_soley_._How_to_make_a_copenhagen_beast_(solar_oven)_?-2

Vin aprann kijan pou w ka fe yon recho soley . How to make a copenhagen beast (solar oven) ?-2

  • November 2018: 
  • June 2017:
Interview_with_Solavore_solar_oven_user_in_Haiti

Interview with Solavore solar oven user in Haiti

PPAF Senior Fellow Tom Setchel interviewed Marie Mica, a Cotes-de-Fer, Haiti resident, on her experience in using a Solavore solar oven.

  • October 2017:
  • November 2012:
  • July 2011:
  • September 2010:
Pou_Ayiti_-_Atelier_Fours_Solaires_(Sandrine_Mallary)

Pou Ayiti - Atelier Fours Solaires (Sandrine Mallary)

Sandrine Mallary, Haitian artist living in the U.S., gives a solar oven construction workshop in Haiti.

  • August 2009:

Web pages[]

History[]

Communities in Partnership

Early work with solar cooking in Haiti was done by a Canadian organization, Communities in Partnership, a charitable group founded in 1984 in Powell River, British Columbia. Their work, in turn, was inspired by a 1977 feasibility study in Haiti, accomplished to assess the suitability of the county from a climatic/insolation perspective. This work of Dr. Tom Bowman, James Sharbar and Joel Blatt focused on factors of the weather in the different parts of Haiti. They measured insolation in more than a dozen areas, some at different seasons of the year. Without providing all of the detail of their research, the document's overall conclusion was that good solar cooking conditions, generally speaking, existed in Haiti, with, as everywhere, seasonal and some regional variations, probably enabling families to save at least half of their fuel costs.

The original Canadian partnership was with a small community called Saint Marc, but later the program expanded to a number of communities in Haiti. They began by building solar cookers jointly with residents of Saint Marc, and were preparing to start an ambitious pilot project when a major coup interrupted normal life in Haiti (1991). In that disturbed time, the Canadians decided to turn their efforts to a survey of all solar cooking activity in the country. They had heard bits and pieces of other small projects but had no overall picture of the situation. In the next months, they devised a questionnaire that was sent to over 30 locations in the country where solar cooking had been tried or demonstrated. Thus, while the information is now dated, a picture does exist (even if admittedly not complete) of what was a substantial portion of solar activity in the country at the time.

The conclusions of this study proved to be difficult (or impossible?) to summarize numerically, but excerpts from the reports received give the flavor of work in a wide range of communities, allowing some generalizations to be made. Short reports are provided from 19 of the 30 communities surveyed. Key figures in solar promotion in this country included the Brace Research Institute of McGill University, a number of religious organizations, the Canadian Communities in Partnership group, a number of individuals, and one enterprise promoting a particular cooking model.

Commonalities and differences were seen in the reports. A variety of cooker designs were in use: the solar box cooker (the most common), a steam cooker, and parabolic cooker, all in a variety of materials, wood, cardboard, and metal. Two different approaches were seen, one believing that uptake would be higher and longer lasting if people made their own cookers, investing their own time and energy. Other disagreed and felt that efficiency, perhaps more certain with a manufactured product, was more important than the "ownership" conveyed by self-building. Strong and regular usage was fairly rare, despite the extreme need. The various groups were not working together for the most part, thus not maximizing their learning from one another's' experiences. Need was everywhere great, but cost of the cookers was nearly prohibitive for many.

First Haitian National Solar Cooking Conference

Two additional resources in Haiti in the early days of solar promotion were: the solar cooking resource center, created in the Haitian-American Institute by librarian Eleanor Snare and, in 1992, a first Haitian National Solar Cooking Conference held in Port-au-Prince. In that same period, a number of Haitian solar cooks traveled to other solar cooking conferences, regional and worldwide.

Free Methodist Church of Haiti

Since the early years, a range of sporadic attempts continues the good beginnings of the earlier era. The country has however continued to experience political unrest, always hampering any development efforts. Nonetheless, efforts at promotion have continued. The Free Methodist Church of Haiti, located in the capital Port-au- Prince, has worked diligently, despite personnel changes, at solar promotion. Over the years, they have distributed over 1,000 solar cookers, primarily of the panel variety, the least expensive version available today. To help with follow-up, they have formed committees of solar cooks in several towns.

Fotary Club of Brookings, South Dakota, U.S.A.

The Rotary Club of Brookings, South Dakota, U.S.A., along with other clubs in its Rotary district, have joined Solar Oven Partners, a cooperative project with the United Methodist Church. The collaboration began in 1998 and by December of 2002, the project had distributed more than 300 ovens (on a subsidized basis) and trained 2,500 Haitians to use them. An on-site infrastructure is being organized, working with the Methodist Church of Haiti. Using a basic philosophy of "empowering people through self help", the Rotarians and Methodists were continuing the long tradition of "harvesting sunlight" in this nation. Deforestation here is already at an extreme stage, hence need continues to be great.

Jack Anderson

A long time advocate of solar cooking in Haiti, Jack Anderson (an early Communities in Partnership leader), has tried a range of dissemination methods, employing "animatrices" or extension workers initially, then re-conceptualizing them as small-scale entrepreneurs. His knowledge of Haiti is extensive, but political events have continued to make efforts very difficult. In the last project described below for Haiti, Jack has played an important role in yet a different method of promoting solar cooking.

Sun Ovens International

That most recent addition to the range of solar offerings in Haiti is structured differently from its predecessors. In this instance, a business, Sun Ovens International, began operating within the country, using a very interesting distribution mechanism. As described on the Sun Oven website (http://www.sunoven.org)> the plan included a number of components.

The project selected 500 women in one area of Haiti for initial training in solar cooking, using the cardboard panel cooker called the CooKit. This device served as a teaching tool as participants were requested to keep records of their cooking attempts, results, and fuel savings for a period of three months. Those who proved to be regular users of the CooKit turned in their logs, along with an account of the money they have saved, to obtain a SunOven, sometimes thought of as the "Cadillac" of box cookers. Initially, Sun Ovens International established an assembly plant in Haiti, in which U.S. manufactured components will be put together in country (and perhaps even for export?)

When demand justifies, a full scale manufacturing plant may be established that can serve the needs of the Caribbean basin for this top of the line solar cooking model. (A similar plan is in effect for Ethiopia) It is too soon to know how this will progress, but it was clearly an interesting and unusual tactic for promotion.

The activity was at least partially supported by a loan from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and from the U.S. Agency for International Development. Sun Oven owner, Paul Munsen, was honored at the United States House of Representatives with the award of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Export Achievement Award for their innovative work in Haiti. Given the desperate situation of the forest situation in Haiti, combined with favorable insolation in most of the country, the country will remain a prime candidate for solar cooking promotion.

Archived articles

Climate and culture[]

Haiti solar radiation map

Solar Cookers International has rated Haiti as the #18 country in the world in terms of solar cooking potential (See: The 25 countries with the most solar cooking potential). The estimated number of people in Haiti with fuel scarcity in 2020 is 3,100,000. An average Haitian family spends USD 2.30 per week to purchase charcoal.

Jack Anderson has confirmed that very little wood was used in the construction of buildings in Haiti, which means that there isn’t much wood in the rubble to use for cooking after the earthquake. That must make the need for cooking fuel even more acute. Before the quake, more than 90% of all the energy used in Haiti was for cooking fires, mostly in the form of charcoal.

Paul Munsen of Sun Ovens International writes in January 2010:

"The most successful model we have found in Haiti is to have women go through training on how to make a CooKit. We found much greater success when the women made them due to the pride they took in making it themselves. The readymade CooKits are less expensive and much less hassle than bringing in cardboard, glue, and foil but we found the pride factor to be worth the additional cost and effort.
The training sessions where 3 hours a day for 3 days and included lunch. The first two days the lunches were cooked in Sun Ovens so the women could see how much faster the food cooked. The last day the food is cooked in the home made CooKit. Part of the training is to teach the women to keep a log on how often they used the Cookit, how much charcoal they saved and how much money they saved not buying charcoal. At the end of 90 days they turn in the log as a down payment on a Sun Oven and pay for the Sun Oven out of the charcoal savings. (See Microcredit.)
We have distributed approximately 400 Sun Ovens in Haiti using this system. In most countries we try not to start projects in areas where CooKits had been introduced in the past because we have found it much easier to start with Sun Ovens than to overcome negative ideas about CooKits. We have found that if the women do not pay something for the Sun Ovens they most likely will not use them beyond the time that the person who gave it to them is around. We have found the most important factors to be the percentage of household income spent for cooking fuel and how we get women who live one day at a time to understand how much money they can save by not buying charcoal."

El Fuego del Sol reports:

"Haiti burns over 400,000 tons of charcoal annually (USAID 2011); that amount translates to over 4,000,000 tons of trees destroyed since it takes 10 tons of wood to produce one ton of Haitian charcoal (ESMAP 2007). Regional environmental studies in Haiti, including Ghilardi, et al 2018, have confirmed that the Haitian charcoal industry has a destructive effect on the trees of Haiti. However, these studies have neglected to discuss the health effects of charcoal cooking. International studies that explored the negative health effects of biomass stoves, including Mortimer, et al 2016, have focused on PM2.5 emissions. Charcoal stoves also release CO emissions in dangerous concentrations (WHO 2014)."[1]

See also


Contacts[]

The entities listed below are either based in Haiti, or have established solar cooking projects there:

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