Building power lines in rural Guatemala opened Keith Kirk's eyes to several things.

One, he finally understood just how exciting it must have been to experience rural electrification in the 1930s.

Two, he realized just how fortunate he is.

"It was a real experience to see people so thrilled to get lights in their houses, because we take it for granted," he said. "I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything in the world."

Kirk was on one of two teams of Georgia linemen who built power lines that connected two Guatemalan villages to the national grid. The teams, each consisting of six linemen, built a total of nine kilometers of distribution line over a four-week period, connecting more than 300 families to reliable, affordable electricity. Prior to construction of the lines, the villages used diesel generators for electricity, and only had power for three or four hours each day.

The project was selected and spearheaded by volunteers from Georgia electric cooperatives who raise money to send linemen from the state to rural areas in other countries. Working with NRECA International Foundation, Chris Stephens, manager of engineering at Coweta-Fayette EMC, traveled to Guatemala to meet village officials, coordinate logistics and determine what supplies they would need. Then came the preparations.

Preparing for the Trip

Working in rural areas abroad is often more physically demanding than working here because they lack the supplies and equipment considered basic in the United States. So, among other preparations for the trip, the Georgia linemen practiced climbing poles. "Our vehicles and machines do a lot of the work for us," Stephens said. "They don't have that luxury. They still do a lot of the work manually. They work with basic hand tools, a pick-up truck and climb poles with ropes."

The trip was often exhausting - some of their equipment was held in Customs, so the work was more strenuous than expected - but very rewarding. And the teams formed bonds with their Guatemalan counterparts. "They were great," Kirk said. "They had an amazing work ethic."

They plan to continue the relationship. Because the Guatemalans often worked in jeans and t-shirts, the Georgia volunteers plan to send them fire-resistant uniforms that will help them as they maintain their lines and build new ones.

"It's very gratifying for us to help these communities, and it's humbling to understand their desire to have some of the things that we take for granted," said Stephens.

Kirk agrees. And while Kirk would love to return, he thinks it's important to give others the opportunity to share his experience. "I want other people to do it and see the results of their work," he said. "I think everyone deserves the chance to see the lights come on for the first time."

The following electric cooperative employees helped build the power lines in Guatemala:

Curtis F. Baker, Jr. - Coweta-Fayette EMC
Ronnie D. Browning - Walton EMC
Jason Reed Carey - Jackson EMC
Craig Marvin Carlan - Habersham EMC
Travis Spencer Duren - Grady EMC
David Trey Gainous - Grady EMC
Jody Ray Hand - Coweta-Fayette EMC
Erik Joseph Hansek - Greystone Power EMC
Justin David Harrison - Grady EMC
Phillip Dwayne Hogan - Habersham EMC
Keith Dwayne Kirk - Walton EMC
Joey Lamar Thompson - Jackson EMC

About Take Aim at Progress

One of the ways Georgia cooperatives raise money for NRECA International Foundation is through the Take Aim at Progress fundraising event.

The fundraiser is an clay shoot that has the potential of growing regionally and even nationally. The Georgia cooperatives use the funds raised to send volunteers to rural communities in places like Guatemala to build the power lines that are so desperately needed.

"Our primary purpose is to give back to those who are less fortunate," said Chris Stephens.

Learn more about NRECA International Foundation.

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