Georgia Magazine - January 2024 - 34

Above: In Sesaltul, Georgia's volunteer
linemen climbed poles with their spikes,
pulled heavy wire by hand and generally
did linework the way it was done years
ago, with no bucket trucks or power tools.
Above and left: The terrain around
homes in Sesaltul was diffi cult to
navigate. Most homes were one-room
huts with palm-leaf roofs and dirt fl oors.
Each home received four lights, two light
switches and two electric outlets.
with how much work there was, " says
Jason Amaya with GreyStone Power.
" Once we got a groove going, we busted
through that first initial week. And
seeing the peoples' faces whenever
they saw light in their house, that was pretty cool. It
made everything worth it. "
The EMCs' efforts extended beyond the
installation of electric lines, as Jackson EMC employees
raised almost $7,000 for supplies and equipment
at two schools in Sesaltul, including ceiling fans that
the volunteer linemen installed during the project.
" Our volunteer electrification program's
success is a testament to the commitment of our
American electric co-ops to help families who live in
different countries, " says Ingrid Hunsicker, NRECA
International's senior program manager, who
oversees these volunteer electrification efforts.
" We're very fortunate to have the strong support of
our members and volunteer lineworkers to bring
first-time power access to these communities. "
" What we consider a basic amenity-
electricity-is something they've not had, " Jed Clark
with Habersham EMC says.
" The locals in the village were extremely
helpful, " says Randy Nixon from Snapping Shoals
EMC. " They warmed up to us pretty easily; they
allowed us into their houses. Just to see the
difference in culture is pretty amazing. The amount
34 Georgia Magazine January 2024
of work they do and the way they
live, in huts. There are no modern
conveniences down there. They don't
have wells; they don't have running
water; they don't have indoor
plumbing; they don't have televisions. A couple of people had radios, but
they were solar-powered [and used] a battery. No washing machines; they
actually bathed in a creek. They washed their clothes on a rock outside. It
was pretty humbling to see. "
As the linemen from Georgia's electric cooperatives returned home,
they left behind more than electric lines. They left a legacy of light, hope
and positive transformation in the lives of the people of Guatemala.
" I'm happy to be part of a group that went down there from all the
Georgia co-ops, " Amaya says. " They're all great people-great friends-that
I'll have for the rest of my life. [I am thankful to the co-ops] for giving me
the opportunity. "
Tara Duncan is a freelance writer from Atlanta.
About NRECA International
Since 1962, NRECA International has helped improve the quality of life
for more than 160 million people in more than 45 developing countries by
providing access to reliable and aff ordable electricity. Hundreds of linemen,
directors, engineers, managers and other employees from U.S.-based
electric co-ops have volunteered to travel to other countries to provide
communities with fi rst-time access to electricity and training to help electric
utilities become sustainable. NRECA International helps make these trips
possible. For more information, visit nrecainternational.coop.
WALTON EMC
WALTON EMC
WALTON EMC
http://www.nrecainternational.coop
Georgia Magazine - January 2024

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