PROJECT 19
4 the 18
The Cup of coffee in your hands means something. It means people. It means life. 18 people have touched the coffee you enjoy every day. Let’s do something for the 18.
PROJECT 19 AT A GLANCE
What we are about
Project 19 is a way to give back to Central America and those that need it most. Project 19 creates a direct relationship between you and those who work hardest to put coffee in your cup. We have identified a school in El Socorro, Guatemala that we will assist in clean water, clean air, nutrition, education, computer labs, and hope. There are currently 55 students enrolled for the 2019-2020 school year from Kindergarten through 6th grade. We will partner with the community to educate these children so they can have a better future.
Project 19 was started as a collaboration between Coffee Slingers in Oklahoma City and Bethel Community Church in Yukon
CLEAN WATER
One of the leading causes of death among Guatemalan’s is diarrhea. This is due to the lack of clean drinking water. Project 19 installs water purification systems in homes that provide 10 years of clean water for the whole household. Each filter costs $59.
The water filters provide a very simple solution for providing clean water. It is a gravity system that produces up to one million gallons over the lifespan, while removing 99.99% of harmful bacteria and protozoa.
CLEAN AIR
Most of the rural cooking in Guatemala is done with solid fuels – wood and coal. The stoves are indoors and produce a lot of smoke in the home. This causes major respiratory disease in the younger population. Lower respiratory disease is another leading cause of death in rural Guatemala. Project 19 seeks to install smokeless stoves in every home in El Socorro, beginning with the homes of the students in the school.
NUTRITION
Many children in rural communities in Guatemala are not getting the proper nutrition that is required for healthy growth. Their diet is corn-based. While they appear fed, corn produces an empty, carb-loaded diet. This causes developmental challenges with education and growth. Project 19 is partnering with a nutritionists that is developing a community garden and trains with cooking practices that will increase the intake of a protein and fiber rich diet.
EDUCATION
Rural Guatemala is in need of qualified teachers. Project 19 is partnering with other leaders to pay the salary of more teachers that will spend time in rural areas.
Computer Lab
Connecting the El Socorro school to the web opens the doors to greater learning possibilities. We are partnering with a local non-profit to provide computer labs, computer training, and access to computers. It costs $8-$10 per month per student to provide this resource.
Hope
We believe that for a person to experience true hope, they need a personal encounter with the God who made them. While providing clean water, clean air, education, and nutrition is incredible, we believe that every person needs a supernatural connection to live on purpose in life. The purpose of life is found in a relationship with the Creator through His Son, Jesus. Project 19 hosts trips to El Socorro each year to hang out with the kids, install stoves, water filters, and work in the garden, as well as sharing the hope of Jesus with the community. Jesus gives us purpose beyond ourselves. Project 19 has a body, mind, and soul approach.
PARTNER WITH US
Grinder Burrs
Grinder burrs are consumable parts in a coffee grinder. A couple times a year they need to be replaced. We take these burrs and stamp them with “Project 19 // Changing lives one cup at a time”. You can purchase one and change the lives of an entire family in El Socorro Guatemala. We encourage you to display your burr as a conversation piece to share what you are doing in El Socorro, Guatemala.
Cost $418
Whole Bean Coffee
$1 is donated to Project 19 for every pound of wholesale coffee purchased from Coffee Slingers.
$52-$58 per 5lb bag
Child Sponsorship
$75 initial gift plus $10 per month
Any One-time Donation
At this time we are accepting donations through the Bethel Community Church website (linked below). Once there, click the dropdown option for Project 19.
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
Come see for yourself and serve the incredible people of Guatemala. Our trips are usually at the end of January or first of February each year. We are also planning to add a follow-up trip towards the end of the summer.
The Mission
For the 18. Provide clean water filters, smokeless stoves, nutrition rich foods, Computer labs, spiritual purpose and hope for a better future.
