Urgent Need!!
Lightning Storms Cause Major Damage to Maya Jaguar Campus
Earlier this month, two severe lightning storms struck the campus of our Maya Jaguar Private Technical Institute on consecutive nights, causing extensive damage to critical infrastructure that supports the education and daily lives of our students.
The first storm disabled the power system serving the kitchen and dining hall, including the refrigerator and damaged the flooring. The following night, an even more powerful lightning strike severely damaged the main electrical system that powers our high school campus.
(Click on image to view a short video of the storm)
The destruction was widespread. Many of our solar panels and battery storage systems were damaged or destroyed, along with power controllers, AC inverters, and two Starlink internet systems that provide the connectivity our students depend upon for online learning and research.
Fortunately, no students, teachers, or staff were injured and no fires broke out. However, students were frightened as the storms struck directly overhead and some light bulbs exploded.
(Click on the image to hear two of our students describe the storm) - translation below
"When the lightning would strike, that is, when it would fall, it was always scary. The cabin moved a little, and I thought the lightning was going to hit or enter our cabin. We were afraid because the lightning was very strong."
"Every night it rained, the lightning would fall very hard. I think most of the students were scared. It also affected me because it made me afraid to sleep; I felt like the lightning was going to fall on top of me..."
Thanks to the quick actions of Executive Administrator Osman and our dedicated staff, classes continued with only some interruption. Staff members continue to work tirelessly, first installing a replacement controller available locally, bring backup generators online, activate the spare Starlink system, and starting replacement of damaged solar panels and storage batteries. Replacement parts for the damaged Starlink units have already been ordered, but additional backup equipment will be needed to ensure safety and reliable power.
(Ongoing repairs at Maya Jaguar)
The storms also revealed that our existing lightning protection system is inadequate for the increasingly severe weather conditions experienced in the region. To protect our students, facilities, and educational technology, we must upgrade to a more robust lightning protection and surge suppression system with serious ground discharge, to safeguard the campus from future disabling lightning strikes.
Current estimates indicate that repairing or replacing damaged equipment and upgrading our protection systems will cost approximately $20,000 to $25,000.
For our education programs serving Indigenous Maya students from remote communities, this is an unexpected and significant expense. Every dollar invested in these repairs will help restore reliable power, internet access, food service operations, and a safe learning environment for our students.
We are asking our friends and supporters to help us recover from this disaster!
Your gift—of any amount—will directly support the repair and replacement of damaged solar equipment, battery storage systems, internet connectivity, and improved lightning protection. With your help, we can ensure that our students continue to receive the education, technology, and opportunities they deserve.
With gratitude,
The all-volunteer team at Adopt-a-Village in Guatemala
