Global Grant - Pollution Free Transportation for Ak'Tenamit, Guatemala

Global Grant 2016131: Pollution Free Transportation for Ak'Tenamit, Guatemala

Project Number: 2016131

Location: Ak'Tenamit, Livingston, Guatemala

Project Goal: Provide four 20 horsepower equivalent Torqueedo electric outboard motors to power two existing 30-passenger launches and one new 60-passenger catamaran ferry serving as "school buses" for students at Ak'Tenamit

Beneficiary: Ak'Tenamit school serving 600 resident high school students across two campuses separated by the River Dulce. No roads exist; boats are essential transportation.

Key Benefits:

Save over $6,000 USD annually in fuel expenses and maintenance

Emission-free and pollution-free transportation

Minimal maintenance required; sealed motors with lithium batteries

Project life expectancy: 15+ years (vs. traditional gas engines)

Safer for students than gasoline motors

Near-silent operation

Batteries charged using existing solar panels on site

Budget:

Total project cost: $99,000

Required Rotary Club cash donations: $23,500

As of July 18, 2020: $7,500 pledged; $16,000 still needed

District Discretionary Funds (DDF) and Rotary World Fund provide matching funds

History: Ak'Tenamit acquired one Torqueedo electric motor in late 2018 through District Grants involving seven clubs across two districts. That single engine has been in constant successful use since 2018.

Boat Construction: 60-passenger catamaran ferry will be built in Guatemala by experienced boat builders; boats registered and inspected by Guatemalan Coast Guard prior to passenger use

Staffing: School employs experienced boatmen capable of operating boats

Sustainability: Equipment purchased locally; experienced operators available; maintenance support built in

Contact: District Area Governor Riccardo Boehm (Ricboehm@gmail.com)

Background: Rotary clubs from this area have supported Ak'Tenamit for over 30 years, since its foundation by a Rotarian from Jupiter, Florida