The next step from cooking on a three-stone fire to cooking with significantly less smoke, less firewood and more climate protection has been achieved - the order for the production of the first batch of 500 "Artejikos" for the rural population in Nyangao has been placed and the samples for the final check are expected at Christmas.
The "Artejiko" was met with great interest at the impressive launch of the stove in September. A stage with a large German flag and a Tanzanian flag in the background, a DJ, professionally arranged catering and an inviting atmosphere - all this made for a great ambience. With over 360 men and women from the villages, several politicians and representatives of the Lindi diocese, which runs the hospital, it promised to be an event of unusual size in Nyangao. "We only see many of these political and church representatives once or twice a year," said the hospital director in advance.
After a delay of around an hour and a half, which is not unusual in Tanzania, and a few technical problems, the event got underway - everything ultimately went as planned and delighted the audience and the hospital team. As project manager of Artemed Stiftung , I, Benedikt Lenz, have been supporting the stove project for many months now and, together with the team on site, wanted to introduce it to the more than 360 men and women who attended and present the stove. As many of the participants do not speak English, my speech was simultaneously translated into Swahili by John Thomas. At the beginning and at the end, however, I tried to say a few words in the local language - a small step that caused great enthusiasm in the audience. The subsequent feedback session was particularly moving: many participants, especially women, took the microphone and shared their thoughts and suggestions. It was inspiring to see how lively and positive the discussion was. At the end of the event, John asked the crucial question: Who is willing to buy the stove and would like to use it? The response was overwhelming - almost every hand in the room went up. This positive response was a clear sign that the stove meets the needs of the locals. You can find impressions in a short video.
The small purchase fee that people in Tanzania pay for the "Artejiko" (the equivalent of around 5 euros) is the contribution they can make. However, the actual production costs are financed by donations - we have already found sponsors for a good 200 stoves and we would like to thank them for their help. With just €50, you can donate a stove and cover the remaining production costs so that local families are no longer exposed to open fires and unhealthy smoke when cooking. Every stove counts - the first 500 have already been reserved and a waiting list has been opened for the next 500. We wish our readers a happy 2nd Advent.
