Electrifying a rural village in Guatemala

We are changing the format of HCE Voices this month to chat with Journeyman Lineworker Trenton Jole, who just returned from spending three weeks in Guatemala to electrify a rural village.

Trenton was part of a group of 16 lineworkers who recently returned from Guatemala after electrifying the village of La Montanita de la Virgen. Population: 560.

Fifteen fellow lineworkers from Oklahoma and Colorado spent 21 days electrifying 81 homes, two churches, a school, and the local health care center.

Over the course of their stay, the lineworkers framed poles, strung wires, and wired the inside of homes for lights and outlets. The church and the school were also wired for heat. Residents helped climb trees and dig holes to assist with the electrification project.

“Interacting with the kids and villagers was a lot of fun,” Trenton says.

“They were shy when we first arrived, and the local interpreter let us know that the village doesn’t see a lot of Americans because it’s so remote. After a few days, everyone really opened up. We would bring soccer balls, candy, and essential toiletry items like toothbrushes. We taught them how to say good morning in English, and they taught us how to say good morning in Spanish.”

Turning on the lights

During the celebration of turning the lights on, students performed songs, poems and dances, and local dignitaries presented certificates of appreciation for all those involved in the project.

Trenton says his favorite part was seeing how people who have never experienced electricity reacted to many tasks and chores suddenly becoming a lot easier.

“The school is now open more than a couple of days a week because there are lights for students to study at night after they have worked in the fields most of the day.”

Trenton also enjoyed learning from his fellow lineworkers and sharing best practices from around the industry.

The Oklahoma Energy Trails Foundation sponsors this annual project with lineworkers from both Colorado and Oklahoma. Fellow HCE lineworkers who have participated in the past include Chet Stickler, Rodney Sherman and Christian Baker.