Sean Ahearn CEO & President, and Founder of Project Lighthouse December 2007, Boston, Massachusetts.
In September 2000, Project Lighthouse set out on its mission to help alleviate the burdens of poverty that comes in many sizes, shapes, and forms. The municipal dump in Santa Cruz, El Salvador where Project Lighthouse began its mission exemplified every one.
No one solution exists to meet challenges facing people in poverty. Self-determination guides our vision for them. People we serve determine their path to a brighter future. Direct community involvement is imperative for the success and sustainability of our projects. We listen to the people we serve, allowing us to act as beacons of hope.
The links in the chain of poverty are hard to break. Patience and persistence, even in times of frustration and doubt, sustains us in our endeavors. We have drawn upon the varied talents, volunteerism, and donations of many. We assisted in completion of a medical clinic, a well, and individual household vegetable gardens in Santa Cruz. The medical clinic is now a vital regional health resource, not just for Santa Cruz. The well provides fresh, clean water for sanitation, cooking, and bathing, where before people used a polluted stream. They now grow their own vegetables. The dump is now closed.
Project Lighthouse expanded our endeavors beyond the borders of Santa Cruz. Over 37 medical clinics across El Salvador have benefited from our Medical Container Program. In partnership with The Diller Foundation of Ohio, we have provided five 55-foot long shipping containers packed with over 100 tons with medical supplies, equipment, supplies, medicines, and an x-ray machine to the people of El Salvador. A community and educational center was added to the school in La Bolsona.
The next link in the chain of poverty was energy resources. We assisted with renewable energy and conservation resources for solar powered lighting of homes and operation of electrical appliances. Our endeavors have aided in lessening the use and reliance upon unhealthy cooking methods. We have worked in partnership with many individuals and companies to develop fuel-efficient wood burning stoves. Our actions have aided in El Salvador's reforestation efforts to undue the 96% deforestation of the country.
Project Lighthouse in April 2007, kicked off its food campaign. We are working to develop community food cooperatives. We have now turned our efforts toward domestic poverty. We are working on an at-risk youth program in Boston to take youths on trips to explore our national heritage, culture, and natural resources to expand their horizons beyond the limiting bounds of their inner city living environment.
Following are some photos over the years since I first went to El Salvador in 1999.
I extend my heartfelt thank you to everyone who has given of their time and efforts, as well as financial and other donations, to the endeavors of PLH. Our organization would not be where we are today without that generous support. Similarly, and as important, our accomplishments in the short period since we were created rest upon the trust placed in our organization by so many. I want everyone to know that their contributions, regardless whether monetary, or of items for use by people, or by volunteering, and regardless of the amount, quantity, or nature, have a vitally important direct impact on those we serve who are desperately trying to survive day-to-day while seeking to better themselves and their communities.
Sean Ahearn
