Electricity: The Cornerstone of Development -- Guatemala Stories

The Food for Progress Act (FFP), a program of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides U.S. surplus agriculture commodities to developing countries and emerging democracies committed to introducing and expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. In 1999, USDA/FAS awarded NRECA International the first of several surplus agriculture commodity grants under its FFP program. Bringing power to the people through the monetization of surplus commodities has proved to be an effective approach. In total, the USDA/FAS funds have helped NRECA International implement projects to benefit close to 1.4 million people in rural communities in Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Philippines.

Learn more about work in Guatemala.

Making the World a Brighter Place - Sister Cooperative Partnership Program

The U.S. cooperatives are teaming up with overseas partners to help improve service - and in some instances, help save lives! Kandiyohi Power Cooperative, of MN, has donated much needed safety equipment and tools to outfit two crews in Zacapa, Guatemala. In the Dominican Republic two volunteer linemen, who where there to provide training support to the local crews, left their personal tools behind as well as school supplies and toys for two local schools.

Become a Sister Co-op!

Celebration of Lights – Yei, Southern Sudan

After a 21-year civil war that devastated most of the country, leaving 2 million dead and 4 million refugees, Southern Sudan is now on the road to recovery. With funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development, NRECA International Programs is rebuilding the electric infrastructure in downtown Yei – and providing hope for a better future.

The Celebration of Lights – Yei, Southern Sudan video (8-min) takes us from the devastation that the civil war left behind to the present day. The hopes and dreams of Mary, Peter and others in Yei are captured in this short film.

Learn more about work in Sudan.

Tribute to Our Heroes: The U.S. NRECA Co-op Volunteers

In this short film, we hear directly from the linemen that have traveled near and far to rebuild electric lines – and lives – with the NRECA International Foundation. In their own words, we hear what it has meant to them personally to have been able to bring back lights and hope to thousands of people living in rural, developing countries.

Become a Volunteer!

When U.S. Co-ops Care, Great Things Happen – The Electrification Of Pignon, Haiti

Since 1998, Minnesota and other U.S. co-ops have banded together raising funds, equipment and manpower, to benefit the village of Pignon, Haiti. In February 2005, eleven linemen traveled to Pignon to build the first part of the distribution grid that benefited about 70 homes and businesses and public town square. They also have trained a local crew to continue with the work throughout the year.

Learn more about work in Haiti