Obstacle:  In 2003, CE Solutions leadership recognized that a more effective and efficient model was needed to provide the rural poor with appropriate and continuous access to products and services that have a positive health, economic and environmental impact.  

Opportunity:  CE Solutions leadership created the MicroConsignment Model (MCM). MCM women entrepreneurs earn a compelling income while providing villagers with the opportunity to purchase previously unavailable solutions that address long- standing health problems and create family cost savings.

Impact:  It all started with an idea and few hundred dollars in one town in Guatemala. As of April 2010, over 200 entrepreneurs have earned what equates to approximately 11,000 days of work through the sale of over 39,000 improved cook stoves, glasses, eye drops, water purification buckets, energy efficient light bulbs, vegetable seeds and solar lights during over 2,000 village campaigns. Net direct economic impact exceeding $1.3 million has been achieved and a sustainable, entrepreneur-owned social enterprise has been created in Guatemala for long-term growth. CE Solutions is now leading implementation in Ecuador and Nicaragua and replicating globally with strategic partners through the new Ashoka Globalizer initiative.

Obstacle:  In 2001 CE Solutions leadership recognized that tourists who visited Nebaj, a remote town in the Ixil region of Guatemala, quickly left due to a lack of adequate tourism infrastructure.  An opportunity was being lost and there was little new money coming into the community.

Opportunity:  CE Solutions leadership created the Turismo Ixil initiative as a means to create decent jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.

Impact:  It began with the restaurant El Descanso. There is now an internet center, trekking business, Spanish language school and hostel. The five businesses created under Turismo Ixil have been running profitably since inception and have been owned by local Maya Ixil leadership since 2003. As of April 2010, total revenues of over $700,000 have been generated and the local economy has benefited in immeasurable ways.

Obstacle: In 2002, CE Solutions leadership recognized the the near complete lack of access to books, computers and educational services for the children and youth of the Ixil Region of Guatemala. Public schoolrooms consisted of a white board, desks and little else.

Opportunity: In 2003, CE Solutions leadership established the Centro Explorativo of Nebaj, an education center available to all.

Impact:  The Centro Explorativo has grown leaps and bounds, has moved to a local village center  to get closer to its beneficiaries and is now run by a locally established Guatemalan association. Over 500 children and youth have participated in free afterschool enhancement courses and computer/internet literacy programs. As of April 2010, there are 112 students enrolled in courses where they receive a daily healthy snack and an average of 85 students take advantage of the library of over 2,300 books on a daily basis. Three local Maya qualified teachers are fully employed serving their community.