Asociación Fénix is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works towards the development and promotion of renewable energy by utilizing natural resources responsibly and sustainably.
Our organization´s mission is to improve the standard of living of rural Nicaraguan communities by providing access to clean water, electricity, income generation, a balanced diet, and educational support. Please click here to read more about our development approach.
AsoFénix was founded August 24, 2001, under the National Assembly of Nicaragua´s decree number 2981.
Since AsoFénix´s start, we have developed our capacity to offer a wide variety of programs to benefit the rural areas of Nicaragua. These projects include: community electrification using solar panels, small wind turbines and micro-hydro turbines; solar powered potable water systems; reducing deforestation through the construction and use of solar ovens, biogas fueled stoves and wood saving improved stoves; solar dehydrators; solar water heaters; solar pastuerizers; and cooperative formation. Furthermore, AsoFenix promotes intercultural exchanges through learning project tours and internships.
Primarily, we work in the Boaco department of Nicaragua, in the municipalities of Teustepe and San José de los Remates. This department was defined by the Nicaraguan Government as being severely poor. We work together with the local mayors offices and organizations operating in the municipalities.
We are associated with:
- Humanist Institute for Development Cooperation (Hivos)
- Green Empowerment (GE)
- Swedish-Nicaragua Friendship Society (SASN)
- Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
- The Ministery of Energy of Nicaragua (MINEM)
- Energy and Environment Partnership with Central America (EEP)
- The municipal governments of San José de los Remates and Teustepe
We have collaboration agreements with:
- The department of Natural Resources at the Nicaraguan National Agrain University (UNA)
- The department of Metalworking at the National Engineering University (UNI)
- Suni Solar, a Nicaraguan company dedicated to the distribution of renewable energy systems
Our Team:
-
Jaime Muñoz
Jaime Muñoz, Director. A self-taught solar engineer, originally from rural Nicaragua, Jaime has more than 15 years of experience working in community development and 10 years with renewable energy.
- Fernando Cedeño – Project planner, experience with project preparation, implementation and management.
- Luis Rivas – Accountant and Computer technician
- Seth Hays – Community organizer with experience in sustainable agriculture and reforestation
- Sarah Hays – Nurse with experience in public health
- Gustavo Reyes-Electrical Engineer
- David Hauth – Aerospace engineer with solar system experience
Our 2009 summer interns include:
- Mary Solecki – MBA student at Presidio Graduate School
- Brett Boissevain- Mechanical Engineering graduate from Gonzaga University
- Karina Navarro – Environmental Engineering graduate from Swathmore
- Jocelyn Kluger- Engineering student at Cornell University
