Over the span of three weeks, crews constructed three miles of line that powered more than 50 homes, a school, two churches and the community’s only health clinic. Lacking access to bucket trucks and heavy machinery, volunteers relied on manual labor, lifting transformers exceeding 300 pounds and pulling long spans of line across dense vegetation and rugged terrain.

Traveling more than 2,800 miles from home, crews say the experience was both challenging and rewarding.

“The hardest part of this trip were the conditions. It was upper 90s to low 100s with high humidity, and we were doing everything the old-school way; it definitely pushed you physically,” said Purvis.

“The language barrier and heat were the hardest,” said Avery. “They speak a more localized Spanish, so it took some time.”

The trip was coordinated through North Carolina Electric Cooperatives’ Brighter World Initiative, in partnership with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) International Foundation, which brings electricity to communities around the world.

Both lineworkers felt the most rewarding part were the children of the village and everyone celebrating when the power came on.

“Watching the locals flip the switch for the first time and seeing lights come on in their homes is something I’ll never forget,” said Purvis. “It’s going to change their day-to-day lives immediately.”

For villages like El Plan Nuevo Amanecer, access to reliable power can be life-changing. With electricity, students will have greater opportunities to learn, while existing and new businesses can grow. Beyond those opportunities, safety will also improve as streets and homes are now illuminated after dark.

“Watching the locals flip the switch for the first time and seeing lights come on in their homes is something I’ll never forget,” said Purvis. “It’s going to change their day-to-day lives immediately.”

In addition to powering the village, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives also provided each home with electric burner stove tops, offering families a safer alternative to cooking with open fire indoors, and donated medical supplies to help support the community’s health clinic.

To mark the project’s completion, community members, local leaders and volunteers gathered at the school for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration. Volunteers were honored with plaques, and a commemorative sign was installed in the village to recognize the achievement.