Shining through: success stories in Mzuzu

Two recent success stories here in Mzuzu have reminded me how solar power is improving lives and creating jobs.

SolarAid-trained entrepreneur James Mwakayoka runs Global Micro Solar, a shop in Mzuzu city that distributes portable solar devices. Yesterday happy customer and father of two, Mr Matengo, came to the office and spoke about SolarAid's impact on his life. Since he bought his first product in January 2009 Mr Matango no longer uses kerosene as a means of lighting or single-use batteries to power his radio. Interestingly he has found such value in our range of products that he has stopped using mains electricity to charge his mobile phone even though he has easy access - this reduces his expenditure by saving him 50MWK per cycle (around 25p).

Happy customer Mr Matengo has reduced his energy costs and stopped using kerosene since the arrival of SolarAid in Kenya.

Meanwhile metal worker, Mr Mthari who lives and works near Mzuzu has found a new use for his trade. By cutting recycled bulbs for portable solar products he earns 1500MWK (£7) for every 500 bulbs; an extra income that covers food costs and supports his family:

"I like the approach that SolarAid is taking. I never believed that I could have this opportunity and although I'm not directly involved in the sales business I'm satisfied with the benefit I get from being involved in the assembly process".

By helpin assemble microsolar kits Mr Mthari has an extra source of income.

Hopefully there are many more examples of ingenuity with regards to solar. It is great that jobs are being created organically. The more people who can gain income the better.

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