Malawi

SunnyMoney shines on Likoma Island

2011-10-17T16:53:44Z

I recently caught up with Mr Chisale, a citizen of the beautiful district of Likoma Island. Mr Chisale had just bought a SunnyMoney solar light, or as he refers to it, the 'lion of brightness'. Having worked with the District Commissioners Office, he did not need much explanation about the benefits of solar and snapped up the system straight away. Below, Mr Chisale discusses the benefit in switching to solar, resorting to diesel for light and how he wishes to give a special thank you to The Body Shop Foundation:

Mr Chisale promoting SunnyMoney to his community

Brave: Why have you chosen to buy this product?
Mr Chisale: I need reliable light.

Brave: Before purchasing a solar light, what were you using as a source of light?
Mr Chisale: Candles, kerosene and sometimes diesel since kerosene is so scarce here, being an Island.

Residents of Likoma Island and SolarAid staff discuss the benefits of solar.

Brave: How much have you been paying for them each?
Mr Chisale: Hoch (high), my friend, quite a lot. A candle costs MWK 50 each and every day. Kerosene, I do not know since it has been a long time since we had it here. Diesel is MWK 400 per litre, which would keep us going for a week and a half as a family.

Brave: But, diesel is very dangerous to your health, why were you taking such a life or death risk?
Mr Chisale: We had no choice my son. As you have seen for yourself we have had no other choices in Likoma. We really have to thank you for this wonderful thing that you have done, bringing these products here, that we people of Likoma never thought of.

Brave: We have them here because of the support from The Body Shop Foundation, what is your word to them?
Mr Chisale: I really thank and plead with them to continue with this wonderful work. It might sound simple to them but to us it is a great thing. My life is different today because of them and if there is a chance, let my words touch their ears on behalf of the entire Likoma population.

More news and updates soon.

Brave

To bring a clean and affordable source of light to even more rural communities, please make a donation.

SunnyMoney shines in Usisya: Not even a whiff of kerosene!

2011-08-03T16:40:14Z

A quick update to say that I was thrilled to re-visit Usisya village, Nkhata Bay North, and discover that the SunnyMoney microsolar business we had helped develop a few months ago was now fully operational. Indeed, working so well that the shop we visited to buy some eggs from when I arrived had a Firefly solar lamp in the front room!

SunnyMoney's Brave and Clara demonstrate the latest solar product.

Located along the lake shore and at the foot of beautiful mountains, Usisya is an isolated community connected by tough roads with limited transport by boat - a situation which hinders Usisya's development. What's more, like many rural communities, the people here are far from the electricity grid. Traditionally, they have only had access to expensive and dirty generators for power and toxic kerosene for light. Now, renewable energy is taking over as the necessary power source and the community are viewing solar as the solution to a energy crisis that they have faced for decades.

On the way to Usisya, a breathtaking view but difficult terrain.

The village chief told me how kerosene had all but vanished from his village: "This is the development we need in this community, I'm very happy today that SunnyMoney has come to the rescue of 30,000 people. Our houses will now shine with these products and all worries are gone. I cannot remember the last time I smelled kerosene because you cannot easily find it here."

So, back to those eggs from the first paragraph! I spoke with the shop keeper about his experience with solar and he told me how much he prefers his new product to old lighting methods: "I'm very happy using this product. It is much better than the cheap torches and it saves money as I do not buy kerosene anymore and can charge my phone with it. The amount of lighting it is producing is satisfying, bright enough to see anything; I also use it when selling from my shop at night".

Villagers attend a SunnyMoney presentation.

Later we gathered at Usisya Community Day Secondary School and interest in our latest solar products blossomed. The function was attended by all key stakeholders in the community, including chiefs, organisational representatives, fishermen, workers' representatives and other community members.

Local villager, Mr Kayigwazeni, gives a testimonial regarding his recently purchased Firefly solar lamp.

All in all SunnyMoney garnered tremendous success while we were there, thanks to our demonstration of new products and villagers' testimonials. I can't wait to see how much further solar has taken off next time I visit and I shall enjoy my solariased eggs!

To help our team bring solar power to even more rural people please make a donation.

Out with the kerosene: Education Advisors benefit from SunnyMoney

2011-03-18T17:00:50Z

Mr McDonald Nyambose is a Primary Education Advisor (PEA) and beneficiary of the Engucwini Teacher Development Centre's (TDC) microsolar programme. This particular TDC supplies local schools with resources including microsolar lights. McDonald acquired a Ravi solar lamp in August last year to alleviate energy sourcing problems.

Mr McDonald Nyambose checking the charge of his solar lights.

Engucwini is one of the remotest areas in Mzimba district and isolated from active trading centres. Consequently, the area has limited access to traditional fuels such as kerosene. As a teacher without an alternative, kerosene has been an absolute necessity to enable McDonald to prepare lesson plans in the evenings. However, the nearest resource is Mzuzu city, 80 kilometres away. The trip costs MWK 1000 (£4) in transport fees and MWK 146 (60p) for every litre of kerosene. Because of the long distance McDonald had been forced to buy in bulk and store the highly flammable kerosene in his house, despite the risk of fire and toxic inhalation associated with the fuel. McDonald has used cheap torches and candles as alternatives, however, these methods are not only expensive, but, with candles, a fire risk.

McDonald's life has been transformed with the purchase of SunnyMoney microsolar lights. He said : "I'm happy with the way these products function. They are clean, portable, robust, healthy, safe and affordable. I use one to light the kitchen at night when my wife is cooking delicious food for the family. It is more efficient and safer to use compared to kerosene, plus the smell of kerosene often spoilt the food. After cooking, my daughters and son, who are at secondary school and primary respectively, use it for studying. Our other system is mainly used for lighting the living room because it is a brighter model. The savings I now make from not using kerosene and batteries are used to support my family's day to day basic needs.

As an education advisor in this area I have a big role to help the community, therefore, I find the microsolar systems useful as educational aids to explain better to community members about the difference solar can make to their lives."

Mrs Ester Ng'oma demonstrating her SunnyMoney Ravi light.

Mcdonald has been working with the Head PEA, Mrs Ester Ng'oma, to educate local people on the value of solar. Ester said: "As the Head PEA of this zone, I am happy to be part of the SolarAid programme, both micro and macro. My work is now easy since I'm able to work at night time and consequently better organise my day. I applied for access to the power grid two years ago but nothing has been done to date and I do not know when it will be. SunnyMoney products have provided an immediate solution. They have eradicated most of the energy related challenges we have been facing in this area and other parts of the country. I will work hard to distribute more throughout my community."

Please enable us to help more rural communities discover the benefits of solar by making a donation.

"Ungweru! Ungweru!" Solar lights the way for rural schools

2011-03-02T15:35:29Z

I recently paid a visit to the Kanjuchi Teacher Development Centre (TDC) to supervise and monitor the distribution of microsolar products to local schools. In Malawi, TDCs are a resource for neighbouring schools and consequently are a great way to facilitate the distribution of our SunnyMoney microsolar lamps.

Field Coordinator Brave Mhonie greeted by children celebrating their new solar light.

Despite being the last TDC in the area to have access to our products, Kanjuchi recently purchased 455 systems, of which 230 were sold in just two months, generating MWK 365,000 (£1,500). The availability of solar lamps has stimulated huge demand from the community. This allows Kanjuchi TDC to generate a profit and fulfill their commitment to pay a contribution towards the installation of a SolarAid roof-top installation, and buy new computers for students. The extra light in the evening also allows for better time management for teachers and consequently improves teaching standards.

Mgoza Primary School Teacher, Mr John Stone powering his radio using a SunnyMoney Ravi.

Mr John Stone Nkhoma, a primary school teacher at Mgoza Primary School (a beneficiary of the Kanjuchi TDC) told me how he is using his new SunnyMoney light: "I like this product, it has given me more time to prepare my work than before. I used to have to walk 10km to buy kerosene or charge my phone. When it's not needed for light I can use my Ravi to power a radio. I listen to an education programme together with my pupils; which is great for their learning and helps with my teaching. My health has also improved since I'm now using clean energy that does not produce any poisonous gas."

School children listen to a radio programme powered by solar.

It is so encouraging to be in the field witnessing how SunnyMoney products are changing people's lives. I was amazed to see children flocking towards me with words of thanks for their new solar light. Some were singing "Ungweru! Ungweru!" meaning "Light! Light!". They were excited because they will no longer have to use jasko (lighting grass commonly used in villages) as a source of light.

Please help us bring clean affordable light to as many school children as possible by making a donation here.

Customers benefit from SunnyMoney kiosk success

2011-02-03T14:35:19Z

A few weeks ago I brought you news on the success of Mr JB Nyirenda's SunnyMoney kiosk in Nkhata Bay. Since then I have managed to catch up with two beneficiaries to discover how the acquisition of microsolar has changed their lives.

Mr BM Longwe in Nkhata Bay kiosk.

Mr BM Longwe is a Community Day Secondary School Teacher in Nkhata Bay and one of the first end-users to acquire a SunnyMoney lamp from Mr Nyirenda's kiosk.

When asked about the difference microsolar has made, Mr Longwe said: "I'm so happy using this wonderful product, it has positively changed my life in a short time. Before I acquired this product, I bought kerosene from the filling station which is very far (about 12 kilometres or a three hour walk) from where I work. On average I was spending MK800 (£3.30) per month on four litres of kerosene. When kerosene wasn't available (it can be very scarce) I would buy candles and torches, often spending MK1,200 (£4.90) on two torches each month and MK562.50 (£2.30) on batteries, because of their poor quality.

"Now, with SunnyMoney, all my money that was spent on light energy is saved and used to buy food, clothing and medication for the home. I also no longer spend time searching for sources of light. Consequently my working output has increased, and I can do work preparation in the evening as opposed to during the daylight hours. This gives me more time to organise my work and improves my efficiency."

Mr Meleke Zidebe Banda at Nkhata Bay kiosk.

Mr Meleke Zidebe Banda (above) was the first customer to purchase a SunnyMoney lamp in Nkhata Bay Central, in May 2010.

Mr Banda now has five products, mainly used by his grand children for studying at night and to light his house generally. He told me: "I'm a happy man today because I no longer spend money on kerosene, candles and torches. These microsolar products save me money because they do not have ongoing costs. My kids are happy with them because now they can study much more at night. Their performance at school has improved incredibly since they started using these products.

I would like to personally encourage donors to keep on supporting this organisation as they touch and change the lives of many in this country."

Please help us continue to support entrepreneurs and reach rural Africans in Southern and Eastern Africa with solar light by donating here.

Malawi's marvellous Mr Nyirenda

2011-01-07T15:19:47Z

I recently caught up with Mr JB Nyirenda, a successful entrepreneur operating in Nkhata Bay District in Northern Malawi. Mr Nyirenda began working with SolarAid in 2008 when I was a leading entrepreneur in the region and he was a key Sales Representative of mine. Since then I have developed my role and now operate as Field Coordinator for SolarAid in Malawi.

Mr Nyirenda was trained in 2009 by SolarAid volunteers to assemble and sell microsolar products to his community. The business quickly became the main source of income for his family, encouraging him to work harder and attain even greater sales. From a group of ten members, Mr Nyirenda is the best performer of all, registering more units sold than any other member.

Mr JB Nyirenda at work in his Nkhata Bay kiosk.

In May 2010, Mr Nyirenda was nominated to manage a SunnyMoney kiosk in Nkhata Bay District. The kiosk is now the main distribution point of solar products in the area. In fact, since opening the shop, over 150 products have been distributed, generating an average income of MK28,500 per annum (£122) - a good wage in Malawi.

Mr Nyirenda said: "This business has had a very big impact on my life. I have stable income to support my family's day to day needs and I can pay school fees for my children, one of which has just graduated at the University of Malawi. My status in the community has also changed. Now I'm recognised as an important person because of an improved financial status and a social network with other important people in the community. They consider me a role model to inspire the young ones to work hard for success. Plus there is improved health since my family no longer uses kerosene as a source of light."

It is very important that we continue to support entrepreneurs such as Mr Nyirenda. Please make a donation to help bring clean and affordable light to as many people as possible.

Changing lives in Luwinga

2010-11-01T18:04:25Z

Seeing is believing. Today in Luwinga, orphan Ruth Banda had tears of joy, excitement, appreciation and encouragement after receiving relief from the Kwithu Community-based Organisation (CBO). The group, a dedicated team of women, support orphans and other less privileged children in Luwinga township. I watched as they gave Ruth tablets of soap, salt, maize grains, beans and clothes to help her care for her family of sisters. You can find more about their work from a previous blog here.

Ruth receiving Items from the Kwithu CBO.

The CBO are able to support people such as Ruth partly through the profit they generate from SunnyMoney microsolar sales. This also gives the entrepreneurs the opportunity to provide education support for Ruth and her sisters. In fact Ruth's younger sister has recently been offered a scholarship to study at Mzuzu Academy (a newly opened international high school, in the city of Mzuzu) - fantastic news.

SolarAid Field Coordinator Brave Mhonie with Kwithu CBO Women and Ruth Banda (Middle).

So, let's all put our heads up, hands together and walk the same step as Kwithu CBO to support more poor communities as they look to escape poverty.

To support rural communities and contribute towards SolarAid's work with entrepreneurs, such as the Kwithu CBO, please make a donation.

Entrepreneurial women combat poverty with SunnyMoney

2010-10-05T09:55:22Z

Towards the end of my stay in Malawi I visited a women's group, most of whom were widows using SunnyMoney to benefit their local community. In Malawi, when you are widowed, you usually lose everything and end up in severe poverty. To combat the norm, this group is working together to train women in skills that could help provide income for their families. Although local crafts such as jewellery and embroidery are encouraged, in recent times three of the women have gained success as SunnyMoney franchisees.

The women's group display the various items they sell.

With the money generated from SunnyMoney sales, the group has put some aside to buy food for orphaned children. They also pay for special soya porridge for those with HIV and other food types to ensure these children grow up with a balanced diet generally.

Brave chats with entrepreneurs from the group about SunnyMoney.

The SunnyMoney products are the best selling items that they have, selling 35 units since February this year. If a panel sells for MWK 1,500 (£6 ), MWK 1,000 (£4) goes to the entrepreneur and MWK 500 (£2) to the group. This has increased income by 50% for the entrepreneurs and allowed them to better provide for family support, food, bills and school fees.

One lady commented that before SunnyMoney she could not send aid to her brother who has a mental disorder, but after becoming a franchisee, she can afford to send him instalments of MWK 2000 (£8) to help him support himself.

Brave dancing with SunnyMoney Franchisees

To help SolarAid recruit more SunnyMoney franchisees and bring clean light to some of the world's poorest people please make a donation.

Fantastic franchisees

2010-09-08T09:26:14Z

On my recent trip to Malawi I visited two entrepreneurs to learn more about their new profession as SunnyMoney Franchisees.

Lusungu Nkhowani owns a SunnyMoney kiosk in Mzuzu town market where she supplies 20 agents who sell our SunnyMoney products. She has been running the kiosk for two months since finishing high school. Now she says she can find money to pay for her five year old daughter's school fees, pay for her house rent, buy better food for her small family and pay the bills.

Lusungu makes the alternative Muuni microsolar product from her kiosk./small>

When she first started running the kiosk, Lusungu bought herself a three bulb Kadzuwa (the locally produced microsolar product). Now she is saving to buy a Ravi, which sell for 6500MWK (£28), Lusungu says it is a "good price for the customer".

John holding a new Ravi

John Nyirenda owns a kiosk in Nkata Bay, Malawi. He sourced the money to open the shop by selling one of his cows called Chimwemwe for 85,000K (£370), which is how the shop got its name. He has been running the store for six weeks and has managed to sell 11 Ravis.

SolarAid's Fielf Coordinator Brave (left) with Franchisee John.

SunnyMoney is now John's main profession but at home he is still a dairy farmer. Because of his new business, John is able to buy more food for his family and send his grand-daughter to secondary school. Without the business he would have had to sell all his cattle to keep her in school.

To read more about John and his story click here.

To support entrepreneurs like John and Lusungu please make a donation here.

Malawian success: the story of Wezzie Mhango

2010-07-29T14:05:27Z

I'd like to tell the story of Wezzie Mhango - Malawi's most successful franchisee so far this year.

In 2007 Wezzie was divorced, pregnant and with a child to care for; unanable to make a successful living working in Taifa Market trading cloths she tried her hand at selling fruit and vegetables. However with little support from her previous partner she grew increasingly concerned that her limited income would not support her new family.

Wezzie Mhango is SolarAid Malawi's most successful franchisee so far this year.

Wezzie's father introduced her to the Kavuzi Micro Solar Assembly and Sales group (an official SolarAid distributor) in 2008. Initially trained in assembly she raised enough money over the course of the year to care for not just one but two baby girls! She coped brilliantly with twin sisters and was able to provide access to all the care they needed.

Wezzie said: "Thanks to SolarAid, the money that I was paid after assembling panels saved the life of my children, I could easily take them to the hospital, buy better drugs from the pharmacies and buy milk which I used to feed them as it was very difficult for me to breast feed both of them at once due to health problems."

This year Wezzie has sold 22 products in Mtwalo and Embombeni areas of Mzimba District generating a net profit of MWK 51,700 (£218). Wezzie used to spend much of her income on kerosene, phone charging and batteries - with solar as a replacement she is not only saving money but developing her business skills as a microsolar franchisee.

Wezzie is eager to expand her business and generate more sales by the end of the year, she said: "This business is better than any other business I have ever been involved with. As of now I just want to be safely employed and independent. My goal now is to sell 100 products by the end of the summer."

To help SolarAid generate more jobs for young entrepreneurs like Wezzie please make a donation.

The Body Shop Foundation announce SunnyMoney support

2010-06-25T14:01:46Z

SolarAid is delighted to announce that The Body Shop Foundation is supporting our programme in Malawi with a £40,000 donation over a two year period. Funding will help with the implementation of our SunnyMoney brand - bringing light to the households to those who need it most.

SunnyMoney is the name given to SolarAid's innovative solar products. It gives small-scale solar entrepreneurs the means to earn an independent income - and help eradicate the use of harmful kerosene. It is a means for people to lift themselves out of poverty. By offering solar franchisees business training - we can help would-be entrepreneurs to develop their own successful businesses. And profitable businesses will benefit the wider community too.

The Body Shop Foundation is The Body Shop International Plc's charitable trust which supports innovative projects across the world working for social and environmental change. It is fantastic to have their support and we look ahead to an even brighter future for Malawi.

Read the latest news from Malawi here.
To visit the BodyShop Foundation website click here.

Five new franchisees appointed in Dedza District

2010-05-27T10:35:41Z

The new franchisees receive receipt of their start up loan from volunteer Mr Fungatira, Head Teacher of Gwengwere Primary School where they studied.

Five entrepreneurs have been appointed SolarAid franchisees as part of a new project in Dedza District. Initially a group of 17 potential entrepreneurs took part in the three day class, however due to a strict selection process, only five have been selected to form the first ever SolarAid Microsolar Sales Team in the central region.

The group were trained with the tutorage of Susan Reimer in her SolarAid Microsolar Project class. The new course, set up by Susan, introduces candidates to the business and marketing skills required to make successful microsolar franchisees.

Entrepreneurs also received technical training during the three day workshop.

The group will begin in earnest, utilising a loan of MWK100,000 (£460) provided by Susan to be evenly distributed between them, this was in addition to a start up supply of products from SolarAid. They were of course delighted with the loan and eager to bring light to the lives of many families in the surrounding communities.

With thanks to be people like Susan and enthusiastic entrepreneurs, with a business approach, we can not only light Malawi but begin lighting Africa with SunnyMoney products.

Susan Reimer (right) inspects papers before choosing the five successful applicants.

Field coordinator Brave Mhonie grabbing an 8km cycle ride back to Mzuzu.

Changing lives with microsolar

2010-05-04T14:18:11Z

It's great when you speak to those who have benefitted from microsolar. It is a reminder of how a simple bulb and solar panel can change a person's life.

Mr Kalua reads under the light provided by a microsolar system.

I recently interviewed secondary school teacher and Theology student at the University of Livingstonia, Mr R. Kalua, who purchased a microsolar system over a year ago. Still reaping the benefits, Mr Kalua expresses his passion for solar below:

"For a long time I have been facing the problem of lighting my house because I could not afford to install ESCOM [mains] electricity. The national grid line is also far from my village which makes it very difficult.

With microsolar I can light my home at all times and expensive kerosene is now a thing of the past. My family save MWK1200.00 (£5.00) a month previously spent on kerosene, and I can now play my radio and save MWK2300.00 (£10.00) on batteries. I also charge my mobile phone on the system, which gives me access to active communication, saving MWK50.00 (22p) per charging cycle.

I'm using this product to prepare lesson plans for my classes and to light my studies. I recommend it from deep down in my heart: it is reliable, cheap and long lasting. For a year now I have been using it without facing any major problems.

With microsolar Mr Kalua has better communication with access to radio and mobile phone charging.

Finally, I would like to thank SolarAid for the brilliant idea that has changed my life and others in my community. I urge them to continue with this programme and bring in more important systems that have a direct impact to peoples' lives in developing countries. I and my family appreciate the positive impact that this product has on our lives."

More soon

Brave

Entrepreneur update

2010-04-14T14:28:05Z

I'm pleased to announce that two of SolarAid Malawi's best entrepreneurs have been reaping the benefits of a sustainable income.

James Nyirenda's dream is to be an accountant. In order to achieve his dream James runs two shops in Mzuzu and is a member of the Ungweru Youth Group team of entrepreneurs and the Global Microsolar Enterprise team. Emerging as a leading franchisee, James has used his entrepreneurial skills to set up a teachers' sales network to increase sales and ensure solar energy is accessible to the poorest families with children in education. This great work has granted James the income to fund his university fees of MWK35000, that's £150 each semester.

James (far left) at a meeting with the Global Microsolar Enterprise team in Mzuzu.

What makes this achievement even more special is that as an orphan James has had no external finances available and has had to achieve all this largely on his own. But his determination has paid off; James was recently awarded a prestigious Certificate in Accounting by his university and gained employment as Accounts and Administration Support for SolarAid Malawi.

You may remember Charles Nyondo from an earlier blog. Working as a Government Rural Health Officer in Mzimba district, Charles uses his microsolar business to support himself financially.

Charles was the first of 12 franchisees operating in Raiply, Mzimba to sell 100 units in 2009 and is renowned for his hard work and creativity in finding unique ways to sell and promote microsolar technology.

Charles (left) meeting with fellow entrepreneurs to share ideas and experiences outside the SolarAid office in Mzuzu.

However, despite his success there was a period of four months recently when his employers failed to pay him. James explains how his microsolar business allowed him to survive that tough period:

"There was a time when I didn't receive my salary from the government...but I survived because of this business, in fact nothing much changed. That is when I realised I could retire from the Government, I'm now planning to open a big energy shop in Mzimba town."

It's great to hear these success stories and since Charles is planning to retire from his Government job it is a clear that our goal to have self-sustaining employment for franchisees is working.

More soon

Brave

Forward thinkers: franchisees in Malawi

2010-03-15T16:03:00Z

I met two fantastic franchisees this week from Mzuzu City's Engucwini Microsolar Sales Business: Mrs Chirambo who sells microsolar panels from her grocery shop, generating MWK45000 (£200) in profit, and fellow franchisee Mrs Malema, who has sold 45 units (that's MWK67500 or £300). With forward thinking, these entrepreneurs have become the highest earners of their 11 strong group and made enough money to consider working as full time SolarAid franchisees.

Mrs Malema fills in a cash recipt after selling another microsolar Kadzuwa product.

They've achieved this success by carefully choosing their target market and organising a system that allows local land owners to buy microsolar products for their staff by offering to deduct the cost from their workers' wages.

Our microsolar franchisees are initially given a loan from micro finance institutes such as the Micro Loan Foundation. Once the loan is paid, entrepreneurs such as Mrs Chirambo and Mrs Malema will be providing a successful and sustainable business in their community by bringing clean energy to rural Malawi.

Please support local entrepreneurs in Malawi by making a donation.

Brave