Anna: December 2008 Archives

On my recent trip to Mzuzu, I was lucky enough to get to know a young entrepreneur called Brave Mhone.

Brave Mhone, holding a 'Kumi' (pack of microsolar components) ready to deliver to assembly groups.

At 21, Brave is SolarAid Malawi's bright young thing. He grew up to an entrepreneurial father who grew spices for a niche market in Mzuzu, and has always had a passion to tackle poverty and promote the development of his community.

From a young age Brave has been an active member in his community and at 19 was elected chairperson of Ungweru Youth Group, creating awareness and facilitating action on issues such as HIV / AIDS.

After receiving his sales training, Brave showed his adeptness as an entrepreneur and salesman, setting record sales highs and innovating new marketing and distribution methods. Since October, Brave has been working with SolarAid to train and coordinate other local groups in sales and marketing.

"I am really excited to be helping my people by teaching them how to make solar panels. It is really important for our country that we come up with solutions like this that mean we can help ourselves."

Some of you may recognise Brave from SolarAid's Christmas message.

If, like me, you feel truly inspired and humbled by Brave's story, please help us to train other young entrepreneurs like him.

Please support this project.

Thank you,
Katie

Saulos (far right) with his mother, sister and business partner Richard

Saulos Kumwenda is 21 years old. He's a student in Mzuzu and he grew up on a small tobacco farm in the remote village of Chikwawa with his siblings and single mother Mary.

Saulos came to SolarAid interested to sell solar products in his home village. He has since sold over 40 panels within his community, bringing light and kerosene savings to his neighbours as well as improving his income, helping him support his studies and his family.

Saulos is taking a loan to provide the capital to expand his business by setting up two solar shops. The photo above shows Saulos and his family outside the shop he plans to open in his village, which will also sell basic goods.

"I knew that the solar power would sell well in my village as we have no electricity and kerosene is very expensive. After I brought the first lot of panels our neighbours were banging on the door and asking me to bring more! It makes me happy to see our community lit up and that the solar power is bringing smiles to their faces!"

Please help us to light more homes in Malawi, like Saulos has done in his village of Chikwawa. Support this project and please donate today.

Thank you,
Katie.